JAMAICA FAREWELL
(learned in 1958 or 1959 from Martin Choate and others;-composed by Irving Burgie in 1926, known as the most important introducer of calypso music;
-his songs and music were published under the name "Lord Burgess")
Down the way where the lights are gay
In the market you can hear
Balmy weather everywhere
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
But when I reached Jamaica I had to stop
But I'm sad to say I'm goin' away,
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down, my head is turning 'round
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
The women while on their heads they bear
Akee rice and fish are nice
And the rum is good any time of year,
But I'm sad to say I'm goin' away.....
Dancing girls swing to and fro
I must confess that my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico,
But I'm sad to say I'm goin' away.....