Jamaica Say You Will
The Byrds · Other Songs - The Byrds
Jamaica was the lovely one, I played her well
As we lay in the tall grass where the shadows fell
Hiding from the children, so they would not tell
We would stay there 'til her sister rang the evening bell
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these empty hours
Say you will come again tomorrow
The daughter of a captain on the rolling seas
She would stare across the water from the trees
Last time, he was home he held her on his knees
And said the next time, they would sail away just where they pleased
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these lifeless sails
And stay until my ships can find the sea
Jamaica was a sweet young one, I loved her true
She was a comfort and a mercy through and through
Hiding from this world together, next thing I knew
We had brought her things down to the bay, what could I do
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these sails
And we will sail until our waters have run dry
As we lay in the tall grass where the shadows fell
Hiding from the children, so they would not tell
We would stay there 'til her sister rang the evening bell
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these empty hours
Say you will come again tomorrow
The daughter of a captain on the rolling seas
She would stare across the water from the trees
Last time, he was home he held her on his knees
And said the next time, they would sail away just where they pleased
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these lifeless sails
And stay until my ships can find the sea
Jamaica was a sweet young one, I loved her true
She was a comfort and a mercy through and through
Hiding from this world together, next thing I knew
We had brought her things down to the bay, what could I do
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these sails
And we will sail until our waters have run dry
Jamaica Say You Will
Released by The Byrds, "Jamaica Say You Will" stands as a pivotal track in the band's transition from folk-rock to psychedelic rock. Recorded during the mid-1960s, the song exemplifies the group's experimentation with extended instrumental sections and harmonies that would define their later catalog. As a staple of their live performances and studio recordings, the track captures the era's evolving sound, blending acoustic roots with emerging electric textures. It remains a significant piece of American music history, reflecting the Byrds' role in shaping the psychedelic movement alongside their earlier work with Bob Dylan.