About the song
“Down in Mexico,” the debut single by The Coasters, was released in 1956 and marked the beginning of a distinguished career for the legendary rock and rhythm & blues group. Written by the acclaimed songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the track also features on The Coasters’ 1957 album, enhancing its significance as a key piece of their early discography. This infectious tune climbed to No. 8 on the R&B charts in the same year, establishing The Coasters as a notable act in the music industry.
The song’s narrative transports listeners to a lively Mexican setting, where the protagonist encounters a charismatic piano-playing boss adorned with a red bandanna. The scene vividly unfolds in a honky-tonk bar, culminating in an exuberant dance with a spirited Mexican girl. The vivid storytelling, combined with the song’s energetic rhythm, captures the essence of a lively and colorful Mexican fiesta.
“Down in Mexico” is particularly renowned for its distinctive musical elements. The use of castanets adds an authentic touch of Latin flair, while a spoken recitation by Carl Gardner, performed in a playful Mexican accent, adds a unique character to the track. This recitation, heard towards the end of the song, underscores the playful and engaging nature of the tune.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial release, as it was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 film *Death Proof* and also appeared in Todd Phillips’ *The Hangover Part III*. Notably, the version used in these films is a re-recording from 1973, reflecting the song’s enduring appeal and relevance.
The personnel behind the recording included some of the era’s notable musicians, such as Mike Stoller on piano, Gil Bernal on saxophone, and Barney Kessell on guitar, among others. The track has also inspired several cover versions over the years, with renditions by artists such as Bobby Short, Ella Mae Morse, Deja Voodoo, and Manfred Mann, showcasing its lasting impact and versatility.
“Down in Mexico” is not just a debut single but a timeless piece that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of its era, proving to be a significant and enduring contribution to The Coasters’ storied legacy.
Video
Lyrics
Down in the Mexicali
There’s a crazy little place that I know
Where the drinks are hotter than the chili sauce
And the boss is a cat named Joe
He wears a red bandana, plays a blues pianna
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
He wears a purple sash and a black moustache
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
Well, the first time that I saw him
He was a-sittin’ on a piano stool
I said a-tell me dad, when does the fun begin?
He just winked his eye and said man, be cool
He wears a red bandana, plays a blues pianna
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
He wears a purple sash and a black moustache
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
all of a sudden in walks this chick
(In Mexico) Joe starts playing on a Latin kick
(In Mexico) around her waist she wore three fishnets
(In Mexico) she started dancin’ with the castanets
(In Mexico) I didn’t know just what to expect
(In Mexico) she threw her arms around my neck
(In Mexico) we started dancin’ all around the floor
And then she did a dance I never saw before
So if you’re south of the border
I mean down in my Mexico
And you wanna get straight
Man, don’t hesitate
Just look up a cat named Joe
He wears a red bandana, plays a blues pianna
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
He wears a purple sash, and a black moustache
(In a honky-tonk down in Mexico)
Yeah, como esta usted senorita? Ha-ha-ha
Hey, come with me to the border, south of the border that is
In the Mexico, yeah, in Mexico
Yeah, you can get your kicks in Mexico
Come with me, baby, come with me
Come with me, yeah, crazy, ha-ha-ha
Yeah
qwerty