We're off to Cuba

We're off to Cuba is a song written by Luis Benitez in 1951. It is a Brunanter Jazz-Latin standard.

Estelle Fletcher recordings
Cuban-Brunanter songwriter Luis Benitez got in contact with newly-arrived Cuban-American Estelle Fletcher, who had her audition for We're off to Cuba. Impressed by her performance, Benitez had her record the song, which was done in just six hours, in time to be released in early June 1952. This version of the song had a Latin/Cuban feel, similar to a rumba. This song was extremely popular, especially among the clubs of ritzy Charleston Beach. Fletcher recorded a jazz version of the song in 1953; while not as popular as the original it was still a hit.

Sofia Lilland recording
The song was recorded by Lovian singer Sofia Lilland in 1959 as a song in her album In Havana. The Lilland version had some modified lyrics, mainly "Were off for Cuba" instead of to and using waterfronts instead of riverfronts. It was a successful song, though not as much as others in the album.

Joey Warner recording
In 1963, Joey Warner released a twist version of the song. It was released in the spring of 1963 but only became successful in mid-July, coming 8th in the Hit Parade charts.

Cristiane Melker recording
Cristiane Melker released a version of the song in April 2007. Her version had modified lyrics, which were modernized in part.

Lyrics
The lyrics listed here are the original ones by Benitez, sung by Fletcher in 1952. Were off to Cuba Oh happy day, Were off to Cuba Take me away, We're going dancing Out in the rain, Were off to Cuba Show me the way

Were off to Cuba We'll be a while, Were off to Cuba We'll walk a mile We'll go down beaches, and riverfronts Were off to Cuba, Gave me a smile

When you're going to the tropics, It is just like paradise When you go to dance a rumba It'll be a real good time Down to Havana, where people sing Right down to Cuba, to have a swing

Were off to Cuba Oh happy day, Were off to Cuba Take me away, We're going dancing Out in the rain, Were off to Cuba Show me the way