I head out for old Mexico, because I ain't got no where else to go
I'm beat up and broke down and tired of life, but I keep on ridin' in spite of my strife
In a little cantina down by Monterrey vaqueros drink and mariachis play
And tequila keeps coming to keep my old memories down

I see her lookin' over my way, as we dance together she tells me her name
"Esperanza" she whispers and it's then that I know she's stolen my heart with no intent to let go
I'm feelin' better than I have in a while but there's still pain down beneath this smile
And tequila keeps comin' to keep my old memories down

The days go by and our love is well, but there's a passion that burns in her eyes I can tell
She says she must go away for a while, so off to the little cantina I ride
I ain't been there long when I hear from a friend, he's seen Esperanza outside with a man
And tequila keeps comin' to keep me from hurtin' again

I walk outside and there they both stand, the stranger turns 'round to see my gun in my hand
He ducks away but my bullet has gone straight for Esperanza, I can only look on
Her eyes lock with mine as I rush to her side, I fall to my knees on the street and I cry
And tequila keeps comin' to keep all this pain off my mind

Been ridin' for days but I can't stop now, Federales behind me will catch me somehow
Fear's taken over, I only ride on to think of the days before my hope was gone
I only ride on to think of the days before my hope was gone
And tequila keeps comin' to keep my old memories down
And tequila keeps comin' to keep my old memories down