"Jamaica Farewell" is a famous calypso about the beauties of the West India… Read Full Bio ↴"Jamaica Farewell" is a famous calypso about the beauties of the West Indian Islands.

The lyrics for the song were written by Lord Burgess (Irving Burgie). Lord Burgess was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1926. His mother was from Barbados and his father was from Virginia. The song first appeared on Harry Belafonte's phenomenally successful album "Calypso".

Though many, including Belafonte himself, have said that the song was popular in the West Indies since long before Burgess, it is believed that Burgess compiled and modified the song from many folk pieces to make a new song, and it is indisputable that it was Belafonte who popularized the song outside the Caribbean Islands. Burgess acknowledged his use of the tune of another calypso, "Iron Bar".

Other well-known singers of "Jamaica Farewell" include Sir Lancelot, Jimmy Buffett and Carly Simon.

The term "ackee rice" found in the lyrics refers to the fruit of a tropical tree indigenous to the Ivory Coast and Gold Coast of West Africa; taken to Jamaica in 1793. It has some poisonous properties, yet if properly prepared the fruit is often used as a food additive.

This song has been translated into many languages. For example, in Bangla, there exist several translations, some of which are quite well-known. One Bengali version of the song became an important anthem for the Naxalite revolutionary movement in the 1970s and thus has significance for Bengali intellectuals in Kolkata society.

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jamaica_Farewell

Jamaica Farewell
Harry Belafonte Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 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
Ackee, rice, salt fish are nice
And the rum is fine any time of year

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 the dancing girls sway to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico

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

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harry Belafonte's "Jamaica Farewell" tell the story of the singer's visit to Jamaica and the heartache he experiences when he has to leave a girl behind. The song is sung in a cheerful, upbeat style that belies the sadness of the lyrics. The opening line sets the tone, referring to the nights as "gay" and the sun as shining daily on the mountain top. The singer describes his trip on a sailing ship and his arrival in Jamaica where he visits the market and enjoys the local food, rum, and dancing.

However, the song's refrain emphasizes the singer's sadness and his reluctance to leave. His heart is "down," and his head is "turning around," reflecting the emotional turmoil he feels. He had to "leave a little girl in Kingston town," and the pain of this separation is palpable throughout the song. Despite the lightheartedness of the music, the lyrics express a deep sense of loss and longing.

One interpretation of the song is that it reflects the experiences of immigrants and their attachment to their homeland and loved ones left behind. The song is also sometimes considered a farewell to the Golden Age of travel, as it was written in the 1950s, just before air travel became more popular and affordable.

Line by Line Meaning

Down the way where the nights are gay
I'm reminiscing about a cheerful and lively place.

And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
The place I'm referring to is blessed with perpetual sunshine.

I took a trip on a sailing ship
I embarked on a sea voyage.

And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
I made a visit to Jamaica.

But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
I'm unhappy that I have to leave.

Won't be back for many a day
I'll be gone for a long time.

My heart is down, my head is turning around
I am experiencing feelings of sadness and disorientation.

I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I had to part ways with a special someone in Kingston town.

Down at the market you can hear
At the market, you can hear.

Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Women shout while carrying items on their heads.

Ackee, rice, salt fish are nice
The food items Ackee, rice, and salt fish are delicious.