About the Song
In the vast landscape of country music, Toby Keith stands as a towering figure, a true American icon. With his gruff vocals, no-nonsense attitude, and unwavering patriotism, Keith has carved a niche for himself as a singer who speaks to the heart of the common man. His music is a reflection of his own experiences, a blend of hard work, heartbreak, and unwavering love for his country. And among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a quintessential Toby Keith anthem: “Stays in Mexico.”
Released in 2004 as the lead single from his compilation album Greatest Hits 2, “Stays in Mexico” is a defiant ballad that captures the frustrations and sentiments of many Americans regarding illegal immigration. The song’s narrator, a hard-working American, laments the loss of his job to a Mexican immigrant who is willing to work for lower wages. He expresses his anger at the government’s inaction and his belief that the situation is unfair to American citizens.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Stays in Mexico” struck a chord with many listeners, resonating with those who felt their livelihoods threatened by illegal immigration. The song became a rallying cry for those who felt their voices were unheard, and it helped to solidify Keith’s status as a voice for the working class.
But “Stays in Mexico” is more than just a political anthem. It’s also a deeply personal song about loss and disillusionment. The narrator’s sense of betrayal at the hands of his own government is palpable, and his anger is tinged with sadness. He feels like his country has forgotten him, and he’s left to fend for himself in a world that seems stacked against him.
The song’s music video further amplifies its emotional impact. Set in a dusty border town, the video follows the narrator as he goes about his daily life. He’s seen working hard, struggling to make ends meet, and dealing with the constant reminder of his displacement. The video ends with the narrator walking across the border into Mexico, a symbolic gesture of his resignation and despair.
“Stays in Mexico” is a complex and controversial song, but it’s also one of Toby Keith’s most powerful and enduring. It’s a song that speaks to the very heart of the American experience, capturing the hopes, fears, and frustrations of a nation grappling with its identity. And while it may not offer easy answers, it does give voice to those who feel marginalized and forgotten. In a world that is often divided, “Stays in Mexico” stands as a reminder of the common threads that bind us together.
Video
Lyrics: Stays in Mexico
His name was Steve, her name was Gina
They met at a bar called the Cabo Wabo Cantina
He was an insurance salesman from South Dakota
She was a first grade school teacher Phoenix, Arizona
They started dancing and it got real hot
Then it spilled over into the parking lot
One more tequila they were falling in love
One more’s never enoughDon’t bite off more than you can chew
There’s things down here the devil himself wouldn’t do
Just remember when you let it all go
What happens down in Mexico
Stays in MexicoHe woke up in the morning and he made a little telephone call
To check on his wife and his kids back at home, in Sioux Falls
She hopped right in the shower with a heavy, heavy mind
He knew it was the first time Gina’d ever crossed that line
They walked down to the beach and started drinking again
Jumped into the ocean for a dirty swim
One more margarita they were falling in love
One more’s never enoughDon’t bite off more than you can chew
There’s things down here the devil himself wouldn’t do
Just remember when you let it all go
What happens down in Mexico
Stays in Mexico
Oh, MexicoWaiting at the bar in the terminal gate
She says, “Steve I’ve got to go, I’m gonna miss my plane.”
He said, “One more tequila before you climb on up.”
She said, “One more’s never enough.”Don’t bite off more than you can chew
There’s things down here the devil himself wouldn’t do
Just remember when you let it all go
What happens down in Mexico
Stays in MexicoStays in Mexico
Stays in Mexico
Oh, Mexico