Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily
On the mountaintop
I took a trip
On a sailling 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 at the market
You can hear
Ladies cry out while
On their heads
They bear
Akee 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
Ffor 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
Every where
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 mountaintop
I look a trip
On a sailing ship
And when I reached
Jamaica I made a stop

But I'm said 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