Santiana
The Fisherman’s Friends Lyrics


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O! Santianna won the day
Heave away, Santianna!
He won the day down at Mount-Del-Rey,
All along the plains of Mexico
Heave her up, and away we′ll go
Heave away, Santianna!
Heave her up, and away we'll go
All on the plains of Mexico
O! Santianna fought for gold
Heave away, Santianna!
What deeds he did have oft been told
All along the plains of Mexico
Heave her up, and away we′ll go
Heave away, Santianna!
Heave her up, and away we'll go
All on the plains of Mexico
O! Santianna fought for fame!
Heave away Santianna!
And Santianna gained a name
All along the plains of Mexico!
Heave her up, and away we'll go
Heave away, Santianna!
Heave her up, and away we′ll go
All along the plains of Mexico
And Santianna shovelled his gold
Heave away, Santianna!
Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow
All along the plains of Mexico
Heave her up, and away we′ll go
Heave away, Santianna!




Heave her up, and away we'll go
All along the plains of Mexico

Overall Meaning

The song "Santiana" by The Fisherman's Friends tells the story of a Mexican war hero named Santiana who fought bravely and won the day down at Mount-Del-Rey. The lyrics say, "O! Santianna won the day, he fought for gold, and he fought for fame," indicating that he was fighting for personal glory and fortune.


The repetition of the phrase "heave away, Santianna!" throughout the song alludes to the hard work and bravery required to achieve victory. The chorus also mentions "heaving up" and "going away," suggesting a journey or a departure.


The song's lyrics reflect a popular narrative of American imperialism and manifest destiny, which viewed the expansion of the United States as both inevitable and virtuous. The chorus portrays Santiana as a hero for fighting in Mexico, and his conquest of Mexican land and resources is viewed as a positive outcome.


Interestingly, the song's origins are not entirely clear. It has been suggested that the song may have been a sea shanty that originated in the 19th century and was adapted by American soldiers during the Mexican-American War. It has been recorded by many different artists over the years, including Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash.


Line by Line Meaning

O! Santianna won the day
Santianna emerged victorious in battle


Heave away, Santianna!
Let's set sail, Santianna!


He won the day down at Mount-Del-Rey,
He achieved victory at Mount Del Rey


All along the plains of Mexico
Through the vast expanse of Mexico


Heave her up, and away we'll go
Let's raise the anchor and set off


O! Santianna fought for gold
Santianna fought for treasure


What deeds he did have oft been told
Santianna's accomplishments are frequently recounted


Heave away, Santianna!
Let's set sail, Santianna!


And Santianna gained a name
Santianna became well-known


O! Santianna fought for fame!
Santianna fought for recognition


Heave away Santianna!
Let's set sail, Santianna!


Heave her up, and away we'll go
Let's raise the anchor and set off


And Santianna shovelled his gold
Santianna collected his treasure


Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow
Navigating through harsh weather conditions encompassing Cape Horn




Writer(s): John Anthony Brown, Toby Lobb, Christopher John Lethbridge, Michael William Hawkins, Julian Nicholas Brown, Jeremy David Brown, Jason Nicholas, John Leonard Mcdonnell, Jonathan Robert Cleave

Contributed by Sydney K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jordanbray9449

Watched both films with my grandparents recently and I can't believe how obsessed with this I am. Magical

@yaboylogan9011

Wait is there is ff 2?

@tobesjojo5831

@@yaboylogan9011 yeah this is the second one on amazon prime or dvd :)

@clp75

What is the name please

@jordanbray9449

@@clp75 fishermans friend's

@ianmorrisonmovienutcase5713

@@clp75Fisherman’s Friends: One And All

1 More Replies...

@mikegracia1475

Would love it if there was a full solo version of this with just the Welshman's voice - Stunning & haunting :)

@ianmorrisonmovienutcase5713

Me too!

@Moonshine_Gaming0916

@@ianmorrisonmovienutcase5713 Hey Ian can u make it where its just the song? ill play it on and on lol from time 27 seconds to the end. I cant buy the movie rn otherwise i would do it

@riccardoisnenghi8133

…4 years in Cornwall and now moved back to Italy…miss there so much 😢 …
Love Sea Shanty Fest in Falmouth, love Shanties……

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