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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")

(music to go here)

Down the way where the lights 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 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.

In the market you can hear
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.....

Balmy weather everywhere
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.....

(from miriam berg's folksong collection)