Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).

As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.

He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.

South of the Border
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

South of the border, down Mexico way,
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 ol' Spanish lace,
Just for a tender while I kissed the smile upon her face,
For it was "Fiesta" and we were so gay,

South of the border, down Mexico way!

Then she sighed as she whispered "Mañana"
Never dreamin' that we were partin',

And I lied as I whispered "Mañana"
For our tomorrow never came!

South of the border, I rode back one day,
There in a veil of white by candle-light she knelt to pray,
The mission bells told me that I mustn't stay,
South of the border, down Mexico way!

Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay
Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!

Overall Meaning

The song "South of the Border" by Perry Como is a romantic ballad that speaks of a love that was discovered in Mexico. The singer of the story falls in love beneath the stars with a woman wearing an old Spanish lace. The singer remembers the moment when they kissed and enjoyed the "Fiesta" and how the memories of that time continue to follow him wherever he goes. The song also speaks about the sadness of leaving that special someone once the festivities are over, with both saying "mañana" to each other, not realizing that they would be separated forever.

As the song progresses, the singer returns to Mexico and finds his love again, but she is no longer single. The last verse sees the singer encountering her at a church, marrying a different man, and knelt to pray. The mission bells signify that the singer must not stay in the country of their love since destiny did not have them united. The song is a gorgeous depiction of how love can exist in the most unexpected places and how such an encounter can be both enlightening and heartbreaking.

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 with the girl I met under the stars.

And now as I wander, my thoughts ever stray,
I often think about the girl I fell in love with in Mexico.

South of the border, down Mexico way!
I will always remember the time I spent in Mexico.

She was a picture in ol' Spanish lace,
The girl I fell in love with was beautiful in her traditional Spanish dress.

Just for a tender while I kissed the smile upon her face,
I shared a special moment with her when I kissed her smile.

For it was "Fiesta" and we were so gay,
We were happy and carefree during the festive "Fiesta".

South of the border, down Mexico way!
I will always remember the joy we shared in Mexico.

Then she sighed as she whispered "Mañana"
She said "tomorrow" with a sigh.

Never dreamin' that we were partin',
Neither of us thought we would be saying goodbye.

And I lied as I whispered "Mañana"
I also said "tomorrow" but knew we wouldn't see each other again.

For our tomorrow never came!
We never got to see each other again after we said goodbye.

South of the border, I rode back one day,
I returned to Mexico some time later.

There in a veil of white by candle-light she knelt to pray,
I saw her at the church praying in a white veil and candlelight.

The mission bells told me that I mustn't stay,
I felt that I had to leave when the church bells rang.

South of the border, down Mexico way!
I will always remember the bittersweet memory of seeing her again in Mexico.

Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay
Expressing strong emotions of sadness and longing.

Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!
Expressing strong emotions of sadness and longing.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JIMMY KENNEDY, MICHAEL CARR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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