Down the way where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain tops
I took a trip on a sailing ship and when I reached Jamaica
I made her stop

Chorus:
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 [Chorus]

Sound of laughter everywhere
And the dancing girls swaying to ‘n’ fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I’ve been from Maine to Mexico [Chorus]