Lyle Lovett — The Road To Ensenada
Album: The Road To EnsenadaAvg rating:
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Length: 4:06
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As I lay sick and broken
Viva Mexico
My eyes just won't stay open
And I dream a dream of home
I dream a dream of home
Where there's coffee on the table
And kindness in your hands
Honey I'll help you when I'm able
But right now I'm feelin' bad...
Right now I'm feelin' bad
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me...
You ain't no friend to me
The road to Ensenada
Is plenty wide and fast
If you head south from Tijuana
I'll see you at last...
I'll see you at last
But my eyes they open slowly
And look around the room
The old man he seems worried
And there ain't no sign of you...
There ain't no sign of you
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me...
You ain't no friend to me
You can offer to the righteous
All the good that you have won
But down here among the unclean
All your good just comes undone...
Your good just comes undone
The sisters at the borderline
Oh, they're holding out their hands
They're begging me for something, Lord
Oh, but I don't understand...
I don't understand
So, it's adios to Alvero
Tell him to stay between the lines
And if he sees that Gabriella girl
Tell her I'll look her up next time...
Say I'll look her up next time
Because the road to Ensenada
Is plenty wide and fast
And this time through Tijuana
Well it won't be my last...
It won't be my last
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me
You ain't no friend to me
No you ain't no friend to me
Viva Mexico
My eyes just won't stay open
And I dream a dream of home
I dream a dream of home
Where there's coffee on the table
And kindness in your hands
Honey I'll help you when I'm able
But right now I'm feelin' bad...
Right now I'm feelin' bad
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me...
You ain't no friend to me
The road to Ensenada
Is plenty wide and fast
If you head south from Tijuana
I'll see you at last...
I'll see you at last
But my eyes they open slowly
And look around the room
The old man he seems worried
And there ain't no sign of you...
There ain't no sign of you
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me...
You ain't no friend to me
You can offer to the righteous
All the good that you have won
But down here among the unclean
All your good just comes undone...
Your good just comes undone
The sisters at the borderline
Oh, they're holding out their hands
They're begging me for something, Lord
Oh, but I don't understand...
I don't understand
So, it's adios to Alvero
Tell him to stay between the lines
And if he sees that Gabriella girl
Tell her I'll look her up next time...
Say I'll look her up next time
Because the road to Ensenada
Is plenty wide and fast
And this time through Tijuana
Well it won't be my last...
It won't be my last
Listen to your heart that beats
And follow it with both your feet
And as you walk and as you breathe
You ain't no friend to me
You ain't no friend to me
No you ain't no friend to me
Comments (62)add comment
LAwolf8 wrote:
when I worked at a Mexican restaurant one of the kids gave me that CD because "it is so depressing" - maybe age gives one perspective but I think I've always liked a sad, sweet song?
He has always had sensitive lyrics and great sly sense of humor, Try Joshua Judges Ruth, great CD
easmann wrote:
I respectfully disagree with both assessments. He's not for you, that's clear, and that's fine. As time has passed I appreciate this more. There's depth and grace and a gentle strength to Lyle's music that I don't think Pat Boone ever aspired to, which is also fine. And the musicianship is considerable (and sure, there're plenty of examples of fine musicianship that just don't appeal to me either).
I appreciate good bombast and even a few cacophonous extremities, and I appreciate this other end of the spectrum too, and the contrast provided. Which in the end is just a long way around to: Some like it, some don't. Peace.
You might as well compare your wife with someone walking down the street.
I respectfully disagree with both assessments. He's not for you, that's clear, and that's fine. As time has passed I appreciate this more. There's depth and grace and a gentle strength to Lyle's music that I don't think Pat Boone ever aspired to, which is also fine. And the musicianship is considerable (and sure, there're plenty of examples of fine musicianship that just don't appeal to me either).
I appreciate good bombast and even a few cacophonous extremities, and I appreciate this other end of the spectrum too, and the contrast provided. Which in the end is just a long way around to: Some like it, some don't. Peace.
You might as well compare your wife with someone walking down the street.
ch83575 wrote:
Turns out, JB sang backing vocals on this album. Among Shawn Colvin and Randy Newman. LL has no trouble getting top talent to work with.
c.
He is such an emotive singer. Kind of like Jackson Browne in that regard. I love them both.
c.
Well in the early eighties I was in the Navy in San Diego riding a motorcycle down to Ensenada with a pretty girl on my back. I remember Ensenada as the place we once found our favorite local 'big hotel' full one night and the desk clerk looked us over a little, and said "There's a lady down the road who sometimes rents a room. It' clean and nice." I'm sure she made a phone call on our behalf after she gave us the directions.
Balcony overlooking the ocean, fireplace, giant bed. I hate to think how little we must have paid for that room, as beautiful as it was.
Forty years on, we're in Michoacan, building a mother-in-law with a rooftop deck that will give us a good view of the mountains.
So I guess that's my...Ensenada and living in Mexico a long time story?
Balcony overlooking the ocean, fireplace, giant bed. I hate to think how little we must have paid for that room, as beautiful as it was.
Forty years on, we're in Michoacan, building a mother-in-law with a rooftop deck that will give us a good view of the mountains.
So I guess that's my...Ensenada and living in Mexico a long time story?
You could play more Lyle here and the stars wouldn't mind.
chinaski wrote:
If you were in Dallas that long, you may have heard the Old 97's, a rockin' bunch out of Denton. Great live performers too, saw them open for Chris Isaak ages ago - they brought the house down!
c.
I'm originally from the NJ suburbs outside of NYC and so I'm dyed in the wool East Coast but found myself living and working in Dallas for 27 years. Exposed to the sounds of Texas I gotta admit this native son is an amazing performer. When he's not singing and playing for you he's ranching real cowboy style.
If you were in Dallas that long, you may have heard the Old 97's, a rockin' bunch out of Denton. Great live performers too, saw them open for Chris Isaak ages ago - they brought the house down!
c.
nickferrante10 wrote:
c.
He's easy to dismiss if you aren't naturally into that mellow country sound (not normally my thing). But if you give him a good listen you'll realize his lyrics are honest, wise and often funny.
Yeah, you probably haven't heard much from his 'Large Band' days. Mr. Lovett does not fit neatly into any categories. No matter, I am glad you're listening and appreciating his talents (many).c.
You didn't fall utterly in love with Lyle Lovett and this song? Don't even want to know you.
His music is a comfort. :)
I've never had much use for country music but once in a while a song or artist draws me to the music. LL is one of those.
pinto wrote:
He opened for The Judds in concert many years ago. Naomi Judd quipped, "We like Lyle Lovett. I mean, we don't share our hair products with just anyone."
That had to 'many' years, 'cause it's been ages since LL opened for anyone!
I've seen him several times, from his Large Band with Francine Reed (!) to just a year ago. He is the real deal: cowboy, rancher, songwriter and performer. Never met him, but all accounts say he is the nicest guy you'd ever meet.
Not many musicians have been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame either...
c.
He opened for The Judds in concert many years ago. Naomi Judd quipped, "We like Lyle Lovett. I mean, we don't share our hair products with just anyone."
That had to 'many' years, 'cause it's been ages since LL opened for anyone!
I've seen him several times, from his Large Band with Francine Reed (!) to just a year ago. He is the real deal: cowboy, rancher, songwriter and performer. Never met him, but all accounts say he is the nicest guy you'd ever meet.
Not many musicians have been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame either...
c.
He's easy to dismiss if you aren't naturally into that mellow country sound (not normally my thing). But if you give him a good listen you'll realize his lyrics are honest, wise and often funny.
I'm originally from the NJ suburbs outside of NYC and so I'm dyed in the wool East Coast but found myself living and working in Dallas for 27 years. Exposed to the sounds of Texas I gotta admit this native son is an amazing performer. When he's not singing and playing for you he's ranching real cowboy style.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I'm glad she made you go. I'm glad you discovered how amazing he is. I didn't really know either until I made myself go last year when he was performing unplugged with John Hiatt. His hair, yes, a full head that still has multiple cow-licks. LOL. Matches my hair, so this is no slur against him.
He opened for The Judds in concert many years ago. Naomi Judd quipped, "We like Lyle Lovett. I mean, we don't share our hair products with just anyone."
I'm glad she made you go. I'm glad you discovered how amazing he is. I didn't really know either until I made myself go last year when he was performing unplugged with John Hiatt. His hair, yes, a full head that still has multiple cow-licks. LOL. Matches my hair, so this is no slur against him.
He opened for The Judds in concert many years ago. Naomi Judd quipped, "We like Lyle Lovett. I mean, we don't share our hair products with just anyone."
rita_johnson wrote:
And his chiseled features are not bad either
Listening to him makes my heart melt.
And his chiseled features are not bad either
ch83575 wrote:
I appreciate that comparison. Had not considered this before. Yes, sweet voices both.
He is such an emotive singer. Kind of like Jackson Browne in that regard. I love them both.
I appreciate that comparison. Had not considered this before. Yes, sweet voices both.
skooba wrote:
I'm glad she made you go. I'm glad you discovered how amazing he is. I didn't really know either until I made myself go last year when he was performing unplugged with John Hiatt. His hair, yes, a full head that still has multiple cow-licks. LOL. Matches my hair, so this is no slur against him.
Saw him in a small concert in Key West last year. Never had an appreciation for his music until my wife made me go see him. He still has a full head of hair.
I'm glad she made you go. I'm glad you discovered how amazing he is. I didn't really know either until I made myself go last year when he was performing unplugged with John Hiatt. His hair, yes, a full head that still has multiple cow-licks. LOL. Matches my hair, so this is no slur against him.
Listening to him makes my heart melt.
Saw him in a small concert in Key West last year. Never had an appreciation for his music until my wife made me go see him. He still has a full head of hair.
Hannio wrote:
Hannio wrote:
I like how the cover shows him with his hat removed from his head, and yet doesn't reveal whether he still has a full head of hair or not. I suspect he does, and the pic is a jab at country western stars who you never see without hats, some for good reason.
cough <dwightyoakum>cough.
cough <dwightyoakum>cough.
Just not my cup of tea at all, but i can understand it is a decent piece of music. Hope it ends soon (listening via a direct stream so no PSD!)
I hear this and, in my head, I say "The Road to Empanadas." Mmmm - empanadas!
He is such an emotive singer. Kind of like Jackson Browne in that regard. I love them both.
He has always had sensitive lyrics and great sly sense of humor, Try Joshua Judges Ruth, great CD
That's Klein, Texas' locale musician
No wonder Julia liked him. This is actually a very lovely song. This song feels like it reveals the genuine him.
I like how the cover shows him with his hat removed from his head, and yet doesn't reveal whether he still has a full head of hair or not. I suspect he does, and the pic is a jab at country western stars who you never see without hats, some for good reason.
cough <dwightyoakum>cough.
cough <dwightyoakum>cough.
Fine tune. Need to pair this with "The Road to Escondido" J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton
Years ago when I heard Julia Roberts was marrying Lyle, I thought "Julia, how could you?" ... in my ignorance thinking Lyle was just another voice from generic country music land. Then over time I learned better ... and thought "Lyle, how could you?"
Lovely voice. Lovely song
easmann wrote:
I really liked your comment, easmann. For its laid back and respectful tone, as well as the great idea of burying links within self-made music categories
Had to laugh at what you qualify as "cacaphonous extremities". That took me on a journey, as I didn't like the singer/author's rendition of her own song (even the live version, while better, doesn't cut it in my opinion), but absolutely loving the lyrics, which stand alone perfectly well, like a poem...
Strange things happen when you follow a song first heard on RP.
Gotta love a radio station that can do that...
(...) I appreciate good bombast and even a few cacaphonous extremities, and I appreciate this other end of the spectrum too, and the contrast provided. Which in the end is just a long way around to: Some like it, some don't. Peace.
I really liked your comment, easmann. For its laid back and respectful tone, as well as the great idea of burying links within self-made music categories
Had to laugh at what you qualify as "cacaphonous extremities". That took me on a journey, as I didn't like the singer/author's rendition of her own song (even the live version, while better, doesn't cut it in my opinion), but absolutely loving the lyrics, which stand alone perfectly well, like a poem...
Strange things happen when you follow a song first heard on RP.
Gotta love a radio station that can do that...
I rather enjoyed this, stopped what I was doing to listen, was glad I did so.
I actually don't know his music at all - but after seeing him doing cameos in a number of movies (where he always got the job done, just nothing really standing out), I was absolutely blown away by his part in the US version of the scandinavian tv-show "The Bridge" (a more than worthy adaptation in so many ways, no small wonder considering the power of the original...)
You can't imagine anyone else doing his part, at least I can't. Perfect cast.
Now, having heard this one specific song, I might check out his musical doings.
I actually don't know his music at all - but after seeing him doing cameos in a number of movies (where he always got the job done, just nothing really standing out), I was absolutely blown away by his part in the US version of the scandinavian tv-show "The Bridge" (a more than worthy adaptation in so many ways, no small wonder considering the power of the original...)
You can't imagine anyone else doing his part, at least I can't. Perfect cast.
Now, having heard this one specific song, I might check out his musical doings.
Skydog wrote:
I respectfully disagree with both assessments. He's not for you, that's clear, and that's fine. As time has passed I appreciate this more. There's depth and grace and a gentle strength to Lyle's music that I don't think Pat Boone ever aspired to, which is also fine. And the musicianship is considerable (and sure, there're plenty of examples of fine musicianship that just don't appeal to me either).
I appreciate good bombast and even a few cacophonous extremities, and I appreciate this other end of the spectrum too, and the contrast provided. Which in the end is just a long way around to: Some like it, some don't. Peace.
someone in another Lovett comment said he is today's Pat Boone
he is pretty lame
he is pretty lame
I respectfully disagree with both assessments. He's not for you, that's clear, and that's fine. As time has passed I appreciate this more. There's depth and grace and a gentle strength to Lyle's music that I don't think Pat Boone ever aspired to, which is also fine. And the musicianship is considerable (and sure, there're plenty of examples of fine musicianship that just don't appeal to me either).
I appreciate good bombast and even a few cacophonous extremities, and I appreciate this other end of the spectrum too, and the contrast provided. Which in the end is just a long way around to: Some like it, some don't. Peace.
someone in another Lovett comment said he is today's Pat Boone
he is pretty lame
he is pretty lame
Yawn.....
perfect follow on song for "This must be the place"!
This sounds even better after recently moving to Mexico from California
How about Fiona or Private Conversation from this great album?
ginger wrote:
This may be overstating it, but I believe you are on the right track.
Lyle can do no wrong.
This may be overstating it, but I believe you are on the right track.
cc_rider wrote:
Amen
I can understand how Mr. Lovett ain't everyone's cuppa tea, but it's hard to find fault with this song. Everything about it just falls into place. Great writing, his voice is spot-on, the production is understated but not too spare. An outstanding bit of craft.
Amen
Lyle can do no wrong.
OneSpyGirl wrote:
Lyle is a gift in my life!
One of my very favorite LL tunes, and that's sayin' sumthin... go Lyle 
Lyle is a gift in my life!
Here's the cover.... 500 x 500
Takes me to a crossroads I was at and some of the people I met.
The road takes twists that we cannot anticipate. Running hard and fast only gets us there sooner.
Not all who help you are doing you a good turn.
Not all who dump on you mean you harm.
Most do not care about your situation and will not even give polite interest.
The best education is always expensive and hard to learn.
The road takes twists that we cannot anticipate. Running hard and fast only gets us there sooner.
Not all who help you are doing you a good turn.
Not all who dump on you mean you harm.
Most do not care about your situation and will not even give polite interest.
The best education is always expensive and hard to learn.
One of my very favorite LL tunes, and that's sayin' sumthin... go Lyle
Sweet sounds from Lyle. He's got a way with his voice and his lyrics. Great.
Really Good song. Great road.
I've been on that road.
Very nice drive once you get out of Tijuana.
Very nice drive once you get out of Tijuana.
Very pretty tune, still liking it after all these years.
I can understand how Mr. Lovett ain't everyone's cuppa tea, but it's hard to find fault with this song. Everything about it just falls into place. Great writing, his voice is spot-on, the production is understated but not too spare. An outstanding bit of craft.
Here's the album cover.
I just got tickets to his August show here in Vancouver.
Cynaera wrote:
Fo' sure!
I love Lyle Lovett - he's so quirky and unexpected. This is a beautiful song...
Fo' sure!
Stingray wrote:
Don't be so hard on yourself.
WHINER!
Don't be so hard on yourself.
Good song, great album.
sfearll wrote:
The Valujet crash happened just a month after 'Road to Ensenada' was released: it was already completed when the accident happened.
On the song 'You're Not From Texas' Lyle mentions his friend and mentor: "Uncle Walt is home with Heidi / Lyin' in her lovin' arms"
Walter (Uncle Walt) Hyatt was killed in the crash.
love this album and this song...! written in the aftermath of his divorce from Julia Roberts, I believe...?
(and I can't believe this is the first time you've played it on RP?!)
Not sure about the album vis-a-vis Ms. Roberts, but the album has a Twilight Zone-ish twist. Lyle Lovett came up in the music scene in Austin, he was old buddies with Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood, Stephen Bruton, Nanci Griffith, Toni Price, the whole gang.(and I can't believe this is the first time you've played it on RP?!)
The Valujet crash happened just a month after 'Road to Ensenada' was released: it was already completed when the accident happened.
On the song 'You're Not From Texas' Lyle mentions his friend and mentor: "Uncle Walt is home with Heidi / Lyin' in her lovin' arms"
Walter (Uncle Walt) Hyatt was killed in the crash.
think it's mainly a toll road... that's why it's fast. But traveling this way only spells Baja surf trip to me.
I love Lyle Lovett - he's so quirky and unexpected. This is a beautiful song...
love this album and this song...! written in the aftermath of his divorce from Julia Roberts, I believe...?
(and I can't believe this is the first time you've played it on RP?!)
(and I can't believe this is the first time you've played it on RP?!)
WHINER!
I'll be right there...