2. There was also a Rat Pack from Ventura, CA on Mystic Records that released two EP's titled "Rat Pack" and "Ice Cream, Acid, and Cigarettes" and one self titled LP. They were also released on few Mystic Records compilations such as the Nardcore comp.
3.There is also a UK rave group from the early '90s who used the name The Rat Pack who had hits with tracks like "Searchin' for my rizzla"
South of the Border
The Rat Pack Lyrics
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That's where I fell in love, where 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 old Spanish lace
Just for a tender while, I kissed a smile - upon her face
'Cause it was fiesta - and we were so gay
Then she smiled as she whispered "mañana"
Never dreaming that we were parting
Then I lied as a whispered "mañana"
'Cause our tomorrow never came
South of the border - I jumped back one day
There in a veil of white, by the candle light - she knelt to pray
The mission bells told me (ding-dong) - that I musn't stay
South of the border - Mexico way
Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!
The Rat Pack's South of the Border is a romantic ballad that tells a story of a man who fell in love while visiting Mexico. The song is filled with imagery that helps to set the scene of a beautiful, starry night in the country. The opening line, "South of the border, down Mexico way", immediately transports the listener to a different time and place. The stars in the sky are mentioned as if they are playing a part in the unfolding romance between the singer and his love interest.
The second verse introduces us to the woman who has captured the singer's heart. She is described as "a picture in old Spanish lace", which suggests that she is both beautiful and traditional. The use of the word "gay" in the line "Cause it was fiesta - and we were so gay" is notable, given that the song was recorded in the early 1960s, which was still a time when being openly gay was taboo. However, in this context, it refers to joy and celebration.
The final verse takes a melancholy turn, as the singer recalls the day he had to leave Mexico and his lover behind. The exchange of "mañana" between the two suggests that they would see each other again, but ultimately, their tomorrow never came. The bells of a nearby mission serve as a reminder that he must leave, and the last line of the song includes a classic exclamation, "Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!", that is often associated with Mexican music.
Line by Line Meaning
South of the border - down Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico
That's where I fell in love, where the stars above - came out to play
I fell in love under the stars in Mexico
And now as I wander - my thoughts ever stray
I often think about my love in Mexico
South of the border - down Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico
She was a picture - in old Spanish lace
She was beautiful in her Spanish lace clothing
Just for a tender while, I kissed a smile - upon her face
I kissed her and made her smile during a happy moment
'Cause it was fiesta - and we were so gay
We were happy and enjoying the fiesta in Mexico
South of the border - Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico
Then she smiled as she whispered "mañana"
She smiled and said "tomorrow"
Never dreaming that we were parting
She never thought we would separate
Then I lied as I whispered "mañana"
I lied and said "tomorrow"
'Cause our tomorrow never came
We never had a future together
South of the border - I jumped back one day
I remembered a time when I was in Mexico
There in a veil of white, by the candle light - she knelt to pray
She was praying while dressed in white by candlelight
The mission bells told me (ding-dong) - that I musn't stay
The bells at the mission indicated that I needed to leave
South of the border - Mexico way
I fell in love in Mexico
Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!
This line is a Spanish expression of excitement or enthusiasm
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JIMMY KENNEDY, MICHAEL CARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind