Don't Stop the Carnival

Harry Belafonte

Had to talk to the Governor today
Concerning the Carnival parade
Had to talk to the Governor today
Concerning the Carnival parade
Trinidad people running wild
Governor say no Carnival
Big riot, police and things, picket signs
And the people start to sing

Lord don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival is a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't make no fuss if you cut up Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)

Here come me woman walking up the block
With she bottom going like a clock
Here come me woman walking up the block
With she bottom going like a clock
"No Carnival," the woman said
"Oh Lord, you're better off dead
Show me the way to the Governor's mansion
I'm going to have me a reckon session"

Lord don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival is a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't make no fuss if you cut up Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)

A little boy, can't be more than nine
Standing on the corner, speaking out his mind
A little child, can't be more than nine
Standing on the corner, speaking out his mind
He said, "We must unite
Oh yes, stand up for your right
Contact the Governor, we want action
I speak-a for the young generation"

Lord don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival is a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't make no fuss if you cut up Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)

Believe me people, what I say is true
You know Harry wouldn't lie to you
Believe me people, what I say is true
You know Harry wouldn't like to you
Man, the Governor, he went mad
Arrested all of Trinidad
Whoa, he made a big mistake
Just some things that Trinidad won't take

Lord don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival is a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't make no fuss if you cut up Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)

I tell you friends, it's a part of history
Carnival time's a big necessity
I tell you friends, it's a part of history
Carnival time's a big necessity
Half the world couldn't sing the songs they sing
From Carnival and all the joy it brings
Oh, Lord it make me glad
Carnival time is back in Trinidad

Lord don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival is a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't make no fuss if you cut up Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I won't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I wouldn't think you mean if you cut up the Halloween
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I don't care what they say if you cut up the May Day
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)

(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I said-a please don't stop the Carnival
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
Carnival time's a Creole bacchanal
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I wouldn't make a fuss if you cut off Christmas
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)
I wouldn't have no fear if you cut off the New Year
(Lord don't stop the Carnival)