Jamaica Farewell

By Irving Burgie (Lord Burgess)
Rise Up Singing chapter: Seas & Sailors, p.203
Verses: C F / CG C ://
Chorus: C F / G C / C F / CG C

Or in D, as in the video
Verses: D G / DA D ://
Chorus: D G / A D / D G / DA D

This song was popularised in the United States by Harry Belafonte
Ackee, or aki, is a Jamaican fruit that's not very sweet.

Down the way where the nights are gay
And the sun shines brightly on the mountaintop
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop

Chorus:
Well I'm sad to say I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
Well 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 dancers swaying to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico

Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Ackee, rice, salt fish are nice
And the rum is fine any time of year