The Meaning Behind The Song: The Mexican by Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth’s “The Mexican” is a rock song that was released in 1972. It takes its name from the main character in the song, who is a Mexican fighting in the Wild West. The song’s catchy riff and pulsing rhythm made it an instant classic, and it was covered by numerous artists over the years. But what is the meaning behind the song, and why has it endured for so long? In this article, we’ll explore the lyrics of “The Mexican” and the story behind the song.
The Story Behind The Song
“The Mexican” was written by Alan Shacklock, the guitarist and founder of Babe Ruth. Shacklock was inspired by spaghetti western films such as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars. He wanted to create a song that embodied the same energy and drama as these films. The result was “The Mexican,” a song that tells the story of a Mexican who is caught in a shootout in the Wild West.
The song was released on Babe Ruth’s second album, Amar Caballero, and immediately became a hit. Its driving beat and memorable guitar riff made it a staple on rock radio. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including John Mellencamp and The Lazy Cowgirls.
The Lyrics of “The Mexican”
The lyrics of “The Mexican” tell the story of a Mexican who is caught in a gunfight in the Wild West. The protagonist is described as a “man of honor,” who refuses to back down in the face of danger. The chorus of the song repeats the refrain “He’s the Mexican,” emphasizing the man’s nationality and his bravery in the face of violence.
The song’s lyrics are relatively straightforward, but they capture the drama and excitement of a classic western film. The imagery of the Wild West is vividly conveyed, with lines such as “The dust cloud carries him forward” and “The bullets fly, the sandstorm dies.”
The Legacy of “The Mexican”
“The Mexican” has endured as a classic rock song for nearly 50 years. Its catchy riff and driving beat continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows over the years, including Breaking Bad, Inglourious Basterds, and GLOW.
But why has “The Mexican” endured for so long? One reason may be its timeless theme of bravery in the face of danger. The song’s protagonist, the Mexican, embodies the spirit of the Wild West: tough, honorable, and unafraid. In an era of uncertainty and fear, this message still resonates with listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Babe Ruth?
Babe Ruth was a British rock band that was active in the 1970s. They were known for their bluesy, hard-rock sound and catchy hooks. Their most famous song is “The Mexican.”
What inspired Alan Shacklock to write “The Mexican”?
Shacklock was inspired by spaghetti western films such as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars. He wanted to create a song that embodied the same energy and drama as these films.
What is the story behind the lyrics of “The Mexican”?
The lyrics of “The Mexican” tell the story of a Mexican who is caught in a gunfight in the Wild West. The protagonist is described as a “man of honor,” who refuses to back down in the face of danger. The chorus of the song repeats the refrain “He’s the Mexican,” emphasizing the man’s nationality and his bravery in the face of violence.
Why has “The Mexican” remained popular for so long?
“The Mexican” has endured as a classic rock song for nearly 50 years. Its catchy riff and driving beat continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. The song’s theme of bravery in the face of danger still resonates with listeners today.
Who has covered “The Mexican”?
“The Mexican” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including John Mellencamp and The Lazy Cowgirls.
Has “The Mexican” been used in any films or TV shows?
Yes, “The Mexican” has been used in numerous films and TV shows over the years, including Breaking Bad, Inglourious Basterds, and GLOW.
What other songs are similar to “The Mexican”?
“Tequila” by The Champs and “Peter Gunn” by Henry Mancini are often compared to “The Mexican” due to their memorable riffs and driving beats.
What other songs are on Babe Ruth’s Amar Caballero album?
In addition to “The Mexican,” Amar Caballero includes songs such as “Joker,” “Sad But Rich,” and “Living A Lie.”
What other albums did Babe Ruth release?
Babe Ruth released four albums in total: First Base (1972), Amar Caballero (1973), Babe Ruth (1975), and Stealin’ Home (1976).
What happened to Babe Ruth?
Babe Ruth disbanded in 1976 due to creative differences among the band members. Alan Shacklock went on to produce albums for artists such as Meat Loaf and Roger Daltrey.
What other genres did Babe Ruth experiment with?
In addition to their hard-rock sound, Babe Ruth also incorporated elements of jazz and funk into their music.
What is Alan Shacklock doing now?
Alan Shacklock is still active in the music industry, producing albums and writing songs. He recently produced an album for the British band The Hoosiers.
