Down the way where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountaintop
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica, I made a stop

Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

Sounds of laughter filled the air
And the dancing girls swung to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico

Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

In the market you can hear
Ladies cry out whilе on their heads they bеar
Ackee, rice, saltfish is nice
And the rum is fine any time of year

Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
When my sailing days are done
And there's no more call for the shanty-song
I'll settle down in Padstow town
For that is where my heart belongs

Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

Well the white ships sail down from Avon now
Green Banana Johnny
Go down Bristol Channel and they're headed south
Green Banana Johnny

Well the white ships sail down from Avon now
Down Bristol Channel and they're headed south
With the holy stones already out for
Green Banana Johnny

It's Green Banana lakatan
Bunches, stems, and a great big hand
Bridgetown, Kingston, Port of Spain
Fortnight out and home again

Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Well 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 turnin' around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town