South of the border, down Mexico way
That's where I fell in love, when the stars above came out to play
And now as I wander, my thoughts ever stray
South of the border, down Mexico way

She was a picture, in old Spanish lace
Just for a tender while, I kissed a smile upon her face
'Cause it was fiesta and we were so gay
South of the border, Mexico way

Then she sighed, as she whispered, "Manjanna"
Never dreaming that we were parting
Then I lied as a whispered, "Manjanna"
'Cause our tomorrow never came

South of the border, I jumped back one day
There in a veil of white, by the candle light she knelt to pray
The mission bells told me that I mustn't stay
South of the border, Mexico way

The mission bells told me, ding-dong that I must not stay
Stay south of the border, down Mexico way