go_to_mexico
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics

The song "Go to Mexico" by Cassandra Wilson is a ballad that describes a desire to escape reality and find happiness. The opening lines tell us that the singer loves the sun in the distance and wants to become a pretty golden brown, which implies the idea of wanting to escape from their current reality and perhaps their own skin. Simultaneously, the smoke and rum is the mission, which shows the singer's willingness to engage in escapism by pursuing temporary pleasure. They're searching for happiness in the here and now, and they firmly believe that it will melt tomorrow's pain away.

The chorus speaks about the desire to go to Mexico, and it's not clear whether it's a metaphorical or a literal destination. The idea of seeking refuge in Mexico might mean finding peace in a place that's different from the singer's origin. The reference to the blue bag flying past their window and the helicopter being too close might suggest that the singer is trying to escape from danger or anxiety in their current environment. The verse "get your hands on the trigger" implies that there’s a sense of taking control of the situation and doing something instead of remaining passive.

The final verse of the song paints an image of what the singer would do when they finally make it to Mexico. They would wear purple ribbons and dance in the streets. This verse suggests that the singer, once they've reached their destination, will be happy or fulfilled. The song is a portrayal of how we all want to escape reality at times and how we search for happiness in different ways. For the singer, Mexico was like a destination of hope and a new beginning.