THE EDITOR, Sir:
I was delighted to see the lyrics to the Jamaican version of that old favourite, 'The Christmas Song' published in The Sunday Gleaner recently. However, my name is not "Author Unknown", it is Jean Wilson.
Inspired by the original Christmas song, I wrote those words in December 1997, for the entertainment of my colleagues, and we had a ball with the song. We sang it to people who came by our office, and to at least one of our clients. I also shared it at UTech with Pat Ramsey and a group of students and visitors at a small Christmas function one year. And it was carried on at least one radio programme. On all these occasions I received proper credit.
Unfortunately however, in addition to it being published without my byline in The Gleaner and the Sunday Herald, I understand it has also been making the rounds on the Internet, with the inaccurate "Author Unknown" label.
Just for the record, and out of respect for my copyright, I would appreciate the clarification of the authorship of my little verse, which I attach for reference.
Breadfruits roasting on an open fire
Mongrels nipping at your toes
Dancehall songs being sung by a choir
An we dress up in bashment clothes
Everybody knows
When gungo cook and sorrel flow
yu dun know sey Season bright
Gal and bwoy wid dem starlight a glow
Dem nah go waan fe sleep tonight.
Dem know sey joy ride pon de way
Wid music rockin', rockin' tru de day
And all de chicken dem a try fe spy
Fe see is which one a dem is gwine to fry
And so we want to big up everyone
All kids from one to ninety two
Although money done
Have a whole heap a fun
Irie Christmas, Irie Christmas to you.
I am, etc.,
JEAN WILSON
78 Slipe Road
Kingston 5
