A capstan chanty. "Santy Anno", also known as "Santiana", "Santiano", "Santy Anna" and other variations, refers to the Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The song is listed as number 207 in the Roud Folk Song Index. The theme of the chanty, which dates from at least the 1850s, may have been inspired by topical events in the news 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 are not historically accurate: for example, both the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Molino del Rey (different versions refer to one or other) were US victories, not Mexican ones. This song is thematically (but not melodically) related to the fiddle/banjo tune "Santa Anna's Retreat". The melody is a good strong one, atypically in Dorian mode. The chorus is sung to the same melody as the verse. Recorded by Burl Ives, The Kingston Trio, The Highwaymen, The Hardtackers and other sea song groups.