Born in Los Angeles, California, Alpert began trumpet lessons at about the age of eight and played at dances as a teenager. Acquiring an early wire recorder in high school, he experimented with recording on this crude equipment. After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1952, he joined the U.S. Army and frequently performed at military ceremonies. After his service in the Army, Alpert tried his hand at acting, but eventually settled on pursuing a career in music. While attending the University of Southern California in the 1950s, he was a member of the USC Trojan Marching Band for two years. He graduated with a BM in 1954.
In 1957, Alpert teamed up with Lou Adler, another burgeoning lyricist, as a songwriter for Keen Records. A number of songs written or co-written by Alpert during the following two years became top twenty hits, including "Baby Talk" by Jan and Dean, "Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke, and "Alley-Oop" by The Hollywood Argyles and by Dante and The Evergreens. In 1960, Alpert began his recording career as a vocalist at RCA Records under the name of Dore Alpert, where he recorded early vocals.
"Tell It To The Birds" was recorded as the first release on the Alpert & Moss label, Carnival Records. When Herb & Jerry found that there was prior usage of the Carnival name, their label became A&M Records.
More information on the band can be found at: http://www.tijuanabrass.com/herb-alpert-faq/
South Of The Border
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 sighed as she whispered, ?manana?
Never dreaming that we were parting
And I lied as a whispered, ?manana?
'Cause our tomorrow never came
South of the border, I jumped back one day
There in a veil of white, by the candlelight, she knelt to pray
The mission bells told me that I mustn'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 song "South of the Border" by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass is a romantic tale that takes us to the exotic world of old Mexican charm. The lyrics describe the singer's experience of falling in love when he was south of the border. He recalls how the stars shining above played a role in his encounter with an enchanting lady in old Spanish lace. The intimate moment was inspired by a fiesta, and they were both so happy that their thoughts still wander back to the event. However, their happiness didn't last forever, and the woman whispered "manana" to her lover, not knowing they would never see each other again. The singer lies by whispering the same word "manana" to hide the fact that they would never have a tomorrow together.
The song emphasizes the beauty of the place south of the border by describing it as a charming place where people fall in love. However, the mission bells ringing in the background tell the singer that it's time to go. It's an emotional and poignant departure, knowing he'll never see that woman again. The line "South of the border, I jumped back one day" is particularly interesting, suggesting the singer has traveled back in time to relive his memories.
Line by Line Meaning
South of the border, down Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico, where stars shone above.
And now as I wander, my thoughts ever stray
My memories often return to that time and place.
She was a picture in old Spanish lace
She was beautiful and wore traditional Spanish clothing.
Just for a tender while I kissed a smile upon her face
For a brief moment, I made her smile with a kiss.
'Cause it was fiesta and we were so gay
We were in the middle of a celebration and very happy.
Then she sighed as she whispered, ?manana?
She said 'tomorrow' with a sigh, not knowing it would never come.
Never dreaming that we were parting
She had no idea that we were saying goodbye forever.
And I lied as a whispered, ?manana?
I also said 'tomorrow,' but I knew it wasn't true.
'Cause our tomorrow never came
We never had another chance to be together.
South of the border, I jumped back one day
I remembered a time when I was at a Mexican mission.
There in a veil of white, by the candlelight, she knelt to pray
I saw a woman, dressed in white, praying by candlelight.
The mission bells told me that I mustn't stay
The bells reminded me that it was time to leave.
Stay South of the border, down Mexico way
I needed to leave Mexico and return home.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JIMMY KENNEDY, MICHAEL CARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@josecarlosbustamante7388
Dad loved this song. And the whole album. And all the discography of Herb Alpert, indeed! This tune sends me back to my first childhood memories. Happy 88th bday Herb Alpert, regards from Peru🇵🇪. An absolute timeless!
@rexretroexploration6724
🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪
@ozneroll2132
How fortunate I was to have lived in the 60’s to hear great music like this. No one and I mean no one .....did a better version of “South Of The Border” than Herb Alpert!
@srfrider1973
agreed.class of 1973 here
@BennieWilll
With Hal Blaine on drums. Wrecking Crew.
@kevinbalsdon4705
You can say that again. When they re release old tunes, they simply murder them.
@hudahekizzy8402
The definition of "ear candy". Will always be in my list of all-time favorites.
@joemoriel9626
Mine too
@ayubtube5513
Tijuana has become a second home of sorts for me at this point and this is the soundtrack to my life when I’m there
@kirklonnquist3265
I listened to this growing up in the 60s and 70s and it still sounds great today