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
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 turnin' around
i had to leave a little girl in kingston town
Sounds of laughter everywhere
and the dancing girls swayin' to and fro
i must declare my heart is there
although i've been from maine to mexico
but i'm sad to say...
Down at the market you can hear ladies
cry out while on their heads they bear
ackey rice salt fish are nice
and the sun is fine anytime of the year
but i'm sad to say...