Going Down to Cuba

Album: Time The Conqueror (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song Browne recalls visiting Cuba and looks at the effects of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba in 1962. The Californian singer-songwriter explained to American Songwriter magazine: "It's not easy to write a song about foreign policy. If you know about the politics and the history, the embargo against Cuba - the details - then there's embracing what's good about the people, their commitment to having a good time in spite of it all."

Comments: 2

  • Edward from Birmingham, AlOK...this is my follow-up. My first post is above. I made the trip to Havana in August 2011 because of Obama's new change in educational regulations. I have to admit, the song was inspirational. The continued embargo and the lack of courage on the part of our politicians to change it is absurd. It's really not one of JB's best songs musically but the politics are right on.
    Ed, Alabama
  • Edward from Birmingham, AlIt's clear that JB sees the absurdity in the US-Cuba embargo and U.S. foreign policy in this clever musical rendition. His references that Americans are forbidden to travel to Cuba but that out allies travel there every day! It's a subtle message. I like it...makes me want to go too.
    Ed, Alabama
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."