"Santianna", also known as "Santiana", "Santy Anna", "Santayana", "Santiano", "Santy Anno" and other variations, is a sea shanty referring to the Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The song is listed as number 207 in the Roud Folk Song Index.
History[]
he theme of the shanty, which dates from at least the 1850s, may have been inspired by topical events in the news related to conflicts between the armies of Mexico, commanded by Antonio López de Santa Anna, and the U.S., commanded by Zachary Taylor, in the Mexican–American War.
The lyrics are not historically accurate: for example, both the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Molino del Rey (different versions refer to one or other) were US victories, not Mexican ones. Some suggest that this tradition was caused by British sailors, who deserted their ships to join Santa Anna's forces.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Oh! Santiana gained a day
Away Santiana!
"Napoleon of the West", they say
Along the plains of Mexico
[Chorus]
Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana!
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
[Verse 2]
She's a fast clipper ship and a bully good crew
Away Santiana!
And an old salty yank for a captain too
Along the plains of Mexico
[Chorus]
Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana!
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
[Verse 3]
Santiana fought for gold
Away Santiana!
Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow
Along the plains of Mexico
[Chorus]
Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana!
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
[Verse 4]
T'was on the field of Molly-Del-Ray
Away Santiana!
Well both his legs got blown away
Along the plains of Mexico
[Chorus]
Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana!
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
[Verse 5]
It was a fierce and bitter strife
Away Santiana!
The general Taylor took his life
Along the plains of Mexico
[Chorus]
Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana!
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
[Verse 6]
Santiana, now we mourn
Away Santiana!
We left him buried off Cape Horn
Along the plains of Mexico