About the song
The Seashores of Old Mexico by George Strait is a classic example of the rich, evocative storytelling that has become synonymous with country music. Released in 1989, this song takes listeners on a vivid journey to the serene, sun-soaked shores of Mexico, painting a picture of both escape and reflection. It’s a song that taps into the universal longing for peace, freedom, and the solace found in nature, all while maintaining Strait’s signature style of simplicity and emotional depth.
The lyrics of “The Seashores of Old Mexico”evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning, blending the natural beauty of the landscape with the emotional weight of a man trying to move on from heartache. The idea of seeking refuge along the seashores is not just a physical escape, but an emotional one—a place where the troubles of life can be momentarily washed away by the waves. This powerful metaphor resonates deeply with anyone who has ever sought solace away from their troubles.
Musically, the song captures the essence of Strait appeal. The soft sway of the rhythm, combined with the gentle strumming of guitars and the soothing tones of steel guitar, creates a relaxed, almost cinematic atmosphere. It’s a sound that immediately transports the listener to a place of tranquility and introspection. George Strait delivers the song with the kind of understated elegance that has made him a country music legend, his voice both tender and reflective as he sings of this coastal escape.
While the song’s theme may be one of longing and departure, it’s not without hope. The seashores of Old Mexico become a symbol of renewal, a place where one can let go of the past and begin again. For George Strait fans, “The Seashores of Old Mexico” is more than just a song—it’s an invitation to dream of a simpler time and place, a reminder that, sometimes, all we need is a change of scenery to heal the heart.
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Lyrics
I left out of Tucson with no destination in mind
I was runnin’ from trouble and the jail term, the Judge had in mind
And the border meant freedom, a new life, romance
And that’s why I thought I should go
And start my life over on the seashores of old Mexico
My first night in Juarez, lost all the money I had
One bad senorita made use of one innocent lad
But I must keep on runnin’, it’s too late to turn back
I’m wanted in Tucson, I’m told
Yeah, and things will blow over on the seashores of old Mexico
Two Mexican farmers en route to a town I can’t say
Let me ride on the back of a flatbed half-loaded with hay
Down through Durango, Colima, Almiera
Then in the Manzanillos
Where I slept in the sunshine on seashores of old Mexico
After one long siesta, I came wide awake in the night
I was startled by someone who shadowed the pale moonlight
My new-found companion, one young senorita
Who offered a broken hello
To the gringo she found on the seashores of old Mexico
She spoke of Sonora and swore that she’d never return
For her Mexican husband, she really had no great concern
‘Cause she loved the gringo, my red hair and lingo
That’s all I needed to know
Yeah, I found what I needed on the seashores of old Mexico
Yeah, she loved the gringo, my red hair and lingo
That’s all I needed to know, ha-ha
Yeah, I found what I needed on the seashores of old Mexico
