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

But when I reached Jamaica I made her stop

Now I'm sad to say

I'm on my way (on my way)
I 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 sway to and fro
I must declare my heart is there

Though I have been from Maine to Mexico

Still I'm sad to say

I'm on my way (on my way)
I 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
Ackev rice, salt fish are nice

Oh the rum is fine anytime of year

Now I'm sad to say

I'm on my way (on my way)
I 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 took a trip on a sailing ship

But when I reached Jamaica I made her stop

Now I'm sad to say

I'm on my way (on my way)
I 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
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town