"Hill an gully rider" is a call and response work song from Jamaica which used to be sung by workmen constructing new roads. In its topical way it refers to the uneven and hazardous terrain through which the new road had to be cut. The response can be sung in unison or in two part harmony.
Mento is a style of Jamaican folk music that predates and has greatly influenced ska and reggae music. Mento typically features acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitar, banjo, hand drums, and the rhumba box — a large mbira in the shape of a box that can be sat on while played. The rhumba box carries the bass part of the music.
Mento is often confused with calypso, a musical form from Trinidad and Tobago. Although the two share many similarities, they are separate and distinct musical forms. During the mid-20th century, mento was conflated with calypso, and mento was frequently referred to as calypso, kalypso and mento calypso; mento singers frequently used calypso songs and techniques. As in Calypso, Mento uses topical lyrics with a humorous slant, commenting on poverty and other social issues. Sexual innuendos are also common.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics
Refrain
Hill and gully rider, Hill and gully. (repeat)
1. Took my horse and come down, Hill and gully,
But my horse done tumble down, Hill and gully.
And the nighttime come a-tumblin’ down, Hill and gully.
2. Oh the moon shone bright down, Hill and gully,
Ain’t no place to hide in down…
An’ a zombie come a ridin’ down… Refrain
3. Oh, my knees they shake down…
An’ my heart starts quakin’ down…
An’ I run ’til daylight breakin’ down… Refrain
4. That’s the last I set down…
Pray the Lord don’ let me down…
Ain’t nobody goin’ to get me down… Refrain
