A historic question

Gary1 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

I'll try this again, since the first time it got lost in the ether...

While I was tinkering with something yesterday, I was listening to the Kingston Trio song "Bimini". It seems that the hapless sailor in the song got thrown in jail for drinking 'Barbados Rum'.

My question is this: Was there really some law against drinking rum from another country while in the Bahamas? Bearing in mind that the Brits were in charge when the song was written (1959-1962), it wouldn't surprise me, but if one of the enlightened crowd here can tell me the story, I'd appreciate it.

I'd love to add this bit of information to my mental data file entitled, "Useless but interesting bovine metabolic waste".

Gary1 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Before someone goes digging, here are the lyrics, courtesy of lyricsmode.com.

Oh, 'til I go down to Bimini, never get a lickin' 'til I go down to Bimini.

We were all sailors 'til the day our boat pulled in to Bimini Bay.
We tapped a keg. We loaded on. Woke up to find the boat was gone!

Chorus:
Send my bail down to Bimini. This town is wearisome. Got thrown in jail just for drinkin' Barbados rum, Barbados rum

Oh, 'til I go down to Bimini, never get a lickin 'til I go down to Bimini.,

I recollect the other night, seems like there was a friendly fight.
It was a woman brought me grief. Her mother was the police chief!

(Chorus)

I told them I would mend my ways. They let me out in thirty days.
One little sip to quench my thirst, I should have read the label first!

(Chorus)

Oh, 'til I go down to Bimini, never get a lickin' 'til I go down to Bimini.

They say that Bimini can't afford to keep providing room and board.
I'm anchored here by ball and chain, squeezin' the rum from sugar cane.

(Chorus)

Oh, 'til I go down to Bimini, never get a lickin' 'til I go down to Bimini. (Repeat and fade)

Freesail99 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Someone buy this man an Ipod.

Gary1 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

What? And throw away my Admiral 45 RPM record player?

Stillraining · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Someone buy this man an Ipod.

LOL...Im on it...

Funny song

camaraderie · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Answer: You can get any rum you want in the Bahamas these days...Mount Gay (Barbados)...Ron Rico (PR) etc. etc.
Of course the local "Fire in de Hole" rum is easier on the wallet!

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

But harder on the liver and taste buds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Answer: You can get any rum you want in the Bahamas these days...Mount Gay (Barbados)...Ron Rico (PR) etc. etc.
Of course the local "Fire in de Hole" rum is easier on the wallet!