This shanty, rather than being work song, was sung while not working.

It tells of running down to Cuba with a cargo of sugar which is nonsensical because Cuba was one of the largest sugar producers in the Caribbean.

It would often be launched into, by the crew, as a sign of discontent or disfavor.

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Lyrics

Running down to Cuba with a load of sugar, Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Make her run you, lime juice squeezes, Running down to Cuba.

(Chorus) Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Running down to Cuba

O, I got a sister, she's nine feet tall, Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall, Running down to Cuba.

(Chorus)

The captain he will trim the sails, Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Winging the water over the rails, Running down to Cuba.

(Chorus)

Give me a gal can dance Fandango, Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Round as a melon and sweet as a mango, Running down to Cuba.

(Chorus)

Load this sugar and home-ward go, Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!

Mister mate, he told me so, Running down to Cuba.

(Chorus) ^{[undefined] [undefined]}