Mele Fong and her husband Richard Tom – the Hawaiian Serenaders – sing Jamaica Farewell on ‘ukulele and u-bass, one of two songs Mele played when backing up Willie K at the Annual Ukulele Festival on Oahu in 2015 (words below). #playuke #ukulelemusic
Mele's arrangement of Jamaica Farewell is in G with Latin Strum for ‘ukulele.
This traditional calypso song is about the beauties of the West Indies. The lyrics were written by Lord Burgess (Irving Burgie). The song first appeared on Harry Belafonte's successful album Calypso. The term “ackee rice” in the lyrics refers to the fruit of a tropical tree indigenous to the ivory Coast and the Gold Coast of West Africa that was taken to Jamaica in 1793. It has some poisonous properties, yet if properly prepared the fruit is often used as a food additive.
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Native Hawaiian Mele Fong from Maui is an experienced educator and professional entertainer with over 50 years experience playing the ‘ukulele – Hawaii's official instrument. Are UKE having fun yet? Watch. Listen. Play. The Ukulele Mele Way!
1. 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
But when I reached Jamaica I made a stop.
Chorus:
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 spinning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
2. Sounds of laughter ev'rywhere
And the dancing girls swirl to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico.
Chorus:
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 spinning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
3. Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Ackee rice, salt fish are nice
And the run is good any time of year.
Chorus:
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 spinning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
Chorus:
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 spinning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
