Rum and Coca-Cola - Lord Invader

Move over, George Harrison and the Chiffons - we have our first instance on this list of a song being plagiarized.

But first things first - the history behind this song.  The book tells us that during World War II the US invaded the Caribbean island of Trinidad in attempt to block any invasions (makes sense).  Lord Invader decided to change his name from Rupert Westmore Grant to poke fun at the occupying forces, and his song Rum and Coca-Cola not only speaks of the delicious drink, or the blending of American and Caribbean cultures, but how the infantry would pay for the 'services' of many of the local Trinidadian women.  He also borrowed the melody from the nearby island of Martinique.  There's not a lot of info about Lord Invader, except for that he was important in early Calypso music.

The big controversy with this song is that after its release in 1943, a suspiciously similar sounding song came from the Andrews Sisters in 1945 with the same title and some of the same lyrics (they even sing with faux-Trinidadian accents).   Anyway, Mr. Invader took the 'song writers' to court where it was determined that yes, they deliberately borrowed from his song, and he was awarded with an undisclosed sum of money.

But here's the important part - what we think!

Holly:

Rum and Coca-Cola (Lord Invader): Hmmm. I listened to this song several times, and just couldn’t really get into it. It’s just a light, fluffy, forgettable song to my ears. The subject matter is really the thing that’s interesting in the song. So listening to the lyrics was really cool, and informative of the attitude in Trinidad at the time. It’s too bad it just wasn’t a better song. 2/5

Kelly:

Why do I feel like I've heard this song a million times?  I can't place it.  Anyway, I get that this song is kind of a big for Trinidadians and their feelings towards the American invaders, but this song just doesn't do it for me.  I understand that it's meant to be cheeky and pointed, but for me if falls flat.  And there has got to be a better singer in Trinidad than Lord Invader.  I found his voice grating and annoying, and it sounds like the band and backup singers didn't rehearse at all.  2/5

Rum and Coca Cola - Lord Invader

And below is the Andrews Sisters not-so-subtle rip off:

Rum and Coca-Cola - Andrews Sisters