Jamaica Farewell
View chords used in this chart
A D
Down the way, where the nights are gay
A D A E7 A
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
A D
I took a trip on a sailing ship
A D A E7 A
And when I reached Jamaica, I made a stop
E7 A D
But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way
E7 A
Won't be back for many a day
A A7 D Dm7
My heart is down, my head is turning around
A E7 A
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
A D
Sounds of laughter everywhere
A D A E7 A
And the dancing girls sway to and fro
A D
I must declare, my heart is there
A D A E7 A
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico
E7 A D
But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way
E7 A
Won't be back for many a day
A A7 D Dm7
My heart is down, my head is turning around
A E7 A
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
A D
Down at the market, you can hear
A D A E7 A
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
A D
Aki rice, swordfish are nice
A D A E7 A
And the rum is fine any time of year
E7 A D
But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way
E7 A
Won't be back for many a day
A A7 D Dm7
My heart is down, my head is turning around
A E7 A
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
How to play Jamaica Farewell
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is A. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.