Considering that Tequila is such a popular drink, it has amassed plenty of negative connotations. But despite that, there is no shortage of songs about it.
So, finding the best songs about tequila isn’t going to be a problem. Finding songs where those connotations don’t go too far in their descriptions will reduce the field a bit, though.
Fairly common…
While many people like their tequila, a reasonable percentage of those don’t handle it very well if they drink too much. In some quarters, it’s known as the “home-breaker,” in others “the devil’s favorite,” and still in other places, “mama’s poison.”
It is not uncommon for those who overindulge to lose control of themselves and get into fights. It can have other negative aspects to it in that it can make you very paranoid.
Contents
Tequila
Tequila is made from fermenting sugars that are found in the blue agave plant. The principal sugar is fructose. Some of the processes involved in its manufacture give it a higher alcohol content.
It has been known under different names over the years. “Mexican Brandy”, or “Vino de Tequila”. It takes its formal name from a district in central Mexico.
Some Interesting Ideas for How You Should Drink It
For those who don’t drink Tequila, they will be hearing some varying and interesting options on how it should be drunk. Some of them might sound rather strange. And, I am sure that some will say, that’s a joke, right? But, this is how you are supposed to drink it.
- Lick the back of your hand.
- On the dampened area, pour a little salt.
- Lick the salt off your hand to reduce the risk of the tequila burning you.
- Immediately drink the shot of tequila; that is all of it, don’t sip.
- Suck on a lemon or lime wedge.
- Repeat the process for every drink taken.
Okay, formalities are out of the way, so let’s get on with looking at the music about tequila.
Top 100 Best Songs About Tequila
1
Tequila by The Champs
First of all, a song that everyone will know. This is a song that some would consider a precursor to an early “surf sound.” It was recorded by accident as a bit of a jam session by The Flores Trio at the end of the recording session.
Being an instrumental, it had the flavor of The Surfaris to come a few years later without sounding like them. It was released on a B-side of a song called “Train To Nowhere.” They were both included on the album, Go, Champs, Go!
A DJ happened to play that B-side on one of his shows, liked it, and “Tequila” became a hit overnight. It reached #1 in America in March 1958 and #5 in the UK. It was later included as one of the lead tracks for the album, Tequila Party, released by Gene Autry’s Challenge Records.
A simple song…
While some think it gives it an early feel of the surf sound that was to come, it has plenty of “Mexico” going on. With a little bit of jazz and a few other inspirations. It’s been covered as a song by plenty of people and represents an innocent time in music. No bad thing.
The lyrics? Just four words, “tequila,” repeated four times. One of the reasons it is one of the most iconic songs about tequila.
2
Too Much Tequila by The Champs
What usually happens when a record company has a surprise hit? They recreate a similar thing with the same formula if the band is not doing so well. That lesson was learned early by music executives, and this is another example.
Following on from “Tequila,” there were some singles, but nothing much was happening. So, it’s back to the Mexican brandy we go.
Taking another shot…
Another recording follows on from “Tequila” without having quite the same impact. This was an instrumental with a very rhythmic guitar structure and plenty of brass. It had vocals, if you could call them that. But, it’s hard to determine if anything is actually being said.
Nevertheless, it did reach #30 in the American chart and #49 in the UK chart. And, thanks to their hit song, “Tequila,” it’s an underrated song about tequila.
3
Hot Tequila Brown by Jamiroquai
I was fortunate to be at a function once with a few members of Jamiroquai and a few hundred others to celebrate their first album, Emergency on Planet Earth, doing so well.
Listening to the thoughts and opinions of lead singer and principal songwriter Jay Kay, I realized just how much I had in common with him in those areas. Areas regarding the behavior of the world that meant a lot to him.
The plight of the planet and the Native Americans are two things very close to his heart. Furthermore, the band was named “Jam” after their level of improvisational skills and “Iroquois,” after the Native American nation.
A Hard Description
It has always been hard to define what style they played as they seem to crossover genres, violently at times. The reason I liked them was that they sounded a little bit like The Average White Band at times. They were funky with an R&B flavor and plenty of style and swagger.
But, more than that, most of their tracks had a very dance feel to them. So, they were always popular in discos and nightclubs as well. This track, “Hot Tequila Brown,” is just that.
4
Everybody Hates Me by The Chainsmokers
I mentioned earlier that the side effects of drinking Tijuana can cause a feeling of paranoia. Of course, it does take quite a bit of the stuff to do that. This is a song about that situation.
Released in 2018, the song is about a boy who’s been dumped and humiliated by a girl in public. He heads for the disco, where he feels he may be able to start to pick up the pieces.
Instead, he has this overriding fear developing that everybody hates him. He just wants to relax and hang out with his friends, but the bad feelings become predominant.
5
Jose Cuervo by Shelly West
This song was released in 1983 and is about a girl who talks about her affection for the drink. She even refers to it as a friend of hers.
Part of the song refers to the dangers of drinking too much. She wakes up on a Sunday morning and can remember nothing at all about the night before. Other than that, she was drinking tequila.
Did she start shooting with a gun, start a fight, or go off with one of the locals? It is all unknown to her. And for that reason, it’s one of the best songs about tequila. Also, it’s a very relatable song about drinking tequila, as some will readily attest.
6
Last Name by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is an interesting singer and one you might not necessarily expect to be making music in this subculture. She is an American country singer who rose to fame via one of those talent shows on American TV in 2005.
She co-wrote the song, which was taken from her third album, Carnival Ride, in 2008. It reached #19 in America and did slightly better on the Country music chart. It got a mixed reception. Some appreciated the middle-tempo country style of the song; others criticized the structure and content.
This is a song about drinking too much tequila. It tells the tale of a young girl who meets up with a stranger at a dance. They travel to Las Vegas, get married, and in the morning, she doesn’t even know his name. Perhaps an example of how tequila can bring on some cases of bad judgments.
7
One Tequila by Darius Rucker
This is a song where the singer is making some observations about his experiences with alcohol. He says he can handle a beer and a whiskey, and a glass of wine. But, when he crosses the border, then things change.
Having one tequila with its salt and lime is okay. But, after the second, he feels the whole bar is his friend. By a third tequila, he is in trouble because, as he sings, “his legs don’t work no more.” Or, as he puts it, “one tequila, two, tequila, three tequila floor.”
By the fourth, he is looking at a Tijuana prison, and is just another “drunk gringo”.
Plenty of musical styles…
The music starts with a Mexican-type guitar. But, it then breaks into what sounds like an overdriven Fender Telecaster country riff with piano and violin. From there on, it’s a country-rock-type song that swings along quite nicely.
8
All the Tequila In Tijuana by The Kevin Fowler Band
This is a song with what can only be described as having a rather dubious logic conveyed by the lyrics. The idea is that the singer has someone on his mind. She has left him, possibly because of his drinking habits, so who can blame her.
But, to get rid of the memory of her, he goes down to Mexico and decides to drink himself into a stupor. He does this, still experiencing despair, and feeling ill; he thinks he might die. Guess what? Despite his efforts, he can’t get rid of the memory of her.
Once again, a country ballad with steel guitar and all the trimmings. If you are into country music and want to bemoan your fate, this is probably a good song to do it to.
9
Cheap Tequila by Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter, a fine blues guitarist, was not known for controlling his indulgences. But, what he could do was deliver blistering guitar work. This was taken from what was very much a comeback album from him after a few problems, Still Alive And Well, released in 1973.
It was written by a long-time friend and associate, Rick Derringer, and also included Todd Rungren playing mellotron on the track. It is a very sad song about a woman who has aged too quickly but tries to hide it. He suggests a few tequilas, and living for the day might make her feel better about herself.
Not a typical Johnny Winter track until you get to the solo break. Is it Johnny or Rick playing? Whoever, it adds a little bit of bite to what is essentially an efficient rock ballad.
10
On The Tequila by Alanis Morrisette
Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morrissette will be better known for tracks other than this one. It is taken from one of her later albums, Flavors Of Entanglement.
If you wanted a more lighthearted approach to Tequila, a song without all the gloom and doom, then this is a good start. Furthermore, it’s possibly one of the happiest songs about tequila.
Just a few friends hanging out together, making pizza, and enjoying each other’s company with no dramas at all. I don’t think you can get much more lighthearted than that.
11
Tequila Sunrise by The Eagles
Continuing and ending with the laid-back approach to the best songs about tequila is this well-known track taken from the album, Desperado.
It was The Eagles’ second album. The first had been recorded at Olympic Studios in London. But, for this album, they moved the short distance across West London to Island Studios with its growing reputation. Glyn Johns twiddled the knobs.
A different direction…
Released in 1973, this is one of their finest, an album about cowboy “anti-heroes.” It was also the first album where Glenn Frey and Don Henley started to write together. This track and Desperado are the first two.
In its makeup, it often drew the comparison to today’s “Rock and Roll Lifestyle” being similar to that of an outlaw of the past.
The Sunrise?
No, it isn’t about watching the sun come up after a heavy night. Although, there might have been a few of those. The Tequila Sunrise mentioned is a drink made from Tequila, Orange Juice, and Grenadine. It is drunk slowly through a long glass.
Not the greatest track on this eponymous album, which given its quality, tells us a lot about how good the others were.
12
Tequila Town by George Strait,
13
Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols,
14
Tequila Cowgirl by Cherish Lee,
15
Tequila Time by Dan + Shay,
16
Salt, Lime, and Tequila by Dallas Smith,
17
Tequila in My Hand by Uncle Kracker,
18
Tequila and Bonfires by Corey Smith,
19
Tequila Blues by Sammy Kershaw,
20
Tequila Makes the World Go Round by Brooks & Dunn,
21
Tequila Mockingbird by Robert Earle Keen,
22
Tequila Song by David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales,
23
Tequila, Lime, and Sunshine by Craig Campbell,
24
Tequila Does by Miranda Lambert,
25
Tequila Made Me Do It by Meghan Patrick,
26
Tequila Time Again by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers,
27
Tequila and Me by Alan Jackson,
28
Tequila on a Boat by Jake Owen,
29
Tequila Talk by Rodney Crowell,
30
Tequila Makes Her Dance by Juicy J feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz,
31
Tequila Makes You Crazy by Sammy Hagar,
32
Tequila Thinking by Keith Anderson,
33
Tequila Blind by Rick Trevino,
34
Tequila Love by Brooks & Dunn,
35
One Tequila by Hardy,
36
Tequila in the Sunrise by Daniel Lee Band,
37
Tequila Rockingbird by Jimmy Buffett,
38
Tequila Bay by Johnny Rodriguez,
39
Tequila Dreamin’ by Trace Adkins,
40
Tequila in My Blood by Michael Ray,
41
Tequila Nights by Jimmy Buffett,
42
Tequila Sunrise by Cypress Hill,
43
Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off by Rodney Atkins,
44
Tequila on My Mind by Lonestar,
45
The Tequila Song by Tha Mexakinz,
46
Tequila Twist by The Challengers,
47
Tequila Is My Lady by Robert Earle Keen,
48
Tequila Dreams by Pete Astudillo,
49
Tequila for Two by Roger Creager,
50
Tequila Memories by John Anderson,
More 50 The Best Songs About Tequila
-
- Tequila Makes You Think by Chris Cagle,
- Tequila and Salt by The Maine,
- Tequila Little Time by Jon Pardi,
- Tequila on Ice by Montgomery Gentry,
- Tequila Straight by Brad Paisley,
- Tequila Girl by John Rich,
- Senorita Margarita by Tim McGraw
- Mexican Moonshine by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
- Drinking Tequila by Jim Reeves
- Vida Tequila by Roger Creager
- Salt Tequila and Lime by Dallas Smith
- Bloodshot and Tequila by Shooter Jennings
- I Need Tequila by Sammy Hagar
- Bottom of the Tequila by Rodney Crowell
- Tequila is Addictive by The Mavericks
- Tequila Takes Me There by George Ducas
- Shot of Tequila by Kane Brown
- Two Shots of Tequila by Danny Boone
- Agave Tequila by Christophe Goze
- Cold Beer and Tequila by Drake White
- Tequila is Good for the Heart by Pepe Aguilar
- Margarita Time by George Jones
- Tequila Party by Michael Salgado
- Tequila Limonada by Doble A Nc
- Tequila On The Rocks by The Texas Tornados
- Little Bit Of Tequila by Gretchen Wilson
- Drunk on Tequila by Brett Kissel
- Lulu’s Back in Town/Tequila by Arturo Sandoval
- Shots of Tequila by Gabe Lee
- Tequila’s A Healer by Mike And The Moonpies
- Three Tequila, Floor by Curtis Grimes
- Salt, Lime and Tequila by Julie Roberts
- One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor by The Gentrys
- Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett
- A Shot of Tequila by The Tornados
- One Margarita by Luke Bryan
- Wild as Tequila by Terri Clark
- Tequila Moon by Jessi Colter
- I Like Tequila by The Champs
- Tequila Makes Her Frisky by Joe Diffie
- Tequila Makes the Pain Disappear by Steve Wariner
- Tequila to Mexico by Tim McGraw
- Lime in the Coconut by Harry Nilsson
- Bottoms Up by Brantley Gilbert
- Tequila and Lime by Nashville Cast
- Tequila Loves Me by Kenny Chesney
- Tequila Night by Randy Rogers Band
- Tequila on a Tuesday by Dustin Lynch
- Tequila and You by Kenny Chesney
- Tequila Rain by Nickelback
Searching for Great Songs?
We can help. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Ice Cream, the Best Songs about Friday, the Best Songs About Magic, the Best Songs About Walking, as well as the Best Songs About the Sun and Sunshine for more superb song selections.
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The Best Songs About Tequila – Conclusion
It may have a bad reputation in some quarters, and in the case of some of these songs, we can see why. But, it is still something many drink in moderation and enjoy. And it has spawned some good music.
Until next time, happy listening, and don’t forget the salt and lime.
