Verse 1:

[D]Down the way, where the [G]nights are gay
And the [A7]sun shines daily on the [D]mountain top
I took a trip on a [G]sailing ship
And when I [A7]reached Jamaica, I [D]made a stop.

Chorus:

But I'm [D]sad to say, I'm [G]on my way,
[A7]Won't be back for [D]many a day,
My heart is down, my head is [G]turning around
I had to [A7]leave a little girl in [D]Kingston town.

Verse 2:

[D]Sounds of laughter [G]everywhere
And the [A7]dancing girls sway [D]to and fro,
I must declare, my [G]heart is there,
'Though I've [A7]been from Maine to [D]Mexico.

Chorus

Verse 2:

[D]Down at the market, [G]you can hear
Ladies [A7]cry out while on their [D]heads they bear,
Ackee*, rice, salt [G]fish are nice,
And the [A7]rum is fine any [D]time of year.

Chorus

*What the heck is ackee? Want to buy some?