Tom Johnston



There's a town south of the border

South of El Paso they say

Where the nights are long and the winds are warm

And the women they love to play

In an old adobe tavern

Mescal flows like water

And Rita will dance on your table so fine

You are bound to place your order



I don't have to think about it

I don't have to wonder

Where I'm going to ride tonight

I'll be riding down the highway south of the border



As I ride into town and the dust settles down

And the mariachi music is playing

I buy me a room from a guy named Luis

It's just up the stairs and it's waiting

Downstairs Rita is dancing

Just the way her mother has taught her

So I settle down for the show and a beer

And wait for that mother's daughter



I don't have to think about it

I don't have to wonder

Where I'm going to ride tonight

I'll be riding



When the morning comes and I wake up

To the sounds of the people below

There's a note on my bed that is easily read

Buenos dias and a kiss when you go

As I ride out of town with my face to the sun

And the dust is trailing behind

Soon I'll go back to this sleepy old town

Back where I know I can find



I don't have to think about it

I don't have to wonder

Where I'm going to ride tonight

I'll be riding down the highway south of the border