The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Jamaica Farewell
Various Artists 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 at 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 swaying 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" relates a bittersweet story of a man who visits Jamaica and develops a deep affection for the island and its people, but must leave a girl he has come to care for behind in Kingston. The singer describes the vibrant, cheerful nature of the island, specifically highlighting the market where women sell "salt fish," "Akey" rice, and rum. He also notes the laughter and dancing of the people, which he enjoys immensely. However, his sadness is apparent, as he lamentably remarks that he won't return for many days and his heart and head are both struggling with having to leave his love behind.
As the singer describes the market, he is paying homage to the struggles of the Jamaican people, especially the women who have to balance heavy loads atop their heads while they sell their goods. Despite these circumstances, the Jamaican people are resilient and find joy in music, dance, and laughter. The singer feels a strong sense of pain at having to leave behind his newfound love, but also acknowledges the beauty of Jamaica and its people, and how they have impacted him.
In conclusion, "Jamaica Farewell" is a lovely tribute to the island of Jamaica and its people. The song captures the beauty and vibrancy of Jamaican culture, while also highlighting the emotional impact of having to leave a place that has touched one's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the way where the nights are gay
I'm traveling to a happy place where the nightlife is vibrant and fun.
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
The weather is always beautiful in Jamaica, with the sun shining on the mountains every day.
I took a trip on a sailing ship
I traveled to Jamaica by boat.
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
I took a break in Jamaica during my journey to somewhere else.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Unfortunately, I have to leave Jamaica.
Won't be back for many a day
I won't be able to return to Jamaica for a long time.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Leaving Jamaica and a loved one behind is making me feel emotional and disoriented.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
I had to say goodbye to a special girl in the capital city of Jamaica before leaving.
Down at the market you can hear
When you visit the market in Jamaica, you'll hear...
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Women shout and advertise the goods they are carrying on their heads at the market.
'Akey' rice, salt fish are nice
Typical Jamaican foods that the women at the market sell include 'akey' rice and salt fish which are delicious.
And the rum is fine any time of year
Jamaica's rum is legendary, and it's always a good time to drink it.
Sounds of laughter everywhere
Laughter can be heard all over Jamaica.
And the dancing girls swaying to and fro
Girls in Jamaica dance with a distinctive back-and-forth movement.
I must declare my heart is there
I feel a strong connection to Jamaica and its people.
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico
I've traveled to many places, but Jamaica still holds a special place in my heart.
Sad to say I'm on my way
It's difficult to leave Jamaica and the memories I've made there.
Won't be back for many a day
I won't have the opportunity to return to Jamaica anytime soon.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Leaving Jamaica is making me feel disoriented and depressed.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Saying goodbye to a special girl in Jamaica's capital city before departing was hard.
Contributed by Dylan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.