South Of The Border
Frank Sinatra/Nelson & Orchestra Riddle Lyrics
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That's where I fell in love, when the stars above, came out to play
And now as I wander, my thoughts ever stray
South of the border, down Mexico way
She was a picture, in old Spanish lace
Just for a tender while, I kissed a smile upon her face
'Cause it was fiesta, and we were so gay
Then she sight as she whispered mañana
Never dreaming that we were parting
And I lied as a whispered mañana
'Cause our tomorrow never came
South of the border, I jumped back one day
There in a veil of white, by the candle light, she knelt to pray
The mission bells told me that I musn't stay
South of the border, Mexico way
The mission bells told me (ding dong) that I must not stay
Stay south of the border, down Mexico way
The classic Frank Sinatra song "South of the Border" evokes the spirit of love, romance and adventure. It opens with the singer reminiscing about falling in love in "Mexico way". The stars above and the warm, balmy night set the perfect stage for love to blossom. As he wanders his thoughts ever stray back to that time when he found true love in the company of an elegant Spanish beauty, who was picture perfect in her old Spanish lace. Their romance was kindled at a fiesta celebration, and for a brief moment in time, they were the happiest they had ever been.
Unfortunately, their happiness was cut short. As she whispered "Mañana" he didn't realize that it would be the last time they would be together. He lied too, whispering "Mañana" back, but their tomorrow never came. The singer can only remember her kneeling in prayer, bathed in candlelight; by her side, he knew he could no longer stay. The mission bells pealing remind him of his failure to hold on to this love that once filled his heart so completely.
"South of the Border" is a brilliantly written song that captures the essence of a love that was lost. With Sinatra's soothing voice and the well-crafted melody, the song resonates with listeners even today. It has become a classic that has stood the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
South of the border, down Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico.
That's where I fell in love, when the stars above, came out to play
I fell in love at night under the stars in Mexico.
And now as I wander, my thoughts ever stray
My mind often goes back to my time in Mexico.
She was a picture, in old Spanish lace
She was stunning in her traditional Spanish clothing.
Just for a tender while, I kissed a smile upon her face
I shared a short but sweet moment with her, making her smile.
'Cause it was fiesta, and we were so gay
We were happy and celebrating because it was a fiesta.
Then she sight as she whispered mañana
She said goodbye by whispering 'mañana'.
Never dreaming that we were parting
Neither of us expected to say goodbye forever.
And I lied as I whispered mañana
I also said 'mañana' even though I knew we would never see each other again.
'Cause our tomorrow never came
We never got the chance to meet again.
South of the border, I jumped back one day
I went back in time to the day before I had to leave Mexico.
There in a veil of white, by the candle light, she knelt to pray
I saw her kneeling in prayer, wearing a white veil and lit by candlelight.
The mission bells told me that I musn't stay
I heard the bells of the mission telling me it was time to go.
Stay south of the border, down Mexico way
I wish I could go back and stay in Mexico forever.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JIMMY KENNEDY, MICHAEL CARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fasbc
I enjoyed the Frank Sinatra/Nelson Riddle teaming up story a lot. The vocalist did a nice job on the song. Great orchestra!