Toby Keith – Stays In Mexico (Official Music Video)

Introduction:

Country music singer Toby Keith released “Stays In Mexico” in 2004 as the lead single from his compilation album Greatest Hits 2. The song quickly became a country music anthem, celebrating American culture and identity, particularly in relation to Mexico.

While not included on a studio album, “Stays In Mexico” established itself as a signature Toby Keith track. It features the driving beat, twangy guitars, and distinctive vocals that fans have come to expect from Keith. The song was written by Keith himself alongside Scotty Emerick.

“Stays In Mexico” was a massive commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remained there for an impressive six weeks. The song’s popularity extended beyond the country charts, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

However, “Stays In Mexico” was not without controversy. The song’s celebration of American identity in contrast to Mexico led some critics to accuse it of xenophobia. Despite the controversy, “Stays In Mexico” remains a popular choice among Toby Keith fans and a staple of country radio.

The music video showcases a vacation gone wild south of the border. While the visuals themselves don’t explicitly depict Mexico in a negative light, the song’s lyrics play off the popular slogan “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” with the refrain “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.” This lyric emphasizes a sense of American exceptionalism and implies that Mexico is a place where wild and uncontrolled behavior is the norm.

Whether celebrating the freedom of being American or reinforcing cultural stereotypes, “Stays In Mexico” is a song that continues to spark conversation more than two decades after its release.

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 Mexico

He 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 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 Mexico
Oh, Mexico

Waiting 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 Mexico

Stays in Mexico
Stays in Mexico
Oh, Mexico