Jamaica Farewell
Harry Belafonte · Six Classic Albums [2013]
Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on a mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Sounds of laughter everywhere
And a dancing girl swings to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been maine to Mexico
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Ackie rice, salt fish are nice
And the rhum is fine any time a year
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town.
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on a mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Sounds of laughter everywhere
And a dancing girl swings to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been maine to Mexico
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Ackie rice, salt fish are nice
And the rhum is fine any time a year
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
(chorus)
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
Sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town.
Jamaica Farewell
Harry Belafonte's 'Jamaica Farewell' stands as a cornerstone of calypso music, defined by its infectious rhythm and the iconic 'shaka' hand gesture. Recorded for his landmark 1956 album, the track helped popularize Caribbean sounds in the United States, establishing Belafonte as the 'King of Calypso.' The song's distinctive melody and upbeat tempo made it a staple at parties and social gatherings for decades. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, influencing countless artists who followed and cementing Belafonte's role in introducing authentic folk traditions to a global audience.