Loading AI tools
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"South of the Border Down Mexico Way" is a popular song describing a trip to Mexico, written by Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr. It was originally released in 1939, with many versions following, including one for the film of the same name sung by star Gene Autry.[7]
"South of the Border Down Mexico Way" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Gene Autry | ||||
B-side | "Gold Mine in Your Heart" | |||
Published | March 30, 1939 by Peter Maurice Music Co., Ltd., London[1] | |||
Released | October 13, 1939[2] | |||
Recorded | September 11, 1939[3] | |||
Studio | Stevens Hotel, Chicago | |||
Genre | Hillbilly, Country & Western | |||
Length | 2:48 | |||
Label | Vocalion 5122[4] | |||
Composer(s) | Michael Carr | |||
Lyricist(s) | Jimmy Kennedy | |||
Gene Autry singles chronology | ||||
|
In the lyrics, a man looks back with regret for having left a woman he can't forget. When he returns much later, she is preparing to wed, presumably to either the church or another man. In the movie, however, she has become a nun to atone for her brother's crimes.[8] Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.[9]
The song was a hit in 1939 for Shep Fields, vocal by Hal Derwin, reaching the No.1 spot for five weeks.[10] Other successful recordings in 1939 were by Guy Lombardo, Gene Autry, Ambrose (vocal by Denny Dennis) and Tony Martin.[11]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.