Jamaica Farewell
Harry Belafonte
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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 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 turning around I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town Down the market you can hear Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear 'Akey' 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 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 sway to and fro I must declare my heart is there Though I've been from Maine to Mexico 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 turning around I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town 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 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 turning around I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town Sad to say I'm on my way 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
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Irving Burgie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
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20 facts about this song
General Information"Jamaica Farewell" is a popular Jamaican-style folk song sung by the iconic American singer Harry Belafonte.
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Release InformationThe song was released in 1956 and became one of Belafonte's signature songs.
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SongwriterIt was written by Irving Louis Burgie, better known under his stage name Lord Burgess, who has written more than 30 songs for Belafonte.
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Lyrics ContentThe lyrics of the song narrate the sorrow of a man who has to leave his beloved Jamaica and his love to return home.
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Album Information"Jamaica Farewell" was a track on Belafonte's iconic 1956 album, "Calypso."
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Album Success"Calypso" was the first album in history to sell over one million copies within a year of its release, largely due to the popularity of "Jamaica Farewell" and another hit track "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)."
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Impact on ArtsThe popularity of the song significantly contributed to establishing Calypso music's place in the mainstream American music industry.
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CoversOver the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Don Williams, Carly Simon, and Sam Cooke.
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Movie Appearance"Jamaica Farewell" was also featured in the film "Beetlejuice" in a scene where Harry Belafonte's music is used to exorcise unruly ghosts.
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LegacyTo this day, "Jamaica Farewell" remains a much-beloved song worldwide, serving as a symbol of Jamaican culture and its impact on global music.
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Release and Popularity"Jamaica Farewell" was popularized by American singer, songwriter, and actor Harry Belafonte. The song was released in 1956 as a part of the album "Belafonte".
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OriginThe song is a traditional calypso music staple, although it's often credited to "Lord Burgess" (Irving Burgie) and specifically arranged by William Attaway, both of whom contributed to Belafonte's 1956 album.
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Song Content"Jamaica Farewell" is a nostalgic narrative about a man leaving the beautiful island of Jamaica and his loved one to explore the world.
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Influence and Cultural SignificanceThe song helped popularize Caribbean music in the United States and the rest of the world, contributing to the acceptance and appreciation of different music styles.
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Cover Versions"Jamaica Farewell" has been covered by various artists over the years, including Sam Cooke, Carly Simon, the Kingston Trio, and Jimmy Buffett, indicating its enduring popularity and influence.
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In Films and SeriesThe song was featured in the 1988 comedy-drama film “Beetlejuice” directed by Tim Burton. It’s also been used in various TV series like ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘One Love’.
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Guinness World RecordA version of "Jamaica Farewell" performed by steel-drum band Trinti Pan Warriors was recognized by the Guinness World Records as being the longest non-stop performance by a single steel band.
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Performance by BelafonteHarry Belafonte often included "Jamaica Farewell" in his live performances due to its popularity and the warm reception it typically garnered from audiences.
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Fundraising"Jamaica Farewell" was performed by Belafonte at the 1966 fundraising concert for Martin Luther King Jr., showcasing its cultural significance and outreach beyond just entertainment.
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Lyrics AlterationSome versions of the song, specifically those performed by artists from other islands, sometimes change the lyrics to reflect their own localities, proving the universal appeal and adaptability of "Jamaica Farewell".
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Citation
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