Tijuana Taxi
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Lyrics
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There's this happy honkin' sound,
Something you just can't put down
It's the world renown Tijuana Taxi cab.
So, you're not impressed you say
With a beatup Chevrolet
But that driver man Jose
Knows his way around Tijuana town.
Hey, ya wanna swing (You just tell Jose)
Have yourself a fling (What-cha wanna play)
Meet some pretty thing? (Any time you say)
Livin' like a king! (Long as you can pay)
Picture post cards 'n' hot tequila
French perfume, man, from Venezuela
When you're on a Tijuana Taxi ride!
Give those bulls a great big hand,
Love that mariachi band,
But the best thing in the land
Is that hand-me-down Tijuana Taxicab
Hey, ya wanna swing (You just tell Jose)
Have yourself a fling (What-cha wanna play)
Meet some pretty thing? (Any time you say)
Livin' like a king! (Long as you can pay)
Picture post cards 'n' hot tequila
French perfume, man, from Venezuela
When you're on a Tijuana Taxi ride!
So you swing and go for broke
Not a penny in your poke
Got no cigarettes to smoke
But ya had your fling, the pretty thing
And every-thing is ring-a-ding. O-le!
The song "Tijuana Taxi" by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass depicts the experience of riding in a taxi in Tijuana. The lyrics mention the "happy honkin' sound" that the taxi makes, and although it may seem like just another beat-up Chevrolet, the driver, Jose, knows his way around town. The taxi provides an affordable means of transportation for those looking to have fun, meet new people, and experience the many sights and sounds of Tijuana.
The song has a playful tone, with several references to "swinging," "having a fling," and "living like a king" as long as you can pay. The experience of riding in a Tijuana Taxi is described as a vibrant mix of picture postcards, hot tequila, and French perfume from Venezuela. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, encouraging listeners to tell Jose what they want, and they will have it.
Overall, "Tijuana Taxi" is an upbeat and catchy song that captures the energy and enthusiasm of Tijuana. It celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as riding in a taxi, enjoying live music, and meeting new people.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in old Tijuana town
We're in Tijuana, Mexico
There's this happy honkin' sound,
The sound of the Tijuana Taxi's horn is cheerful
Something you just can't put down
It's an infectious sound that you can't ignore
It's the world renown Tijuana Taxi cab.
The taxi is famous all over the world
So, you're not impressed you say
You're not convinced, perhaps you have doubts
With a beatup Chevrolet
The car is an old, worn-out Chevy
But that driver man Jose
The taxi driver's name is Jose
Knows his way around Tijuana town.
He knows the city well and can take you anywhere
Hey, ya wanna swing (You just tell Jose)
If you want to have fun and party, just tell the driver
Have yourself a fling (What-cha wanna play)
Let loose and have a good time
Meet some pretty thing? (Any time you say)
The driver will take you to meet someone attractive
Livin' like a king! (Long as you can pay)
You can live luxuriously as long as you have money
Picture post cards 'n' hot tequila
There are postcards and hot tequila available for purchase
French perfume, man, from Venezuela
There is also Venezuelan perfume for sale
When you're on a Tijuana Taxi ride!
You can have this experience if you take a ride in the Tijuana Taxi
Give those bulls a great big hand,
Applaud the bullfighters as they perform
Love that mariachi band,
Enjoy the music of the mariachi band
But the best thing in the land
However, the highlight is
Is that hand-me-down Tijuana Taxicab
The old Tijuana Taxi is the most amazing thing
So you swing and go for broke
You take chances and live dangerously
Not a penny in your poke
You don't have any money left
Got no cigarettes to smoke
You're out of cigarettes
But ya had your fling, the pretty thing
But you had fun and met someone attractive
And every-thing is ring-a-ding. O-le!
Everything is perfect, and everyone is celebrating.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERVAN F. COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrWmburr7
These guys came to Vietnam way back in the summer of 1969 to serenade part of the 3rd Marine Division. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman with Mike 3/9 at the time. These guys played their hearts out for us, and for a couple hours, we felt human again. Thank you, gentlemen.
@diddlebug7241
Thank you for doing your part while on active duty to preserve our way of life and our country. I'm 56 and appreciate all Vietnam veterans for what they did and had to put up with back home.
@catmeowmeow1662
Thank you for serving for our country
@sports_stobbe
Nice history sir
@unclexeres
Welcome home, slightly belated.
@isabelotero7979
Felicidades !
@bcgrittner8076
Back in 1963 I actually rode in a Tijuana Taxi. That was a unique experience, to say the least. I have never forgotten that ride or this musical number.
@stanleydenning
I was born in 1961. When I got into Highschool, I joined the Highschool band. I learned how to play the trumpet and cornet. Herb Albert was my hero.
@tommurphy4307
bert still looks great
@melissademarco5271
This renaissance man was the real deal and had it all, the whole package as they say. Played multiple instruments, read music, composed, arranged, founded a multimillion dollar recording business (A & M) and my goodness was he good looking. Wow, they certainly don't make them like that anymore ! 😪