"Tequila!" was written by the saxophone player Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio because he was under contract to another record label at the time. Flores, who died in September 2006, was known as the "Godfather of Latino rock." Flores' "dirty sax" and his low-voiced "Tequila!" are the hallmarks of the song. Flores signed away the U.S. rights to the song but retained worldwide rights until his death.
There are many cover versions of the tune, including a jazz version by guitarist Wes Montgomery in 1966. It has also been recorded by rappers A.L.T. and XL Singleton. The Champs also had success with instrumentals such as "Limbo Rock" and "El Rancho Rock". In 1985 "Tequila" featured prominently in the film Pee Wee's Big Adventure.
The Champs also recorded a sequel to Tequila entitled "Too Much Tequila".
The Twist
The Champs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Far out of touch,
But still close enough,
Living in silent fear.
Lonely as such,
Talking in the mirror.
Look harder you'll perceive,
Eyes codified to see unclear,
Primal masquerade,
Puppet of masters fate,
Chorded zombie sermonizing,
Marionette for the magistrate.
Listen, closer til you hear,
Distortion in your ear.
cmoral dereliction of echoes from mortal meres in here!
Pick up your head,
Stick out your hands,
Breathe!
Spinning feeling the air,
In a cyclone,
Caught up in the twist era yet we flow,
Without letting go.
Speeding creatures through the wind,
Cyber clones,
Whirling in the twist era once again,
Until lest we blow away!
Within this moment, lift me out!
Within this moment, lift me up!
Within this moment, lift me out!
Within this moment, lift me up,
Yeah!
Pick up your head,
Stick out your hands,
Breathe!
{In truth, untruths are...}
Spiraling faster,
Off fumes combusting voluntarily.
Cauterizing thrust,
Burning garishly.
Just brake internally,
Devolve and rise with peace and reach,
Deeper and wiser reveal the essence of being.
This tribal motion rhyme,
Is rhythm hypnotizing,
Devotion from the de-vice,
c unifying prophet rising-up with me.
Steady cycling, less prone to weakening.
Magnetic intersections connecting us, strengthening our plea!
Pick up your head!
Pick up your head!
Pick up your head,
Stick out your hands,
Breathe!
Spinning feeling the air,
In a cyclone,
Caught up in the twist era yet we flow,
Without letting go.
Speed-ding creatures through the wind,
Cyber clones,
Whirling in the twist era once again,
Until lest we blow away!
The lyrics of The Champs's song "The Twist" delve deep into themes of disconnection, self-reflection, and the struggle to find one's true self amidst chaos. The opening lines paint a picture of being far removed from what once was familiar, yet still feeling a sense of proximity that brings forth a silent fear and loneliness. The act of talking to oneself in the mirror signifies a search for identity and understanding, with a call to look deeper to uncover truths that may be obscured.
The portrayal of a "primal masquerade" and being a "puppet of masters fate" speaks to the idea of feeling controlled or manipulated by external forces, possibly societal norms or expectations. The mention of being a "chorded zombie sermonizing" and a "marionette for the magistrate" suggests a feeling of being mere instruments in a larger scheme, devoid of true agency or autonomy. The dissonance and confusion reflected in the eyes hint at a struggle to reconcile one's inner vision with the external reality, leading to a sense of fragmentation and disconnect.
The call to action to "pick up your head, stick out your hands, breathe" brings a sense of empowerment and agency, urging the listener to rise above the turmoil and chaos surrounding them. The imagery of being caught in a cyclone and spinning within the twist era signifies being swept away by the currents of life, yet holding on and flowing with the motion without surrendering. The repetition of the mantra to lift oneself out of the moment underscores the need for self-awareness and resilience in navigating through uncertain circumstances.
The final verses encapsulate a journey towards self-discovery and inner peace, symbolized by breaking free from ingrained patterns and finding alignment with one's true essence. The mention of "spiraling faster" and "burning garishly" alludes to a transformative process of shedding illusions and embracing authenticity. The emphasis on unity, connection, and strengthening collective resolve showcases a shift towards embracing one's personal power and finding stability amidst the whirlwind of life. Overall, the lyrics of "The Twist" convey a message of resilience, self-empowerment, and the enduring quest for self-realization in the midst of turmoil and change.
Line by Line Meaning
Far out of touch
Feeling disconnected and distant
But still close enough
Despite the distance, there's still a sense of closeness
Living in silent fear
Existence filled with hidden anxieties
Lonely as such
Isolated and alone
Talking in the mirror
Having internal conversations with oneself
Look harder you'll perceive
Encouraging deeper observation for understanding
Eyes codified to see unclear
Vision obscured by complexities
Dissonance of vision reflecting a schism seer!
Conflicting perspectives revealing the true division
Primal masquerade
Basic act of pretending
Puppet of masters fate
Controlled by destiny
Chorded zombie sermonizing
Speaking as if on autopilot
Marionette for the magistrate
Manipulated by authorities
Listen, closer til you hear
Pay attention until you truly understand
Distortion in your ear
Misinterpreted information
Moral dereliction of echoes from mortal meres in here!
Neglecting ethical guidance in earthly surroundings
Spinning feeling the air
Sensory experience of spinning sensations
In a cyclone
Like being caught in a whirlwind
Caught up in the twist era yet we flow
Engulfed in turbulent times but still moving forward
Without letting go
Holding on steadfastly
Speeding creatures through the wind
Quickly navigating through challenges
Cyber clones
Digital replicas of oneself
Whirling in the twist era once again
Caught in the chaos of the current age
Until lest we blow away!
Until we are no longer influenced by external forces
Spiraling faster
Escalating at a rapid pace
Off fumes combusting voluntarily
Erupting from internal pressure
Cauterizing thrust
Sealing wounds through intense heat
Burning garishly
Intensely consuming
Just brake internally
Slow down the inner turmoil
Devolve and rise with peace and reach
Simplify and elevate with serenity
Deeper and wiser reveal the essence of being
Discovering the true nature of existence with wisdom
This tribal motion rhyme
Structured movement within a community
Is rhythm hypnotizing
The beat captivates the mind
Devotion from the de-vice
Commitment stemming from a purpose
Unifying prophet rising-up with me
Coming together with a visionary leader
Steady cycling, less prone to weakening
Consistent progression, resistant to decline
Magnetic intersections connecting us, strengthening our plea!
Energetic connections fortifying our collective appeal
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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