Jamaica Farewell
Journey of Love: Harry Belafonte's Bittersweet Farewell to Kingston
Lyrics
Down the way where the nights are gay
Describing a lively and joyful place where nights are filled with happiness.
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
Highlighting the constant sunshine on the mountain top, suggesting a vibrant and sunny location.
I took a trip on a sailing ship
Narrator took a journey on a sailing ship.
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
Upon reaching Jamaica, the narrator made a stop, indicating a temporary visit.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Expressing sadness about leaving, implying a reluctance to depart.
Won't be back for many a day
Anticipating a prolonged absence from the current location.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Feeling emotionally low, with a sense of disorientation.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Refers to leaving a romantic interest, a little girl, in Kingston town.
Down at the market you can hear
At the market, the narrator hears ladies calling out while carrying items on their heads.
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Depicting a lively market scene with women selling goods.
Ackee, rice, salt fish are nice
Mentioning traditional Jamaican foods - ackee, rice, and salt fish, as well as the appeal of rum throughout the year.
And the rum is fine any time of year
Emphasizing the quality of rum in Jamaica at any time of the year.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Reiterating the sadness of departure and the long duration of absence.
Won't be back for many a day
Confirming the extended period away from the current location.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Continuing to express emotional distress and disorientation.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Repeating the reason for leaving - leaving a romantic interest in Kingston town.
Sounds of laughter everywhere
Describing a joyful atmosphere with laughter everywhere.
And the dancing girls sway to and fro
Depicting dancing girls adding to the lively ambiance.
I must declare my heart is there
Declaring the narrator's heart remains in Jamaica despite traveling extensively.
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico
Highlighting the narrator's extensive travels from Maine to Mexico.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Repeating the sorrowful departure and the prolonged absence.
Won't be back for many a day
Reiterating the extended duration of being away.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Expressing ongoing emotional distress and disorientation.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Repeating the reason for leaving - leaving a romantic interest in Kingston town.
Down the way where the nights are gay
Returning to the description of the lively and joyful place where nights are gay.
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
Reiterating the constant sunshine on the mountain top.
I took a trip on a sailing ship
Recalling the journey on a sailing ship and the stop in Jamaica.
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
Reiterating the temporary nature of the visit to Jamaica.
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Expressing continued sadness about leaving and the extended absence.
Won't be back for many a day
Reiterating the expectation of a prolonged absence.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Continuing to describe emotional distress and disorientation.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Repeating the reason for leaving - leaving a romantic interest in Kingston town.
Sad to say I'm on my way
Repeating the acknowledgment of departure and the expected lengthy absence.
Won't be back for many a day
Reiterating the anticipation of a prolonged absence.
My heart is down, my head is turning around
Continuing to express emotional distress and disorientation.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Repeating the reason for leaving - leaving a romantic interest in Kingston town.
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