Jamaica Farewell
Nina & Frederik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "Jamaica Farewell" is about a man traveling to Jamaica on a sailing ship, enjoying the vibrant culture and people of the island, but ultimately having to leave and saying goodbye to a girl he left behind in Kingston town. It captures the bittersweet feeling of longing for a place and the things you love about it while also acknowledging the reality of having to move on. The lyrics paint a picture of a lively and colorful place with happy people enjoying their lives, from the ladies selling food at the market to the dancing girls swaying to and fro. The singer's heart is in Jamaica even though he's traveled to many other places, but he knows he has to leave and the sadness of that departure is palpable.
One of the interesting aspects of "Jamaica Farewell" is that it's not actually a traditional Jamaican song, but rather an American folk song written by Irving Burgess in the 1950s. It became popularized by Harry Belafonte's version, which was a hit in the 1950s and has since been covered by many other artists. The song's popularity and enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of Jamaica and evoke the feeling of nostalgia for a place you've left behind.
Another interesting tidbit is that the name "Akey" mentioned in the song is actually a mispronunciation of "ackee," a type of fruit and national dish of Jamaica that's often served with saltfish. The song also highlights the popularity of rum in Jamaica, which is not surprising given that the island is well-known for its rum production. The lyrics about the dancing girls and the joyful atmosphere in Jamaica speak to the island's reputation as a place of celebration and happiness.
Overall, the beauty of "Jamaica Farewell" lies in its ability to transport listeners to a place that's far away, but feels familiar and inviting. The way the lyrics capture the sights and sounds of Jamaica, and the emotions of love and heartbreak, make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with people to this day.
Chords: C, G, Am, F.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the way where the nights are gay
I'm headed towards a place filled with joy and excitement.
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
The weather in this place is always warm and sunny.
I took a trip on a sailing ship
I traveled to this place by boat.
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
I arrived at my destination and decided to stay for a while.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Unfortunately, it's time for me to leave this place.
Won't be back for many a day
I don't know when I'll be able to return.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Leaving is causing me emotional distress and confusion.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I left behind someone I care about in this place.
Down the market you can hear
At the local market, you can hear...
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Women are shouting out while balancing items on their heads.
'Akey' rice, salt fish are nice
They are selling foods like 'akey' rice and salt fish, which are delicious.
And the rum is fine any time of year
Rum is a popular drink choice any day of the year in this place.
Sounds of laughter everywhere
Laughter can be heard all around me in this place.
And the dancing girls sway to and fro
There are girls dancing in a way that is mesmerizing to watch.
I must declare my heart is there
I admit, I have fallen in love with this place.
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico
Even though I've traveled far and wide, this place has captured my heart.
Sad to say I'm on my way
Once again, I must express my sadness about leaving.
Won't be back for many a day
Unfortunately, I don't know how long it will be until I can come back.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Once again, leaving is causing me emotional turmoil.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I had to say goodbye to someone special in this place.
Lyrics © Reservoir One Music, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Irving Burgie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@r1p2m32
Such sweetness, thank you!
@dennydaud5745
my mid 50 yrs old daughter is still remembering this when I used to play nina & frederick vynil records.
@sunilperera4600
Beautiful harmony. Thanks
@LizaJon007
very nicely sung by Nina n Frederick - one of the best for me
@indiefatigble
A trip down memory lane , when I was a young man Nina was my crush
@trudysbrana9549
Bravissimi !
@soniaslee834
Brings back wonderful childhood memories, my parents used to play Nina & Frederik all the time ...
@jillmeeke676
So did mine
@mynewyork165
Me too!
@louisvuitton5129
Same here..