Ralph McTell is probably best known for the song Streets of London which has been covered by over a hundred artists around the world. From Clare to Here has proved almost as popular, during a long and continuing recording and performing career.
McTell's guitar style has been influenced by many of the USA's country blues 'Piedmont- style' guitar players of the early 20th century, including Blind Blake and Blind Willie McTell, from whom he took his name.
Tequila Sunset
Ralph McTell Lyrics
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When I get down I'm drinking them two at a time
'Til I swear that I feel like a poor drowning sailor
Salt on my lips and my tongue tastes of lime.
Tequila sunset, Tijuana sunrise
Let's put the light back in each other's eyes
And maybe tomorrow if the wheels can roll
Get to Mexico.
I don't wanna hear any sad stories
Hurt glances in mirrors joined in direct lines
I bought her a drink and we made an agreement
"Don't tell me your sad story and I won't tell you mine."
Tequila sunset, Tijuana sunrise
Let's put the light back in each other's eyes
And maybe tomorrow if the wheels can roll
Then take the road down south babe
Get to Mexico.
Whatever we say it is just the booze talking
Skinny dogs howl at a Mexico moon
Kids wear no shoes, dusty streets full of dreams
Aim for the dance floor and maybe they'll play a slow tune
Oh Tequila sunset, Tijuana sunrise
Turquoise and silver stars hung in the skies
And maybe tomorrow the wheels can roll
We can take the road down south babe
Get to Mexico
We will take the road down south,
Get to Mexico.
The lyrics of the song "Tequila Sunset" by Ralph McTell tells the story of someone who turns to drinking tequila to lift their spirits when they are feeling low. The first verse describes how the person drinks the tequila until they feel like they are drowning and can taste the salt and lime on their lips. The chorus mentions a "Tequila sunset" and a "Tijuana sunrise", indicating that the setting is in Mexico. The chorus also speaks of putting the light back in each other's eyes, suggesting that the person is with someone else, perhaps a lover, and they are both in need of a boost to their spirits. The second verse tells of meeting someone else, buying them a drink, and making an agreement not to share each other's sad stories. The chorus repeats, urging the listener to take the road down south and get to Mexico.
Line by Line Meaning
Takes a glass of Tequila to raise up my spirits
When feeling down or blue, drinking Tequila is an act that is required to uplift my mood.
When I get down I'm drinking them two at a time
Tequila is consumed in multiples when feeling low or unhappy.
'Til I swear that I feel like a poor drowning sailor
The drinking of Tequila makes me feel like I am at the mercy of the sea and drowning is imminent.
Salt on my lips and my tongue tastes of lime.
The flavors of salt and lime accompany the consumption of Tequila for an accurate taste and effect.
Tequila sunset, Tijuana sunrise
A reference to enjoying Tequila shots at sunset and sunrise in Tijuana.
Let's put the light back in each other's eyes
Together we can rekindle the zest for life that we may have lost.
And maybe tomorrow if the wheels can roll
If we are able to move forward and push past our troubles, we may be able to embark on a new adventure.
We can take the road down south, babe, Get to Mexico.
We can plan a trip to Mexico and escape our current problems by exploring a new place.
I don't wanna hear any sad stories
I am not interested in hearing about misfortune or sadness while enjoying my time with a companion.
Hurt glances in mirrors joined in direct lines
We both have experienced sadness before and the memories of such are apparent on our faces.
I bought her a drink and we made an agreement
In an effort to enjoy each other's company, we agree not to discuss depressing topics over drinks.
"Don't tell me your sad story and I won't tell you mine."
Let's keep conversation lighthearted and positive in order to prevent unpleasant memories from surfacing.
Whatever we say it is just the booze talking
The conversation is likely influenced by the consumption of alcohol and not reflective of our genuine emotions.
Skinny dogs howl at a Mexico moon
Canines howl at the moon in Mexico while we are enjoying our time in the country.
Kids wear no shoes, dusty streets full of dreams
Economically disadvantaged children roam the streets in search of adventure barefoot amidst the dust.
Aim for the dance floor and maybe they'll play a slow tune
Our main focus is to enjoy life as we turn to music to help us relax and forget our troubles.
Turquoise and silver stars hung in the skies
The colors of the night sky add to the beauty of the atmosphere while drinking Tequila at sunset.
We will take the road down south,
Get to Mexico.
We plan on escaping from the drudgery of life to embark on a new journey and possibly escape any problems.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RALPH MCTELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind