Introduction
The Seashores of Old Mexico: A Country Classic with a Long Journey
While George Strait’s smooth vocals brought “The Seashores of Old Mexico” to many ears in 2005, the song’s story stretches back much further. The true songwriter behind the tune is another country legend: Merle Haggard. Haggard first recorded the song himself in 1974, weaving a tale of a down-on-his-luck traveler finding solace and love on the Mexican coast.
The song wasn’t Haggard’s first foray into this theme. In 1971, country artist Hank Snow had a Canadian Top Ten hit with a similar song titled simply “Seashores.” It’s unclear if there’s a direct connection between the two songs, but both explore the allure of escape and new beginnings south of the border.
Haggard’s version of “The Seashores of Old Mexico” wasn’t a major hit, but the song continued to resonate with other artists. Freddy Weller released his version in 1972, and in 1987, Haggard himself revisited the song for a duet with another country giant, Willie Nelson.
When George Strait included “The Seashores of Old Mexico” on his 2005 album “Somewhere Down In Texas,” he brought the song to a whole new audience. Strait’s version captured the carefree spirit of the original, with its signature steel guitar and laid-back groove. The song became a fan favorite, a testament to the enduring power of Haggard’s storytelling and Strait’s effortless delivery.
So crank up the volume and let George Strait whisk you away to the warm sands and easy living of “The Seashores of Old Mexico” – a song with a rich history and a timeless appeal.