"
St. Thomas" is among the most recognizable instrumentals in the repertoire of American
jazz tenor saxophonist
Sonny Rollins. Although Rollins is commonly credited as its composer, the tune is based on the traditional English song "
The Lincolnshire Poacher". By way of the
folk process, "The Lincolnshire Poacher" evolved into a nursery song in the
Virgin Islands, which Rollins' mother sang to him when he was a child. As such, it has a distinct
Caribbean vibe to it.