Brown Girl in the Ring

Boney M.

About Brown Girl in the Ring

"Brown Girl in the Ring" is a traditional children's song in the West Indies. It was originally featured in the game of the same name, thought to have originated in Jamaica. The song became internationally known when it was recorded by the group Boney M. in 1978. Originally it was the B-side of their hit "Rivers of Babylon", but soon became a hit in its own right. The song had previously been recorded by the group Malcolm's Locks, leading to a dispute over royalties. The song had also been recorded in 1972 by the Bahamian musician Exuma.  


Year:
1980
3:06
180 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
There's a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes
I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes

Beng-a-deng
Beng-a-deng

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
There's a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes
I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes

Beng-a-deng
Beng-a-deng

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
See, brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Look that brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Boney M.

"Boney M." began as a Euro-Caribbean vocal group created by German record producer Frank Farian. Originally based in West Germany, the four original members of the group's official line-up were Liz Mitchell (lead singer) and Marcia Barrett from Jamaica, Maizie Williams from Montserrat and Bobby Farrell from Aruba. The group was formed in 1975 and achieved popularity during the disco era of the late 1970s. The group's catalogue has sold more than 150 million albums and singles worldwide with most sales in the UK and Germany. After celebrating Boney M.'s 10th anniversary in early 1986, the group officially disbanded, splitting into two groups with an original member in each, both bearing the 'Boney M' name. The male lead, Bobby Farrell, appeared as da… more »

4 fans

Written by: DP, FRANZ REUTHER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre
“Brown Girl in the Ring” by Boney M. is classified within the disco genre. This song from the late '70s fully embodies the upbeat, dance-style music that was popular at the time.
Origin
The song originated not as a disco tune, but as a traditional children's game song in the West Indies, specifically the Caribbean. The song was passed along orally for generations before being recorded.
Popularity
The song was a chart-topper and commercial success. In the UK singles chart, it peaked at the number two position.
Album
"Brown Girl in the Ring" was featured on the album "Nightflight to Venus." It was the fourth track on this album, which was released in 1978.
Revival
"Brown Girl in the Ring" gained fresh popularity when it was remixed as part of a "Remix '93" project for Boney M. This remixed version also achieved charts success.
Song Structure
The song has a simple repetitive structure and easy-to-remember lyrics, in keeping with its roots in a children's game song.
Group Formation
Boney M., the group that performed "Brown Girl in the Ring," was a German-based group created by producer Frank Farian. Despite their European roots, they had a number of hits with songs rooted in Caribbean and African musical traditions.
Album Success
The "Nightflight to Venus" album was Boney M's third studio album and it was one of their most successful, reaching the Top 10 in many European countries.
Cultural Impact
"Brown Girl in the Ring" is frequently used in cultural references due to its catchy lyrics and easy recall, appearing in movies, TV shows and often performed in schools for various events.
Song meaning
The term "Brown girl in the ring" refers to a girl of African descent being in 'the ring' or center of a dancing game, often associated with Caribbean culture.
B-Side song
Interestingly, "Brown Girl in the Ring" was originally the B-side of the band's hit single "Rivers of Babylon," but ended up becoming widely popular in its own right.
Live Performances
The group performed "Brown Girl in the Ring" frequently in live performances, often involving costume changes and choreographed dances.

Discuss the Brown Girl in the Ring Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Brown Girl in the Ring Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1921438/Boney+M./Brown+Girl+in+the+Ring>.

    Missing lyrics by Boney M.?

    Know any other songs by Boney M.? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Brown Girl in the Ring

    13M
    35,412     2,347

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who co-wrote and performs the pop hit Fight Song?
    A Billie Eilish
    B Olivia
    C Ariana Grande
    D Rachel Platten

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Boney M.'s

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Boney M. tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!