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 wonder, their thoughts ever stray

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

South of the border down Mexico way
Then she sighed as she whispered, "Manana"
Never dream that we were parting
And I lied as I whispered, "Manana"
'Cause our tomorrow never came

South of the border I rode back one day
There in a veil of white by candlelight
She knelt to pray but the mission bells
Told me that I mustn't stay

South of the border down Mexico way
Ay-ay-ay-ay ay-ay-ay-ay
Ay-ay-ay-ay ay-ay-ay-ay