It Will Never Be Dry Down In Havana (No Matter What Happens 'Round Here)
Words by William Tracey
Music by Halsey K. Mohr
Published 1920

[verse 1]
There is a happy land, far far away,
That Cuban Island, sweet Rock and Rye land,
I met a pal of mine leaving today,
And he said "I'm going there to stay,
This old town has gone all wrong,
I want women, wine and song,
If you'll take my tip you'll come along:

[chorus 1]
It will never be dry down in Havana,
No matter what happens 'round here,
Down on Santiago Bay, where the Senoritas sway,
"How dry I am" is a tune they never play,
Tho' they talk Spanish in Havana,
Don't worry, there's nothing to fear,
"Yaka hula Cubanola" I have lately found,
Is the way to say "Hey waiter, bring another round,"
It will never be dry down in Havana
No matter what happens 'round here.

[verse 2]
There is a happy crowd, sailing away
On steamers daily, all singing gaily,
And they are shouting to friends on the pier,
"Sorry we must go away from here,
Places where we met each night
One by one are closing tight,
So there's only one place now in sight:

[chorus 2]
It will never be dry down in Havana,
No matter what happens 'round here,
I'm as thirsty as can be, prohibition ruined me,
You know you can't make your shimmie shake on tea,
They don't keep Bevo* in Havana,
And they never heard of Near Beer**,
But the private stock they sell will knock you off your feet,
One drink makes a rabbit chase a bulldog up the street,
It will never be dry down in Havana
No matter what happens 'round here.

*a non-alcoholic beer
**a non-alcoholic beer