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This page is about the song. For the EP it was released on, click here.

The "Santiano" shanty performed by The Longest Johns is a custom blend of theirs, made in collaboration with Justine Galmiche from SKÁLD. In the description for the music video, the band wrote,

We combined our version of Santiana from our album Between Wind and Water with the French version of the song. Then we realized the lyrics have nothing to do with each other. So we found alternative verses of both from other shanties that could fit together. Just like the olden days!

In French-speaking markets, the song was released on Contre Vents et Marées, the French version of Between Wind and Water; in other markets, it was released as the title track of its own standalone EP.

Lyrics[]

The lyrics kindly provided in the comments of the original video by YouTube user HxC. Translation by Violet Palmer.

Original

C'est un fameux trois-mâts, fin comme un oiseau
(Hissez haut! Santiano!)
Dix-huit nœuds, quatre cents tonneaux
(Je suis fier d'y être matelot)

{Chorus}
Tiens bon la vague et tiens bon le vent
(Hissez haut! Santiano!)
Si Dieu veut, toujours droit devant
(Nous irons jusqu'à San Francisco)

Oh, the wind was foul and the seas ran high
(Heave away! Santiano!)
She shipped it green and none went by
(Along the plains of Mexico!)

{Chorus}

Je pars pour de longs mois en laissant Margot
(Hissez haut! Santiano!)
D'y penser, j'avais le cœur gros
(En doublant les feux de Saint Malo!)

{Chorus}

We swear by rote, for want of more
(Heave away! Santiano!)
But now we're through so we'll go on shore
(Along the plains of Mexico!)

{Chorus x2}
English Translation

It's a famous three-master, fine as a bird
(Heave high! Santiano!)
Eighteen knots, four hundred tons
(I'm proud to be a sailor on it)

{Chorus}
Hold steady, wave, and hold steady, wind
(Hoist high! Santiano!)
If God wills, always straight ahead
(We'll go until San Francisco)

Oh, the wind was foul and the seas ran high
(Heave away! Santiano!)
She shipped it green and none went by
(Along the plains of Mexico!)

{Chorus}

I depart for long months leaving Margot
(Hoist high! Santiano!)
Thinking of it, I had a heavy heart
(Passing the lights of Saint Malo)

{Chorus}

We swear by rote, for want of more
(Heave away! Santiano!)
But now we're through so we'll go on shore
(Along the plains of Mexico!)

{Chorus x2}

Recordings[]

Streaming/Purchase[]

YouTube Videos[]

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