"The Panama Swim" is a song composed by Gladys Green in 1914. This piece is part of a collection of early 20th-century American popular music that references Panama, reflecting the significant cultural and political interest in the region during that era. ​

The early 1900s saw a surge in American songs inspired by Panama, largely due to the construction and completion of the Panama Canal, which was finalized in 1914. This monumental engineering feat captured the imagination of the American public and influenced various cultural expressions, including music. Songs like "The Panama Swim" contributed to the portrayal of Panama in American popular culture, often embodying the colonial perspectives and attitudes of the time. ​