Farewell
J.Y. Park Lyrics

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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 the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
'Akey' 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 song "Kingston Town" was originally recorded by Lord Creator in 1970, but it was popularized and became most famous after being covered and remixed by UB40 in 1990. The song describes the singer's experience in Jamaica where he falls in love with a girl in Kingston town while enjoying the island's music, food, and rum. It is a song about love, relationships, and the pain of having to leave someone behind.

In the first verse, the singer paints a vivid picture of Jamaica's beauty and the fun to be had there. He describes how he travels on a sailing ship to reach the island and how he stops in Kingston town where he falls in love with a girl. However, as the song progresses, he sadly admits that he has to leave her behind and return to his own life. The second verse gives a glimpse into the bustling market in Kingston town where ladies sell rice and salt fish, while the rum flows freely. The singer admits that he wishes he could stay and enjoy more of the island's delights but again, he has to leave behind his love interest.

In the final verse, the singer talks about the sound of laughter and dancing girls in Jamaica, declaring that his heart remains in Kingston town despite having traveled far and wide. The chorus repeats the same message of sorrow and longing as the singer has to leave his love behind and go back to his own life. The song is a bittersweet tribute to love, life, and the memories of a beautiful little town in Jamaica.

Line by Line Meaning

Down the way where the nights are gay
I went to a place where the nights are lively and fun

And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
The sun always shines bright on the mountains there

I took a trip on a sailing ship
I went on a journey by sea

And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
I visited Jamaica along the way

But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Unfortunately, I have to leave now

Won't be back for many a day
I will be gone for quite some time

My heart is down, my head is turning around
I'm feeling sad and disoriented

I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I left a girl behind in Kingston and it's hard for me

Down the market you can hear
In the market, you can hear

Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Women carry goods on their heads and shout to sell them

'Akey' rice, salt fish are nice
They sell tasty food like 'akey' rice and salt fish