About the song
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” is a classic country ballad that tells a vivid story of escape, romance, and finding solace in unexpected places. While it’s famously associated with George Strait, the song’s origins trace back to another country music legend: Merle Haggard.
Haggard actually wrote “The Seashores of Old Mexico,” and it was first released by Hank Snow in 1971. Snow’s version enjoyed considerable success, reaching the Top Ten on the Canadian Country charts. Over the years, Haggard himself revisited the song, notably recording a duet version with Willie Nelson in 1987.
George Strait’s rendition of “The Seashores of Old Mexico” came much later, as part of his 2005 album “Somewhere Down in Texas.” Released as a single in 2006, Strait’s version introduced the song to a new generation of country music fans. His interpretation, with its smooth vocals and laid-back delivery, perfectly captured the song’s wistful and romantic atmosphere.
The song’s narrative centers around a man on the run, seeking refuge and a fresh start in Mexico. He leaves behind trouble in Tucson, hoping to find freedom and romance south of the border. The lyrics paint a picture of dusty border towns, chance encounters, and the allure of the Mexican coast.
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” resonated with listeners for its evocative storytelling and its themes of escape and redemption. It’s a song that speaks to the desire for a simpler life, the possibility of finding love in unexpected places, and the enduring appeal of the open road. George Strait’s version, in particular, solidified the song’s place as a beloved classic in the country music canon.
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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
