Ain't No God in Mexico
Waylon Jennings Lyrics
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Where the woman folks are friendly and the law leaves you alone.
Well I'll believe it when I see it but I haven't seen it yet.
Don't mind me just keep on talkin' I am just looking for my hat.
Ain't no God in Mexico
Ain't no way to understand
How that border crossing feeling makes a fool out of a man.
If I had not seen the sunshine Hell I would not cuss your rain
My feet would fit a railroad track
I would made one Hell of a train.
Me and Louise Higginbotham use to race across the yard
Back in 1947 that's when more than times were hard
Well pity me I didn't see the line in time and like a fool
In front of God and everybody I politely blew my cool
Ain't no God in Mexico ain't no comfort in the can
When your down in Matamoras gettin' busted by the man
If I had not seen the sunshine I would not cuss your rain.
If my feet would fit a railroad track I guess I would have been a train
In Waylon Jennings's song "Ain't No God in Mexico," the lyrics touch on the themes of lawlessness, disillusionment, and unrequited dreams. The song begins with a hopeful note, as the singer hears about a new day where women are friendly, and the law is not oppressive. However, he remains skeptical, indicating that he will not believe it until he sees it. The singer's thoughts then shift to Mexico, where he discusses his perception that God is absent and the border crossing experience is disorienting, causing a man to be a fool. The lyrics underscore the disillusionment and cynicism of someone who is trying to navigate life's challenges while holding on to some semblance of hope.
The second verse is a reminiscence about the singer's past, where he recalls racing with a girl named Louise Higginbotham, and he blew his opportunity with her. The verse ends with the singer's frustration and embarrassment over blowing his cool. The last verse returns to Mexico as the singer describes being thrown in jail in Matamoras, far from any kind of solace. If the singer's life had been different, he might have been a train, but he is not. The song speaks to the challenges of living a life that is not what one would have envisioned, and the disappointment of those unrequited dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the road a ways I have heard say a new day's comin' on
I've heard rumors of progress and positive change in a certain area.
Where the woman folks are friendly and the law leaves you alone.
The local women are approachable and law enforcement is lenient.
Well I'll believe it when I see it but I haven't seen it yet.
I'm skeptical until I witness this supposed transformation.
Don't mind me just keep on talkin' I am just looking for my hat.
I'm not really interested in the conversation and just trying to locate my lost hat.
Ain't no God in Mexico
Mexico lacks divine guidance.
Ain't no way to understand
It's impossible to comprehend the situation.
How that border crossing feeling makes a fool out of a man.
The emotions stirred by crossing the border can cloud one's judgement and disrupt logical thinking.
If I had not seen the sunshine Hell I would not cuss your rain
Hardships have taught me to appreciate the good times even more.
My feet would fit a railroad track
I'm eager to leave this place behind and move on.
I would made one Hell of a train.
I possess the strength and willpower to achieve great things.
Me and Louise Higginbotham use to race across the yard
I have fond memories of racing with Louise Higginbotham in the past.
Back in 1947 that's when more than times were hard
1947 was a particularly difficult time period.
Well pity me I didn't see the line in time and like a fool
Unfortunately, I failed to notice an important detail and acted foolishly.
In front of God and everybody I politely blew my cool
I lost my temper in a public and embarrassing manner.
Ain't no comfort in the can
There's no solace to be found in jail.
When your down in Matamoras gettin' busted by the man
If you're caught and arrested in Matamoras, it's a bad situation.
If I had not seen the sunshine I would not cuss your rain.
I only complain about negative situations because I know how good life can be.
If my feet would fit a railroad track I guess I would have been a train
If I had the opportunity, I would have left this place long ago.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Billy Joe Shaver
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind