Tequila – The Champs (1958)

About the song

## Tequila – A Timeless Classic by The Champs

In the annals of rock and roll history, few songs have captured the essence of youthful exuberance and carefree fun quite like “Tequila” by The Champs. Released in 1958, this instrumental masterpiece became an instant hit, cementing the band’s place in the pantheon of rock and roll pioneers.

The song’s infectious energy is immediately apparent from the opening guitar riff, which sets a frenetic pace that never relents. The driving rhythm, combined with the energetic drumming and the playful saxophone solo, creates a sense of unrestrained joy and excitement. The song’s simplicity is its strength, as it relies on a basic chord progression and a repetitive melody that is both catchy and memorable.

“Tequila” is more than just a catchy tune; it is a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences of all ages for decades. The song’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and carefree abandon. It transports listeners back to a simpler time, when life was full of possibilities and the future seemed bright.

The Champs’ performance of “Tequila” is nothing short of masterful. The band’s musicianship is impeccable, and their energy is infectious. The guitarist’s playing is particularly impressive, as he effortlessly switches between fast-paced riffs and soulful solos. The saxophone player’s performance is equally impressive, as he adds a touch of bluesy flair to the song.

“Tequila” has been covered by countless artists over the years, but The Champs’ original version remains the definitive recording. The band’s performance is so iconic that it has been sampled and interpolated in countless hip-hop and electronic music tracks. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with audiences across generations.

In conclusion, “Tequila” by The Champs is a classic rock and roll song that continues to captivate audiences today. Its infectious energy, catchy melody, and timeless appeal have made it a cultural touchstone that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

I was at the bar with my drinkin team
It was me Jack Daniels and my homey Jim Bean
We were kinda blitzed and we were trying to behave Y’all
When in walked a soldier he was from the fuzzy naval
We were fallin, stumblin, crawlin
Her come da police, Captain Tom Collins
And the rapper said freeze
He said “hands in the air and hand over your keys”
Now we did, and that was kinda simple
Now here came Marguarita and her friend Shirley Temple
I asked my friend ’bout Marguarita,
He said Shirley was a virgin an I wouldn’t wanna meet her
So I talked to Marguarita, cause yoh, she was flyer
I took her to the coast cause I wanted to Screw Driver
Now Im not one for a speech
But there was plenty of Tequila and Sex On The Beach, Y’all

Tequila
Te-te-te, Tequila
Tequila

Here we go again and I’m not fussin’
See I’m a French Mexican but I can get with White Russians
At the bar with a drink in my hand
In walked Jose Cuervo what was margaritas man
I talked to the wise man cause, yoh he’s distinguished
His name was St. Ives and he spoke in old English
He said “you’d better think fast
Cause Jose is kinda crazy and I heard he Shot Glass”
He gave me some advice and it went like this
“Catch the night train and head up to ‘cisco”
I didn’t wanna stick around
I caught the 1:51 to New York, the Grey Hound
Now I’m at the Red Zone, everybody’s stylin’
Was sippin’ Ice Teas on Long Island
I blacked out and the party came to a halt
Cause I was drinking the Tequila with the lemon assault Y’all

Tequila
Te-te-te, Tequila
Tequila

I woke up in the morning and felt like a Zombie
The Tequila Gold Label had bombed me
You see I woke up late and wasn’t feelin’ so great
And Mike said there’s a Bicardi party startin’ at eight
Yo we walked in the party and started playin our games
We played tops, fuzzy quarters, with Bartles and James
Here came Shirley Temple and they told me to chill
Because the Mickey Brothers took her up to strawberry hill
They took her a thousand mink and she could barely think
Cause the Tequila that she drank had her tickled pink
Now the music came on and I rocked the instrumental
There’s a groupie named Mai Tai, a fly oriental
A groupie is a girl that jocks
She wore the def Black Velvet and drank Scotch on the Rocks
We had a fake marriage, now here’s to honeymoon
Ya zone vagabond and the Blue Lagoon
Now everybody take a word from the wise
A girly and a bottle, Tequila Sunrise

Tequila
Te-te-te, Tequila
Tequila

Tequila
Te-te-te, Tequila
Tequila