Jamaica Farewell
Chet Atkins & Hank Snow Lyrics
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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
The lyrics of Chet Atkins and Hank Snow's song Jamaica Farewell tell the story of a man who takes a trip to Jamaica, where he indulges in the lively atmosphere of the place, with happy nights and sunny days. He describes the sounds of laughter all around him and the sight of dancing girls, and declares that his heart is still in Jamaica, even though he travels far and wide, from Maine to Mexico. However, despite his love for the place, he sadly admits that he has to leave because he cannot stay for long, leaving behind a girl he has met in Kingston town.
The lyrics reveal the bittersweet feelings of the man - the excitement of exploring a new place and experiencing the sun and the culture there, combined with the sadness of leaving behind someone he has grown to care for. The tone of the song is melancholic and pensive, with a slow-paced rhythm that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the way where the nights are gay
In an area where nightlife is lively and colorful
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
Where the sun rises from the mountaintops everyday
I took a trip on a sailing ship
I traveled by a sailing ship to reach my destination
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
I landed in Jamaica and interrupted my journey
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Regrettably, I have to continue my journey
Won't be back for many a day
I won't return for an extended period
My heart is down my head is turnin' around
I am feeling miserable and distressed
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I had to part from a young woman in Kingston town with regrets
Sounds of laughter everywhere
Everywhere in the air, I can hear people laughing and having fun
And the dancing girls swayin' to and fro
Girls are dancing, swaying side-to-side, back-and-forth
I must declare my heart is there
I acknowledge that my heart belongs to Jamaica
Although I've been from Maine to Mexico
Despite having visited many places ranging from Maine to Mexico
Down at the market you can hear ladies
At the market, women's voices are audible
Cry out while on their heads they bear
They shout while carrying heavy items on their heads
Ackee rice salt fish are nice
Ackee rice and salted fish are delightful
And the sun is fine anytime of the year
The sun is glorious during all seasons
But I'm sad to say
Nonetheless, I am unhappy to announce
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Irving Burgie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind