Jumbies are evil spirits who were thought to cause wild dancing in their victims.
The song's references to Carnival also suggest a connection to the Moko jumbie, a protective spirit figure represented during Carnival on Trinidad by stilt walkers and dancers.
The third verse is the most variable, with The Charmer's version discussing the local food at a previous jumbie Carnival parade while Rockapella's version discusses zombies and King Kong invading various New York City landmarks.
The third verse of King Flash's 1956 version further discusses the female zombie's romantic pursuit of the singer.
John Sterling, the longtime New York Yankees radio announcer, routinely quotes the song after consecutive hit home runs, saying "back to back, and belly to belly!"