I head out for old Mexico, because I ain't got no where else to go
I'm beat up and broke down and tired of life, but I keep on ridin' in spite of my strife
In a little cantina down by Monterrey vaqueros drink and mariachis play
And tequila keeps coming to keep my old memories down
I see her lookin' over my way, as we dance together she tells me her name
"Esperanza" she whispers and it's then that I know she's stolen my heart with no intent to let go
I'm feelin' better than I have in a while but there's still pain down beneath this smile
And tequila keeps comin' to keep my old memories down
The days go by and our love is well, but there's a pa**ion that burns in her eyes I can tell
She says she must go away for a while, so off to the little cantina I ride
I ain't been there long when I hear from a friend, he's seen Esperanza outside with a man
And tequila keeps comin' to keep me from hurtin' again
I walk outside and there they both stand, the stranger turns 'round to see my gun in my hand
He ducks away but my bullet has gone straight for Esperanza, I can only look on
Her eyes lock with mine as I rush to her side, I fall to my knees on the street and I cry
And tequila keeps comin' to keep all this pain off my mind
Been ridin' for days but I can't stop now, Federales behind me will catch me somehow
Fear's taken over, I only ride on to think of the days before my hope was gone
I only ride on to think of the days before my hope was gone
And tequila keeps comin' to keep my old memories down