Introduction:
“Stays in Mexico” is a song by American country music artist Toby Keith, released in August 2004 as the lead single from his compilation album Greatest Hits 2. The song, which embodies a fun and carefree spirit, quickly became a favorite among fans and reached number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and number 2 on the Canada Country chart. It also made its way to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 51, showcasing its crossover appeal beyond just country music audiences.
“Stays in Mexico” is characterized by its lively and storytelling nature, fitting well within the country genre. It tells the tale of a man named Steve, an insurance salesman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a woman named Gina, a first-grade school teacher from Phoenix, Arizona. Both characters, away from their respective spouses, meet in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and enjoy a tequila-filled weekend affair, underscored by the recurring notion that “what happens down in Mexico stays in Mexico.” The song reflects the themes of adventure, escape, and the thrill of living in the moment, resonating with many listeners who have ever dreamed of leaving behind their routine lives for a spontaneous adventure.
The music video for “Stays in Mexico,” directed by Michael Salomon, was shot in Acapulco, Mexico, and premiered on CMT on August 19, 2004. It visually captures the carefree, sun-soaked ambiance of the song, featuring a light-hearted narrative that complements the lyrics’ story of unexpected romance and adventure.
Critically, the song received mixed reviews. While praised for its catchy melody and relatable storyline, some critics noted its morally questionable themes, which might not appeal to all listeners. Despite this, “Stays in Mexico” solidified Toby Keith’s reputation for creating engaging and narrative-driven country music that can transport listeners to a different place and time.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Stays In Mexico”
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, 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