Introduction
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” is a country music song penned by the legendary Merle Haggard. The song narrates the tale of a young man fleeing legal troubles in Tucson, Arizona, seeking refuge and a new life along the serene beaches of Mexico. His journey is fraught with challenges, including losing his money in a poker game and experiencing vehicle troubles. Despite these setbacks, he finds solace and love in the coastal towns of Mexico, choosing to spend the remainder of his life there.
Haggard first recorded the song on July 16, 1969, and it was later released in August 1974 as part of his album “Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album“.
Prior to Haggard’s own release, Canadian country artist Hank Snow covered the song in 1971, achieving significant success with it in Canada. Snow’s rendition reached number 6 on the RPM Top Country Tracks charts, marking it as a Top Ten hit in the country.
In 1987, Haggard revisited the song, this time collaborating with fellow country icon Willie Nelson. Their duet was featured on the album “Seashores of Old Mexico”, a sequel to their successful 1983 collaboration “Pancho and Lefty”.
George Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country,” brought renewed attention to the song with his rendition. He included it as the final single on his 2005 album “Somewhere Down in Texas”. Strait’s version was released on February 13, 2006, and it resonated with audiences, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His heartfelt delivery earned him a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 2007 Grammy Awards.
To complement the song’s narrative, a music video was filmed in February 2006 in Tulum, Mexico, under the direction of Trey Fanjoy. The picturesque coastal backdrop provided an authentic setting that mirrored the song’s themes. The video received positive reception, reaching number 1 on CMT’s Top Twenty Countdown for two consecutive weeks in July 2006.
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” stands as a testament to the storytelling prowess inherent in country music. Through its various renditions by artists like Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Willie Nelson, and George Strait, the song has cemented its place as a classic, capturing the imagination of listeners with its tale of escape, resilience, and finding love in unexpected places.