Down the way where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain tops
I took a trip on a sailing 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 spinning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

Sounds of laughter everywhere
And the dancing girls swaying to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Tho' I've been from Maine to Mexico

Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Saki rice, salt fish are nice
And the rum is good anytime of year