‘Sad to say I’m on my way’ – lyrics of Raila Odinga’s favourite song
By Lutta Njomo, October 17, 2025The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s favourite song was Jamaica Farewell by Harry Belafonte.
Raila’s melancholic voice singing ‘But I’m sad to say I’m on my way’ now lingers not just as a song, but as an eternal farewell for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader who breathed his last in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Kenyans are also revisiting the song, with some viewing the lyrics as a premonition of his death, while others are singing along to reflect on Raila’s enduring fight for democracy.
During the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, President William Ruto recalled his camaraderie with Raila Odinga, a man who helped stabilise his government at the height of the Gen-Z-led protests, by singing Jamaica Farewell. As the soft, nostalgic melody filled the air, the crowd, citizens, and various leaders joined the Head of State in song, their voices blending in tribute to a man whose life and struggle defined Kenya’s democratic journey.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, on the other hand, was captured dancing freely, singing along, and enjoying the lyrics of the song while Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, brought life to Nyayo Stadium by singing Harry Belafonte’s tune.
Belafonte’s 1956 ballad is about departure and longing, a sailor leaving behind his beloved Jamaica, torn between beauty, memory, and home.
Here are the full lyrics of the song
[Verse 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
And 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 turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
[Verse 2]
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
[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 turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
[Verse 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 rum is fine 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 turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town
[Verse 4]
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
[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 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