Down away 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.

Down at the market you can hear

Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear

ackee, rice, or fish on ice,

And the rum is fine any time of year.

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.

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 away 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.