Santiana (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

Santiana (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

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.

This shanty from the 1850s was likely inspired by contemporary events 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 though catchy are not true to reality as the Mexican army lost the battle of Molino del Ray, among others. The story goes that the lyrics were inspired by British sailors that defected to join Santa Anna's forces.

The common French rendition, known as Santiano, was first recorded in 1961 by Hugues Aufray. A mixed English and French rendition was also recorded by The Longest Johns.

Lyrics (As per The Longest Johns cover):
Oh Santiana gained the day
Away Santianna
Now pull the yan up the west they say
Along the plains of Mexico
Well heave her up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave her up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
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
Well heave her up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave her up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
Santiana fought for gold
Away Santiana
Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow
Along the plains of Mexico
Well heave her up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave her up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
'Twas on the field of Molly-Del-Rey
Away Santiana
Well both his legs got blown away
Along the plains of Mexico
Well heave her up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave her up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
It was a fierce and bitter strife
Away Santiana
The general Taylor took his life
Along the plains of Mexico
Well heave her up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave her up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Mexico
Santiana now we mourn
Away Santiana
We left him buried off Cape Horn
Along the plains of Mexico