About the song
Background:
- Released in July 1979, “You’re My Jamaica” was the title track and first single from Charley Pride’s album of the same name.
- The song was written by Kent Robbins.
- It became Pride’s twenty-second number one hit on the US country charts, staying at the top for a week.
- This song marked a continuation of Pride’s shift towards a smoother country pop sound, a trend that began in the mid-70s.
Themes:
- The song uses the tropical paradise of Jamaica as a metaphor for a romantic relationship.
- The lyrics express feelings of deep affection and the idea that the beloved brings joy and escape from everyday life, similar to a relaxing vacation.
- Lines like “You’re the sunshine after rain” and “You’re the cool breeze on a summer’s day” paint a picture of idyllic contentment.
- It’s a love song with a carefree, feel-good vibe.
Video
Lyrics
Every day I read ads in the paper
Saying come to the islands
Bikinied ladies sweet rum drinks, yeah
They’ll keep you smiling
But I’ve got calypso music on the record at home
And when it comes to the warmth and sunshine
Well, I got my own
You’re my Jamaica
You’re where I want to be
You’re my island when I am being
Tossed on a stormy sea
My heavenly haven
Where I can spend eternity
You’re my Jamaica
Your paradise to me
White sunny sand palm trees and tans
It’s sounds so inviting
(Sounds so inviting)
Limbo dancing and star light romancing
It’s all so exciting
But I got my flowery shirt
And rum punch in my hand
And my own exotic lover in my native land
You’re my Jamaica
You’re where I want to be
You’re my island when I am being
Tossed on a stormy sea
My heavenly haven
Where I can spend eternity
You’re my Jamaica
You’re paradise to me