Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?

Subject: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: Allan C.
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 06:43 PM

We have already discussed the lyrics to the song in other threads. However, I haven't been able to figure out exactly where "Banua jail" might be located. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: Amos
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 06:51 PM

Well I always thought it was calypso-inspired although apparently written by Dave Guard hisself. But there is a Banua Wuhu, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia.   There's also a Da'an Banua in the Phillipipnes. And a Pura Banua temple in Bali where they celebrate full moons!


A

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: Allan C.
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 07:00 PM

It is the calypso thing that throws a wrench in it for me as well. I had always mentally filed it away as a place somewhere between Jamaica and Bimini but never knew for sure.

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: Amos
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:27 PM

That actually captures my biggest problem with the KT -- I believe they lacked a respect for origins.

A

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: GUEST,Bob the LosAlamite
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 09:16 PM

On a French map from the 1700's, I found a province and a village named "Panua" on the east coast of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). A Google search of 'Panua' yields a national park or wildlife refuge in the same area. Could it just be a consonant change? "Banua" sings better than "Panua", especially in the KT's energetic style.
    What country administered Ceylon? The reference "10 and 3 would set me free" means ten shillings thruppence in the old British money, a hefty but not unbelievable fine.

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 09:43 PM

I think what is presented at the link below is most likely, namely that "Banuwa" was not necessarily a place, but Dave Guard turned it into one in his adaptation:

http://compvid101.blogspot.com/2012/09/lost-somewhere-in-translation-banuwa.html

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 01 Apr 20 - 07:06 AM

I looked at this thread with a different song in mind
Banua, Banua, Banay-ee oh
Banua, Banua, baby I don't know

So he / she does not know either.
This song ring a bell?

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 01 Apr 20 - 07:09 AM

Idiot I am! Now I see it is all the same song. Forget I misspoke.

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 02 Apr 20 - 04:00 PM

I was waiting for someone to note baby, I don't know.

AllanC, you still around?

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is Banua, anyway?
From: GUEST,D. Kingsley Hahn
Date: 19 Feb 23 - 12:59 AM

An earlier version of the song was recorded by Pete Seeger and the Song Swappers (amongst whom was a very young Mary Travers, later of Peter, Paul & Mary fame), on the Folkways album "Folksongs Of Four Continents". The song as sung by Pete is entitled "Banuwa Yo," and is reported to be from Liberia in Africa. The original version, as recorded by Pete, is a slower chant, and does not contain any of the Anglicized references to drinking or jail.