Jack Vs. Jose
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Lyrics

Heavy breath
The singer is taking a deep breath, potentially feeling nervous or anxious about his surroundings.

Well I stepped off the bus in Memphis
The singer is arriving in Memphis, setting the stage for the scene.

And stumbled into the first saloon I could find
The singer has the appearance of blindly entering any saloon without a clear sense of direction, possibly adding to the tension around him.

I bellied-up to the rail and summoned my barkeep
The artist sat at the bar counter and called the bartender to order a drink.

I ordered up tequila, some salt and a lime
The artist has a clear preference for tequila as his drink of choice.

And she said 'Son, you ain't from around here, is you?'
The bartender is questioning the singer's origin based on his order.

And I said politely, 'No, no ma'am I ain't'
The singer admits that he is not from Memphis.

She said, 'Sonny, let me give you a little bit of friendly Southern advice
The bartender is attempting to give the artist advice out of kindness.

We don't use that junk around here for nothing 'cept well maybe, thinning out paint'
The bartender is suggesting that tequila is not a preferred drink in Memphis and is only useful as a paint thinner.

And she said 'Son, Why don't you just take a look around and tell me what you see?'
The bartender is challenging the artist to better understand his surroundings.

Well I saw a lot of white-felt Stetson hats and gatorskin boots
The singer notices that many people in the bar are wearing stereotypical Southern attire.

You know and every Southern man who had a lady on his arm was drinking whiskey.
The artist sees that whiskey is the beverage choice of many in the bar.

So I said, 'I do not wish to be out of order ma'am. I am not a tramp or a bum.
The singer is trying to explain that he is not looking to cause trouble in the bar.

The dusty Mexican borderlands are where I have just come from.
The singer is sharing information about his recent travel experiences.

And with all due respect and deference, tequila is my preference.'
The singer reiterates his preference for tequila as a drink.

So she said 'Relax honey, you know I would never treat you wrong.'
The bartender reassures the artist that there is no ill intent.

And then she poured me up 3 fingers of that old number 7
The bartender pours the artist a glass of whiskey.

She said 'Rest assured darlin' if we're drinkin' it down here in Dixie, That's cause that's what they're pourin' up in heaven.'
The bartender believes that whiskey is a heavenly drink for Southern people.

And I said 'Ma'am, your hospitality is well intentioned
The singer acknowledges that the bartender meant well.

Yes I know you mean to treat me well.
The artist is aware that the bartender wants to help him.

It's just that where I come from (born and raised in Arizona don't you know), me and my friends be more likely to be found drinking what they serve down in hell.'
The artist jokes that Arizonians prefer stronger drinks than Southerners.

And she said 'Son, why don't you just take a look around and tell me what you see?'
The bartender challenges the artist once again to better understand his surroundings.

Well I saw a lot of furrowed brows under them white-felt Stetson hats
The singer sees that people are not receptive to his presence.

And every Southern man who had a lady on his arm was looking kinda angry
The artist feels that people are angry with him.

So I said 'I do not wish to be out of order gents. I am not a tramp or a bum.
The singer tries to explain himself once more.

The dusty Mexican borderlands are where I have just come from.
The singer reminds the listeners of his recent travel.

And with all due respect and deference, tequila is my preference.'
The singer states that he prefers tequila over other drinks.

So she said 'Hey look you little polecat, you better knock that whiskey back
The bartender becomes angry at the artist.

Before us Southern folks get angry and we come and skin you to the bone
The bartender becomes threatening towards the artist.

And I said 'Ma'am, I can see that you just do not understand.
The singer is frustrated with the lack of understanding from the bartender.

And I've been trying to get a proper drink out of this bar now the WHOLE DAMN NIGHT.
The singer is annoyed that he cannot get the drink he wants.

So kindly set me up that tequila, honey, and let me get it into my blood
The artist is requesting tequila again.

And I will take you and your whiskey-sipping, Southern boys up on that there fight.'
The artist challenges the people in the bar to a fight.

And she said 'Son, why don't you just take yourself a look around, and tell me what you see?'
The bartender continues to challenge the artist to better understand his surroundings.

Well I saw a lot of grinding teeth, and I saw a lot of clinching fists out there
The singer sees that people are preparing to fight him.

And every Southern man who once was over there sitting at the bar was up and coming after me
The artist feels outnumbered and threatened.

So I said 'I do not wish to be out of order here, gentlemen
The singer tries to placate the angry people in the bar.

I am not a tramp, and I am not a bum.
The singer tries to assert his worth.

The dusty Mexican borderlands are where I have just come from and with all due respect and deference, Yeah with all due respect and deference….with all due respect and deference...
The singer repeats his previous explanation of his recent travels.

Gentlemen kindly do not throw me out ass backwards for hankerin
The artist pleads the people in the bar to not hurt him.

For a less-civilized spirit. Why don't I just mosey on along
The artist hints that he may leave soon to avoid any further problems.

And find my tequila on my waaaaay, Back...west.
The singer prefers to return to where he came from.

A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando. Katie bar the Door, pass the gunpowder, and praise the Lord,
This is a common phrase that roughly translates to 'pray to God, and take action too'.

And as I make haste yet slowly to mis amigos you May deem lowly and unholy, I will tell them what I've learned.
The artist plans on sharing his experience with his friends, despite the people in the bar thinking lowly of them.

Though I've been gulagged and I've Been spurned, si a Roma fueres haz como vieres, Or when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The artist acknowledges that he has been rejected and mistreated, but suggests the idea of assimilating when in a new place.

But Memphis, why not try something new and when the Barbarians arrive here at your gate, treat us not With fear and hate,
The artist suggests that Memphis should try to be more accepting of outsiders, even when they come with different customs or drinks.

for we come, not to conquer, Or be rude, but to raise a glass and say, 'Salúd!'
The singer urges the people in the bar to not be afraid of him or his friends, since their only desire is to enjoy a drink together.