The Longest Johns formed in June 2012 after first singing together at a friend's barbecue. The original line up consisted of Josh Bowker, Andy Yates, Jonathan Darley and Dave Robinson. About a week later, they posted their first video on YouTube, singing "Haul Away Joe." They released their debut EP, Bones in the Ocean, in 2013, the title track of which is still one of their most popular. Their first full album, Written in Salt, was released in 2016, featuring tracks such as Drunken Sailor, Old Maui and Randy Dandy-O.
In June 2018 they released their second album, Between Wind & Water, which contained the smash hit "Wellerman". This recording, as well as the one used in the bands' Sea of Thieves series "Open Crewsing" would go on to cause the viral sensation in the years to come.
In October 2019, the band announced that Anna Cornish would be leaving the band to focus on her other band, The Norfolk Broads.
In March 2020, they released a song titled "Flatten the Curve", urging people to stay indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, the band released their third studio album, Cures What Ails Ya. This album was the Johns' first album featuring a full array of instruments on half of the songs.
In March 2023, The Longest Johns released a collab album, The Longest Pony, featuring collabs with the Barcelona folk group, El Pony Pisador. The album features the song "Al Pirata Joan Torrellas" which sung only in Catalan.
On 1 May 2023, the band announced the departure of founding member Dave Robinson.
Santiana
The Longest Johns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Away Santianna
Now pulled 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
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
The Longest Johns' song "Santiana" tells the story of a ship named Santiana and the battles it went through along the plains of Mexico. The first verse describes the ship's success in gaining the day over the American ship Yankee, which they pulled up towards the west. The second verse notes how fast and good the ship is, and how an "old salty Yank" is the captain. The third verse talks about Santiana fighting for gold and going through difficult conditions such as ice and snow. In the fourth verse, we learn about the severe injury that the singer suffered on the field of Molly-Del-Rey, where both his legs got blown away. The fifth verse highlights the fierce and bitter strife that eventually took the life of the General Taylor, and how the song's protagonist, Santiana, is mourning. And finally, the last verse tells us that Santiana was buried off Cape Horn.
Overall, this song is about the life of Santiana, the ship, and the battles that took place along the plains of Mexico. The lyrics give an insight into the violence and brutality of these battles and the life of sailors on these ships. The repetition of the chorus with the line "Heave her up and away we'll go" reinforces the idea of the ship constantly moving forward, despite the battles and hardships they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Santiana gained the day
Santiana led a victorious battle
Away Santianna
Let's leave and continue our journey
Now pulled the yan up the west they say
The Americans were defeated and retreated west
Along the plains of Mexico
The battle and journey took place in Mexico
She's a fast clipper ship and a bully good crew
Santiana's ship was of good quality and had an excellent crew
And an old salty Yank for a captain too
The captain of Santiana's ship was an experienced and skilled sailor
Santiana fought for gold
Santiana participated in the battle to obtain gold
Around Cape Horn through the ice and snow
Santiana traveled through harsh and difficult conditions
Twas on the field of Molly-Del-Rey
Santiana fought in the battle of Molino del Rey
Well both his legs got blown away
Santiana suffered a severe injury during the battle resulting in loss of both legs
It was a fierce and bitter strife
The battle was intense and caused a lot of suffering
The general Taylor took his life
General Taylor was responsible for the death of Santiana
Santiana now we mourn
We are grieving over the loss of Santiana
We left him buried off Cape Horn
Santiana was buried near Cape Horn
Contributed by Madelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.