Santiana

This traditional capstan shanty is well attested from the 1860s onward, and likely emerged around the same time as General Taylor, during or shortly after the Mexican American War.^[1] Like "Taylor" and their close cousin Fire Marengo, the song and particularly the chorus shows the influence of African American dockworkers in the American South.^[2]

Countless versions of the lyrics exist (not all of them in English), some with verses focusing on Santa Anna and other historical figures, others more concerned with sailing in general or the female populations of various ports. The "plains" of Mexico may be replaced with "hills" or a "bay", or the whole phrase replaced with "Californ-i-o", and Santiana in his many nominal variations is sometimes swapped out for "Susianna".^[3]

The Longest Johns' version was released as the second track on Between Wind and Water.

Factoids[]

On the subject of the historical Santa Anna, Stan Hugill once wrote:

Quite a number of British seamen deserted their ships to join Santa Aña's[sic] wild and ragged army — Britishers, it would appear, favoured the cause of the Mexicans.^[4]

Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón, or Santiana to the British sailors, was a Mexican politician, President of Mexico, and General during the Mexican-American war. He was a wealthy landowner with a strong political base in Veracruz, and is a broadly controversial figure in Mexican history.

Contrary to his storied death in the song, Santa Anna wasn't killed by General Taylor, nor did he lose any limbs in battle. After his defeat by Taylor during the Mexican-American war in 1848, Santa Anna was exiled, first to Kingston and then Colombia, but would return to Mexico five years later, where he was restored as President. Political corruption saw a final end to his career in 1854, when he was exiled once more.

Molley Del Ray refers to the Battle of Molino del Rey, part of the Battle for Mexico City during the Mexican-American War. Neither Santa Anna nor Taylor were actually present for it. Other versions sometimes instead reference the Battle of Monterrey, with which Santa Anna was also not involved. Both battles resulted in American victories.

Some might argue Santa Anna got the last laugh, given that he outlived Taylor by more than 25 years.

Lyrics[]

These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns on their album, Between Wind and Water.

Oh, Santiana gained the day
(Away Santiana)
Napoleon of the West, they say
(Along the plains of Mexico) [continues throughout]

{Chorus}
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
And an old salt Yank for a captain too

{Chorus}

Santiana fought for gold
Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow

{Chorus}

'Twas on the field of Molley del Rey
Well both his legs got blown away

{Chorus}

It was a fierce and bitter strife
The General Taylor took his life

{Chorus}

Santiana now we mourn
We left him buried off Cape Horn

Recordings[]

Streaming/Purchase[]

Youtube Videos[]

Gig Videos[]

Full Band Streams[]

Chill Streams[]

Roll on up to Chilltown with Andy and JD (30 Mar 2020)

Gaming Streams[]

[1] ttps://www.vwml.org/roudnumber/207

[2] ttps://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/Doe078.html

[3] ttps://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=46588

[4] ttps://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/santyanna.html

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