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
And when I reach Jamaica I made a stop
But I'm sad to say, I'm 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 swaying to and fro
I must declare, my heart is there
Tho' I've been from Maine to Mexico
But I'm sad to say, I'm 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
Ackey rice, salt fish are nice
And the rum is fine any time of year
But I'm sad to say, I'm 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.