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