Merci Bon Dieu (Mèsi Bondyé)

Words and Music by :  Franz Casseus

Recording #1 by Harry Belafonte
Recording date: July 20, 1956, (13:15-16:45)
Recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood.
Master number: G2PB 4903
Playing time: 2:54
Producer: Henri Rene & Dennis Farnon
Will Lorin: leader; Antonio Villa: contractor/b. clarinet; Millard Thomas: guitar; Franz Casseus: guitar; Mike Rubin: bass; Wally Fernez: conga; Arnold Manchester: librarian percussion; Louis Singer: percussion; Hal S. Hidey: piano; Marjorie Call: harp; Attilo DePalma: french horn; Victor Garber: saxophone; Jules Jacob: saxophone; Ted Nash: saxophone; Wilbur Schwartz: saxophone; Ennio Bolognini: cello; Joseph Reilich: viola; Israel Baker: violin; Jerome G. Kasin: violin; Robert S. Levine: violin; Gustave Rosseels: violin; Myron K. Sandler: violin; Marshall Sosson: violin.

CD: BCD16262


Recording #2 by Harry Belafonte
Recording date: Sept 5, 1956, (15:00-19:00)
Recorded at RCA Victor Studio, Chicago.
Master number: G2PB 4903-1
Playing time: 2:51
Producer: Edward O.Welker
Millard Thomas: guitar/leader; Franz Casseus: guitar

45 : EPC-1402-1, 75-410RPX-1022, 45N-0617,
LP : LPM1402,
CD: BCD16262, RGMCD006


Recording #3 by Harry Belafonte
Recording date: April 19-20, 1959
Recorded at Carnegie Hall
Playing time: 2:50
45: 6006-45,
LP: LSO-6006, HS-120,
Tape: FTO6000, OQ8-5002
CD: CD6006-2-R, R30P-1001/2, RGMCD071


Recording #4 by Harry Belafonte:
Recording date: March 22, 2003
Playing time: 6:16
MP3 from MP3Fiesta.com


Other recordings/albums with Harry Belafonte:
45: 3-20201,
LP : NL42802, ADEH28LSP10419,  CL42479FPL2-7100, 
CD: CD66057, B93001, CD12512, RMB75089, PD89796, GSS5336,

Also recorded by:
Hugh Masekela MG20797


Lyrics:

Mèsi Bondyé, gadé tou sa lanati poté pou nou
Mesi Bondyé, gadé kouman lamizè fini pou nou

Mèsi Bondyé, gadé tou sa lanati poté pou nou
Mesi Bondyé, gadé kouman lamizè fini pou nou

Lapli tonbé, mayi pousé
Tou timoun ki grangou p'ralé manjé

Annou dansé mambo, annou dansé Pétro
Papa Bondyé ki nan syèl, lamizè fini pou nou

Mizè ya fini pou nou
Mizè ya fini pou nou 
Mizè ya fini pou nou
Mizè nou fini 

Mèsi Bondyé, gadé tou sa lanati poté pou nou
Mesi Bondyé, gadé kouman lamizè fini pou nou

Mèsi Bondyé, gadé tou sa lanati poté pou nou
Mesi Bondyé, gadé kouman lamizè fini pou nou

Lapli tonbé, mayi pousé
Tou timoun ki grangou p'ralé manjé

Annou dansé mambo, annou dansé Pétro
Papa Bondyé ki nan syèl, lamizè fini pou nou

Mizè ya fini pou nou
Mizè ya fini pou nou
Mizè ya fini pou nou 
Mizè ya fini pou nou
Mizè nou fini

Mèsi Bondyé, Mèsi Bondyé