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 'round
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town (fine)
Sounds of laughter everywhere,
and a dancing girl swings to and fro
I must declare my heart is there,
though I've been from Maine to Mexico.
Chorus
Down at the market you can hear
ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
akey rice, salt fish are nice
And the rhum is fine any time of year.
Chorus
da capo al fine
Coda=Chorus