Jamaica Farewell

Harry Belafonte

About Jamaica Farewell

"Jamaica Farewell" is a Jamaican-style folk song (mento). The song appeared on Harry Belafonte's album Calypso. It reached number fourteen on the Billboard Pop chart. The lyrics for the song were written by Lord Burgess (Irving Burgie), an American-born, half-Barbadan songwriter. It is about the beauties of the West Indian Islands. Many, including Belafonte himself, have said that the song was popular in the West Indies since long before Burgess. It is believed that Burgess compiled and modified the song from many folk pieces to make a new song. Burgess acknowledged his use of the tune of another mento, "Iron Bar". The Kingston Trio, who led the folk revival of the late 1950s, took their name from the mention of Kingston, Jamaica in the song, though they only recorded it many years later, in 2006. The line "ackee, rice, saltfish is nice" refers to the Jamaican national dish. 


Year:
1988
2:47
1,754 
#4

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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

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Harry Belafonte

Harold George "Harry" Belafonte, Jr. (born March 1, 1927) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and social activist. He was dubbed the "King of Calypso" for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing "The Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". Throughout his career he has been an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes and was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush Administration. more »

5 fans

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.
Release Information
The song was released in 1956 and became one of Belafonte's signature songs.
Songwriter
It was written by Irving Louis Burgie, better known under his stage name Lord Burgess, who has written more than 30 songs for Belafonte.
Lyrics Content
The lyrics of the song narrate the sorrow of a man who has to leave his beloved Jamaica and his love to return home.
Album Information
"Jamaica Farewell" was a track on Belafonte's iconic 1956 album, "Calypso."
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)."
Impact on Arts
The popularity of the song significantly contributed to establishing Calypso music's place in the mainstream American music industry.
Covers
Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Don Williams, Carly Simon, and Sam Cooke.
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.
Legacy
To this day, "Jamaica Farewell" remains a much-beloved song worldwide, serving as a symbol of Jamaican culture and its impact on global music.
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".
Origin
The 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.
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.
Influence and Cultural Significance
The 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.
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.
In Films and Series
The 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’.
Guinness World Record
A 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.
Performance by Belafonte
Harry Belafonte often included "Jamaica Farewell" in his live performances due to its popularity and the warm reception it typically garnered from audiences.
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.
Lyrics Alteration
Some 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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