Buddy Jewell - “This Ain’t Mexico”

This just makes me sad. It’s a sign of complete desperation.

I think the songs speaks to what many people think and want to say. I don’t see it as a racist song.

Hank JR has had some songs like this. “If the south would’ve won” comes to mind instantly. It was a tongue in cheek song about how things would be different if the south had won the civil war.

Charlie Daniels also had a song I don’t remember the title but I do remember this verse. “We tell our kids just say no then same pantywaist judge lets the drug dealer go. If I had my way for people selling dope we’d take a tall tree and a short piece of rope”.

CCF, I wrote this in the review: “The sentiments in the song are understandable to a degree, but the way in which they’re expressed reeks of racism and comes across as completely offensive.”

I can understand not wanting to foot the bill for illegal immigrants who don’t pay taxes, but I can’t fault them for seeking freedom or a better life for themselves or their children. And I can’t condone the ignorant way in which this song portrays the deportation side of the argument. Kelly makes a lot of good points if you read his comment.

Hank Jr’s song isn’t comparable and you even mentioned it was tongue in cheek yourself. A song isn’t automatically about slavery or race because it mentions the civil war. The Charlie Daniels song isn’t comparable, either, as it only addresses injustices in society and not race, unless you think there isn’t such a thing as non-black drug dealers.

Fair enough, but you did validate the lyrics by claiming that they were thoughts that plenty of people have and things that plenty of people want to say and that is what i took issue with. Facts are facts, and yes immigration should be done legally in a perfect world, but lets not claim that Buddy Jewell actually cares one way or the other about it. He cares about pandering in order to save his job. In fact, if the peole that “agree” with this song would get out from under their rebel flag long enough and think about it, they should be offended that Jewell thinks his fans or listeners are so thick as to accept this as true social-political commentary…

Cool, Iagree that it isnt, but I think you underestimate how many people will agree with it because they “feel” the same way, thus making it socio-political commentary for them anyway…

I live in Texas and you may be right about 5 out of 10 border state dwellers “agreeing” with the song, but again, what are they agreeing with? Are they agreeing with what the song is actually saying in its lyric or with what they determine the song means? If they are agreeing that “we remember the Alamo”, what is that worth? If they agree that illegal immigration is bad, does that make the song not suck?

I’m sure some right-wing morning-zoo DJs will play it, but I sure can’t see this rescuing Buddy’s career. Songs this divisive get a momentary burst of publicity followed by a great big nothing.

And it really doesn’t matter where you stand on this issue, the song is pretty awful — badly written, woefully misconceived pedantic junk that would be terrible no matter what position it was espousing. (Buy a metaphor, folks.) As I’ve said many times here about many songs, just because you relate to a song doesn’t make it a good song.

Kelly and Chris N. both make a great point. Wherever you stand on the issue, these lyrics don’t cut it.

I don’t see what fajitas, margaritas or the Alamo has to do with the current debates over immigration.

Next time try reviewing the song, I could care less about political opinion.

“I can understand not wanting to foot the bill for illegal immigrants who don’t pay taxes, but I can’t fault them for seeking freedom or a better life for themselves or their children. And I can’t condone the ignorant way in which this song portrays the deportation side of the argument.”

So many good points were made here, especially Brady’s comment, I don’t even know where to start!

I don’t think this song represents five out of ten people’s view on immigration. He’s just taking a nasty tone that panders to an issue that keeps coming up in the news cycle since we’re coming up on an election. I don’t really need to say more on the content of this song, because it has already been well said here.

As for Lucas’ request for a song review rather than political commentary, here’s mine. It sucks! Buddy is hardly singing here. The horns work well in “Ring of Fire”, but are dumb in this song. The tune is dull…need I say more?

There! I didn’t even have to comment on the politics. The song is just bad all around…not to mention the lyrics…which is a huge part of a song, by the way. As Kelly said, “I can write words about me loving my son or wife that the whole world can relate to, but that doesnt make it good (it would make it generic, most likely).”

Sorry Lucas, I couldn’t help but go back to the political message of the song, after all.

BTW, using the wannabe mariachi horns is lame too. Buddy,dont belittle the contributions of another culture and then try and rip it off….

How are these so-called “illegals” getting a “free ride”? There is nothing free about living lives that most of us would consider absolute poverty.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43275

The only part in that review that addressed the song, not the ideological differences (because I was referring to the review, not the comments) was “A situation like this requires a more thoughtful response than a dumbed down, arrogant, three and a half minute song. If radio hasn’t completely lost all sensibility, this song won’t get any airtime.”

I agree completely. As someone who has been a supporter of Buddy’s…I am saddened. I think this is a cheap way to get attention..or at the very least poor judgement.
AMJ

“I can’t imagine a scenario in which a couple of songwriters get together and decide it’s a good idea to tell only Mexican immigrants to get out because this country is ours and then decide to back it by instrumentation typically associated with their culture. A situation like this requires a more thoughtful response than a dumbed down, arrogant, three and a half minute song. If radio hasn’t completely lost all sensibility, this song won’t get any airtime.”

Lucas. If we were talking about a love song and didnt like the lyrics the artist chose to tell of that love, wouldnt we criticize what the singer had to say about love? This is a political song period. Any true criticism of this tripe must involve some sort of political commentary that reflects the critics thoughts on the issues that the song itself is adressing. I dont quite understand why this is such a hard concept for you to figure out.

Also Lucas, as the “good part” of this country, freedom of speech goes both ways. Even critics get to say what they want, even though you are quick to tell them what they should and shouldnt say…

Lucas, I forgot about asking you what direction the content on this site should take. My bad. I honestly don’t think you can determine my stance on the issue from my review of the song, so good luck trying to pigeonhole this as political opinion. I examined the lyric and content of the song, as well as the Latino inspired instrumentation; if that’s not reviewing it, I don’t know what is. If you want a break down of the review, just ask and I’ll show you how it pertains to the song.

CCF, the five out of ten number is a complete fabrication and therefore can’t possibly support any logical argument. Furthermore, you haven’t fully explored the issue of cost when it comes to deporting the immigrants. Are you absolutely sure that it would be more cost effective to deport every illegal immigrant? How much would it cost to find every person and send them back? How much would it cost the government to not have a cheap work force? And would the saving really offset the economic burden they place on our society? That’s something worth knowing if you’re gonna use cost as the basis of your argument.

Lucas, this is what I see when I break down the review on a paragraph by paragraph basis:

The first paragraph introduces the song and sets the tone for the review.

The whole second paragraph examines the lyrical content of the song.

The third paragraph gives some historical context to the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” which conveniently happens to be one of the lyrics of the song.

The fourth paragraph takes a look at how the song applies to a real world issue and concludes with a short summary of what the previous three paragraphs were all about.

So, despite what you say, the whole review is relevant to the song while at the same time touching on the subject of illegal immigration — the topic of the song.

I find it odd that it’s ok for the song to express a “political opinion” but the reviewer isn’t allowed to critically examine that opinion without being accused of not reviewing the song.

Lucas,

you won dude! You totally didn’t back down! Who wants to read contextualization of a political argument that a song is putting forth anyways? Especially when the whole entire point of the song is to put forth a political argument! I want to read about the art man. Like, in this one part, he goes to a 5 chord. Then in this other part, he rhymes Mexico with Hablo, and then with Amigo. How did he find all those words that end in “O”?

You stood your ground and you win all the prizes! We may no longer be talking about the song, or the issues it puts forth, but in doggedly refusing to admit that examining the political issue of immigration when reviewing a song that advances a thoughless, hateful stance on immigration, you have proven that you, sir, are no pushover.

My favorite part is that not once, but twice, you let us know how much you care about the political discussion by explaining that you “could care less”. Most people use the phrase “I couldn’t care less” as in, I could not possibly care less than I do because I don’t care at all. But I know that you are no backpeddlar, you’ve shown that today, so you’ll stand by the fact that you “could care less” meaning that you care somewhat.

well done sir.

Linking to World Net Daily kinda speaks for itself.

My fault for misinterpreting your stance, I guess I got mixed up by your statement that the song speaks to the way many people feel and think. Edit: Oh, and I don’t think there’s any solution that isn’t going to be costly.

Sorry I don’t see the song as racist. The term is used to quick these days.

Hey guys, lighten up. It’s just a song and who made you the thought police anyway. Having control of a countries boarders is the norm worldwide. Have you tried sneaking into Red China lately? I don’t think you’d live to tell about it. Nothing Buddy says in the song has anything against anybody. All he’s saying is simply to follow the rules. What I want to know is how come on a daily basis we Americans have no choice or say about who enters this country. I think what this song is trying to do is simply give voice to the other 5 of 10 who aren’t as pregnant with wisdom as the left leaning more vocal side of this country. Thank God we still have the first amendment.

Hollerin’ Ben,

Nope I see the song as just a song with views some people can relate to. I’m tried of being asked press one to contiune in English. I have no problem with people south of the border coming here as along as they do it legally.

There is a problem when our borders can’t be protected and it’s a problem that there is a tax burden, but it’s also a problem when it comes to people not having the means to get a decent education or the resources to treat health issues or pay for food. Being miffed at having to press one for English is pretty damn lame and on par with the sentiments expressed in the song.

helena, no one is acting like thought police and no one is arguing against controlling the borders. What Jewell says is directly aimed at Mexicans. This song is highly targeted at a race of people; he didn’t mention anything about illegal Asian immigrants or Cuban immigrants or illegal immigrants who cross over the Canadian border, which I hinted at in the review but hasn’t been picked up yet. I’m a right leaning Texan who has to deal with Spanish speaking people fairly often and vehemently disagree with you and Jewell’s attempt to speak on my behalf and coopt an audience that doesn’t agree with you. I’d like to see if you think the law is so steadfast and right if it ever outlaws firearms or declares eminent domain on your property only to pass it to a private entity. I sure as hell ain’t givin’ up either just because the law tells me to and I’m gonna think for myself on an issue like immigration as well and not try to derive the difference between right and wrong based on the law alone. Immigration has been a problem that’s been ignored for a long time and some catch phrase or ignorant song isn’t going to sum up the solution or contribute to solving the issue.

Yes, I realize what it is he’s saying. In fact, I even looked up the lyrics in an effort to avoid hearing this mess of a song again.
I will not dismiss the argument. However, I feel very comfortable in saying that the way in which Jewell presents the argument is extremely disrespectful and degrading. It’s one thing to argue on this side of the issue, but it’s another to mock and degrade a group of people on an issue that is not a singular situation. He simplifies it in a deliberately cruel manner. When it comes right down to it, it’s all in the presentation. In this case, the presentation is downright revolting.

What is the line between racist and not racist, anyway? If the line is blurry, I think it probably lands on the side of racist. And I don’t think the line is blurry in this song.

This thread is a good example of why it is better to keep politics and the arts separate when it comes to discussion time - let’s stick to Country Music and leave the political discussions to other forums

How many countless millions are there around the world whose single greatest aspiration is simply to come here? I personally know people who do it legally and have to jump through hoops and go through mountains of paper work in order to accomplish this. Doesn’t it make a mockery of these honest and well intentioned people including those of Latin origin to have millions of others thumb their noses at them and the rest of us because they choose not to obey the law. I don’t know about the rest of you, but America is my home and one shouldn’t be allowed to come here illegally and ignore our sovereignty. In summation, I think songs such as Fightin’ Side of Me and Okie from Muskogee sum up in a working man’s vernacular how so many of us really feel even if we’re afraid to say it which obviously Buddy Jewell much to his credit is not.

They come here and live in abject poverty because it’s better than where they came from, so while they’re barely scraping by, wondering if they can make it, they’re really thumbing their noses at us. Wow, I never thought of it that way…

I agree with you that something needs to be done to address the issue, but “kickin’ ‘em out” is a myopic solution and telling them to get out while making a mockery of them, as this song does, is racist, elitist, and offensive.

Either way what Jewell thinks is his own opinion and in American he has the right to express that but at the same time promoting racism or hurt towards people because of their race is actually against the law not saying the song is exactly.

But another thing that Jewell should take into consideration of the alienation of a Hispanic fanbase that is strong in country music in general in places like Texas, Oklahoma, and more in that region that even tho they may not have much they are still purchasing CD’s while american teens are downloading them off of limewire.

Wow. I think this is an early front-runner for worst country song of the year. I’m all for taking a stand on an issue, but this is unbelievably condescending. “The party’s over”? As if this sort of decision to dramatically change one’s life - whether the means are justified or not - springs forth from some kind of whimsy? And the horns. And the “fajitas” line. Wow. It’s the sort of heartless, ignorant bile that would be truly appalling to hear from anyone, but it’s absolutely humiliating coming from a professed Christian and representative of this genre.

I sincerely hope we’re all right about this song’s prospects. The amassed comments on this thread already constitute more attention than this piece of garbage deserves, whether people agree with his position on the political issue or not.

Mike and Jaime each make salient points that I don’t think we’ve even gotten to yet:

– First, that this is not the way to make the inroads into the Hispanic community that country music would like to make; and …

– Second, that this is just the kind of thing that allows people who don’t already like and understand country music to dismiss the whole genre as ignorant redneck crap.

Random thought: Wonder what Buddy’s old “Nashville Star” compadre John Arthur Martinez thinks of this little ditty?

Wow. This song is unreal. What in the world was this guy thinking? He must not have been sober when he wrote this one. And to think I actually used to like this guy. I saw him perform at the Saddlerack in Fremont, California, a few years ago and even got his autograph on a bar napkin thinking someday he would be a big name in the world of country music. Little did I know he had so much contempt for our Mexican brothers and sisters. Now I’ve gotta say “adios” to the one CD I did have in my collection by this apparently racist “pendejo.” Oh well…maybe I can get a couple of bucks for it at the used record store and buy myself a couple of tacos.

I’ll just say this… does he have any idea how many country music fans he is OFFENDING???? Does he have any idea that huge numbers of Mexican-Americans wear boots, are real cowboys and listen to country music stemming from their roots in Tejano? I’m not in their minority but I feel like I’m part of a majority who will feel like that song choice will only isolate him, not only from his fans, but from country music as a whole.. WOW!!!

Well, gee guys, what exactly do you suppose we should do? Just open the gates. How many more people have to suffer at the hands of the criminals and drug dealers that simply ignore the boarder? At what point is this no longer America but becomes Mexico. Listening to your retort makes me wonder who really is the hater. There’s no hate in the song. It simply says follow the rules. Our own government won’t do anything about it so I suppose we’re just supposed to shut up and put up with it which is exactly what the powers that be want. I suppose most of you who are screaming so loudly live in the barrios of East LA. I don’t think so. Hypocrisy abounds in this era of so called political correctness.

It’s crap like this that gives country music, and it’s fans, a bad name!

OMG! First of all, let me THANK YOU for the PRESS for Mr. Buddy Jewell - talk about “dumbing down” - don’t you know any press is good in the long run? So, thank you for the “opinion”, albeit
ironically IGNORANT - as you obviously know NOTHING about Buddy Jewell, the MAN who just happens to be affectionally known as “daBEST” among all his legend of FANS! I applaud Buddy for standing up and “telling it like it is” in a fun-loving, but truthful song. If you DID know the man like I know the man, any God-fearing man would be ashamed of himself for the things you have said here and for other IGNORANT types who echo similiar views. Buddy would NEVER intentionally set out to “hurt” or “disrespect” anyone - and the comment about Johnny Rodriquez was a “plug” and a ‘compliment’ to the legendary country music singer, not a put-down as you might like to believe. If you should be outraged about anything it should be that legally born Americans have a birthright to this country and all the “perks” therein and that anyone who wants to share in those same rights needs to go about it the right way - not the ‘typical’ way it is done with pandering political heads conveniently looking the other way. Again, he speaks the truth, just as Toby Keith did in his “controversial” song about America, but you don’t see people like you, Mr. Vercher, writing about some multi-million gazillion dollar singer, no, you think you can “pick on” Buddy because perhaps he is more vulnerable or less known than Keith. You just better be glad some of us loyal Jewell fans couldn’t reach out and touch you after reading your IGNORANT perspective about this great song. If YOU, Mr. Vercher, had thought to do a bit of homework yourself, you would know Buddy Jewell is a very honorable and respected man. He won “Father of the Year” last year, have you ever won anything? Fact is, Buddy is one of the most humble, kind, caring, warm, charismatic, and GIVING country singers out there; giving back far more than he’s ever EVER been given. And all your (once again) IGNORANT comments about “dumb this and dumb that” for your information Mr. Jewell is very well versed in history and could hold his own in any political commentary discussion, not to mention he graduated at the top of his class, so he is anything but ignorant about America, diversity in cultures, or any mentionable current events of the world. No disrespect meant here towards you or anyone who has posted, but we who know and truly love Buddy know he is nothing like you portray and is EVERYTHING that the word “CLASS ACT” encompasses! Ohh, and lest I forget - thanks again for the PRESS!

I love the song… and cut it however you want to but the song says.. if you are here legally, then we are fine with you being here but if they are here illegally it is breaking the law and WE are all paying for it.

“No disrespect meant here towards you or anyone who has posted, but we who know and truly love Buddy know he is nothing like you portray and is EVERYTHING that the word “CLASS ACT” encompasses! Ohh, and lest I forget - thanks again for the PRESS” I second that from Cindy’s post.

I am proud to be a Buddy Jewell fan.. they don’t come any better than him.

Gooooo Buddy!! It’s time someone had the guts to stand up and say what you said.

Angie

Nah, Mike we’re not taking over. We’re just using our freedom of speech like you.

Cindy, Free press this, free press that. I bet you think Don Imus loved the free press he got over his comments. You might wanna rethink your argument a little.

Was the battle at the Alamo fought over immigration? So then, tell me why it belongs in a commentary on immigration.

I didn’t realize Buddy Jewell was personally backed by God himself and that anyone who disagreed with anything he happens to say was a heretic. I’m sorry I don’t worship at the altar of Buddy Jewell. Did God tell Buddy it was ok to plug a guy (Johnny Rodriguez) who killed someone and has been arrested for DUI and drug possession?

I think we waste too much money on other programs and issues to become “outraged” over immigration. According to a 2002 study, illegal immigration costs us $10 billion per year. The Iraq war costs us more than that every 6 weeks. We’re willing to pay more than that to Exxon alone every single month to buy gas. We spend nearly 20% of that amount on the President’s travel expenses, but when it comes to 20 million people who can’t support themselves needing an education, food, and hospital treatments, it’s tough shit for them. I believe in individual responsibility just as much as the next guy, but you gotta be rational and realize that there are going to be costs no matter what. Would it be ok if we spent that $10 billion on keeping illegal immigrants out of the country rather than spending it to help them survive? Oh, and quite frankly, I don’t need to throw about a bunch of credentials to support my argument.

“You just better be glad some of us loyal Jewell fans couldn’t reach out and touch you after reading your IGNORANT perspective about this great song.”

Sounds like you’re threatening assault to me. That’s pretty ridiculous considering I never personally attacked Mr. Jewell, nor did I say anything bad about the man himself. The review was of the song and not of Buddy Jewell’s character. So quit drinking the Buddy Jewell koolaid and think about the song rationally rather than emotionally.

——

Mary, legal immigrants have a world of opportunities open to them that illegal immigrants don’t have, so I don’t know why they’d begrudge illegal immigrants the chance to live within the same political borders. Illegal immigrants don’t have the same opportunities and they probably prevent legal immigrants from becoming low man on the totem pole when it comes to wages.

——

Angie, The fact is, no matter how bad you want to, you can’t dumb this song down to one line. The Alamo doesn’t factor into a commentary on illegal immigration. “It’s still our country, son…” There’s just one instance of Buddy talking down to immigrants to illustrate the point that the song extends beyond a comment that illegal immigrants should be deported.

——

hairandtoenails, They really are different people, we just got linked to by his fan club messageboard.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

– Emma Lazarus, 1883

Listen up, all you rednecks. You’re nothing but a bunch of hypocrites and the reason why this country is still in such terrible shape in terms of race relations. You let the Mexicans clean your homes, hotels and workplaces, take care of your kids, cook your food and harvest your crops and then have the unmitaged gall to talk about them with such disrespect. So songs like this one are okay with you, huh? Haven’t you narrow-minded racists learned anything in the last 200+ years? Look, most of these people are just trying to do the best they can just to get by in this world just like you. Instead of chiding them for coming here illegally, why not concentrate on putting pressure on the Mexican government and the Catholic Church to improve the living conditions in Mexico and maybe people wouldn’t be risking their lives to come here in droves. Send the Mexicans back to Mexico, huh? Most of these people do a hell of a lot of work for often very little pay–work most of you people wouldn’t even consider doing–so think twice about that. You’d actually have to start looking for somebody else to wait on you. Oh and by the way…to all you loudmouths who continue to blow your own horns about being born here and insist on waving those American flags all over the place, if you aren’t a Native American, YOU’RE here illegally as far as the indingenous people of this country are concerned so do us all a favor and SHUT UP.

My problem with the media is how they try to twist things. I mean seriously, listen to the words of the song. There is nothing racist about it. All Buddy Jewell is saying is simply “If you are here legally, great, best of luck to you in life, but if you are here illegally, then I have a problem with that, and you need to do things right and come into this great country legally like the rest have.”

I agree. Let them come, let them prosper, but do it legally.

KATHY - you are EXACTLY right on the money!
BRADY, umm…no - my argument stands and is based on fact; the fact that I KNOW the man. That’s where you’re missing the boat- did you miss the line in the song that clearly states - there’s “no problem” with legals??? Do you support “other illegal” activities? And making mention of JR was an obvious intention to appreciate him as an artist, his MUSIC - not to point out any misfortune in his life. Duh.
Let me tell you something else - you don’t know ME either. If I were “threatening assault” on you, that is something that you WOULD know. Talk about ridiculous - I even went so far to say I didn’t mean any disrespect. That’s threatening? Maybe you have some wires crossed and you aren’t interpreting anything correctly these days, not least of which is the meaning of this song. Just to set the record straight though, what I meant by “reaching out and touching you” I meant your ears might have been boxed. Are you not familiar with that ’southern right of passage’ thang? (no, not the right-wing-redneck-nut-thang) Well, let me explain further to make it crystal clear. Boxing the ears….is when (for example) an adult teasingly rubs the ears of a child, essentially indicating, “shame, shame on you”. No abuse inflicted whatsoever or intended at all - again, it must be a southern thang. And yes, fyi…Buddy IS, in fact, personally backed by God. That’s what it means when you’re a Christian - God guides and directs and backs us all. That’s why he died, afterall, to save all sinners. As many have said here, it’s just a song for crying out loud. Why haven’t you gotten on your high horse about all the profane and grossly inappropriate ‘lyrics’ that our young people are subjected to? The people who promote that kind of music just to make money would be a more appropriate venue to vent your criticisms towards. (But, oh yeah, this is a country music genre site, so I guess that explains that.) If I may, let me share just a few more pertinent things. I am on the front lines day in and day out working with legals and illegals in an honorable helping profession (for the government, I might add) and during the course of our meetings, I not only am supportive towards their plight, but I also EDUCATE them on how to become LEGAL and how to make good life choices in the future. Suffice it to say, unfortunately, in my profession, there’s not much I haven’t seen. Professionally, I don’t judge anyone I counsel - who are any among us to judge? In the twinkling of an eye, it could be ME or YOU sitting over on the other side of the desk needing help. I advocate for the underdogs just as hard as I do the supermans - both have their own unique situations and my job is to be supportive and educate, not to judge. Having said that, I do, however, have a personal life too, and that entitles me to my own set of values and belief systems that I adhere to in my own life. And here again, personally my opinion is that anyone laying their head on a pillow at night in this country ought to be here in a legal capacity. Sighhh…I could talk till doomsday, but I know it’s a losing battle. I could say so much more, but I’m going to take the HIGH ROAD because I would never intentionally do anything that would in anyway reflect negatively towards Buddy, because his fans and friends respect and love him deeply. Not because he’s perfect but because he is Buddy. And despite what you say, you most certainly DID attack him on a personal level by making the remarks…about “dumbing down” and his “flagging career” - those weren’t lyrical comments…LOL…they were just a tad bit personal to have anything to do with a legitimate discussion about lyrical content. Good try at denial though. And just for the record, calling people names is not a benevolent (umm..let me cipher here….i.e…nice) thing to do. The fact of the matter is, we may be rednecks, we may be this or we may be that, but we are all know each other and we are genuinely good people who simply could and would not stand by and let a good man be bashed. Again, as Mary said, anyone who knows him would never second guess his intention. And it is rather sad that you, BRADY, couldn’t share in a bow at the altar with a ‘good ole southern boy’ like Buddy, because he’d probably put his arm around you and also around the person at his other side -and it goes without saying both instances would be without regard to age, color, sexual orientation, nationality, race, sex, creed, or religious belief. CAUSE THAT - THAT’S A ‘BUDDY’ THANG. Sho Nuff.

Regarding the comment “All the man is saying in the song is simply if you are an illegal immigrant, we’re tired of your crap.”

If Buddy Jewell is really upset only about the “illegal” aspect of the situation, I assume he would not protest if the Federal Govt decided today that anyone could legally immigrate to the US simply by writing their name on a list.

In other words, if illegal immigration was de-criminalized, I trust then that Buddy would not protest the actions of immigrants.

I suspect that if we de-criminalized illegal immigration, Buddy Jewell would find another rationale to oppose these immigrants.

Obviously, I’m skeptical that this is Buddy’s only message. But if that was all he wanted to say — “Please immigrate legally,” then he could have said it in a civilized manner, and without the offensive trappings of the song. Had he said that, his message would have been much more effective.

Apparently Buddy Jewell is a modern day saint, a patriot, a historian, and a champion of all mankind.

I have never met Buddy Jewell. He might be very nice. He may shake and howdy with the best of them. I notice on his website he has a picture of himself grinning and giving the thumbs-up with a disabled child, this may be indicative of his strong character.

None of that makes a difference when it comes to analyzing this song. Those of us who have responded negatively to the tune have listed specific reasons, i.e. the aggressive tone Jewell takes towards immigrants, the needless and inflamatory inclusion of the Alamo, and his callous disregard for their welfare as human beings.

The Jewell apologists responses have largely been comprised of the following
1.”How dare you talk about Buddy that way? I’ll have you know that he’s a modern say saint, a patriot, a historian, and a champion of all mankind”

and 2. “I am soo enraged by the issue of illegal immigration, both on principle and in practice (WHY MUST I PRESS 1 ON THE TELEPHONE!!!!!!!) that I applaud any song which is antagonistic towards Mexicans.”

amazingly, no matter how many words are capitalized mid-sentence, their arguments are less than persuasive.

To address a point that the apologists have raised, in one line of the song, Jewell does distinguish between Legal and Illegal immigrants. However, the title of the song isn’t “This ain’t your country of origin” it’s “This ain’t Mexico” and the instrumentation is specifically Mexican, and the things he says he likes (their “Margaritas” and “Fajitas” etc etc) are all specifically Mexican, not too mention the Alamo reference, which seems to serve no point aside from being a vague point of contention between Buddy and Mexicans.

All of that adds up to the song being xenophobic and….wait for it……racist.

And as far as Buddy’s Christianity, I obviously can’t speak to the strength of his faith, but if this song is an indication, then by his own words he is “tired of footing the bill” to “feed” mexican immigrants.

Also, judging by the song, he thinks that the poor are to be bullied and mocked when they become inconvenient.

These viewpoints and attitudes are not in accord with Christianity. However, as I stated above, this song may not be representative of his inner convictions. Of course, by trying to profit from a song that is so antithetical to Christianity and his own convictions is, in and of itself, not a sign of high character.

In conclusion, my objection with this song has nothing to do with the political policy it advances per se.

I object to this song as a person who thinks that its wrong to bully and mock the weak and the poor.

I object to this song as a person who thinks its wrong to misrepresent immigrant workers as “invaders” who are somehow responsible for the Alamo.

and I object to this song as a fan of country music, because I hate to see an American artform be used as a medium for thoughtless xenophobia.

ITS MY TIME, I TOO AGREE WITH, CINDY,MARY,ANGIE,JANE, KATHY, JOYCE,LUKE,and ect.
I want to say that if you don’t know BUDDY JEWELL, then keep your mouth shut.Buddy is one of the best singer,song writers,anywhere.He is a Kind ,Loving,A true CHRISTIAN FAMILY MAN.I TOO AM SICK OF ALL THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING TO THE U.S. and WE PAY ALL THE TAXES.I HAD A LOT MORE TO SAY BUT MOST OF IT HAS BEEN SAID. BUDDY, YOU HAVE A NUMBER ONE HIT SONG.
WE LOVE YOU,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
THIS AINT MEXICO

Politics aside. Even if this song had completely different words, even of the words were absolutely unoffensive to anyone, this song has horrible production and Jewell’s voice does not sound good. He does not sound as he has in previous albums, one of which I own. His voice actually sounds as if it’s aged, even though I know that’s not physically possible yet. So, even if the lyrics, which happens to be an integral part of a song, were brilliant, I still wouldn’t like the song. Now, “Ring of Fire” is catchy, even though the words aren’t necessarily a masterpiece. “This Ain’t Mexico” is not catchy, despite the lyrics.

Wow, what a HORRIBLE song. I live in San Diego, a huge border town, and no country radio DJ would DARE to play that song here.

The spanish culture has permeated our way of life, and while this is still a difficult issue, it would be incredibly hypocritical to deny the contributions of Mexican culture and labor to our society, which we all enjoy (whether we know it or want to admit it). And big shock, but most of these people pay taxes - yes they do it under false social security numbers (which they are required to have to work - you know, for construction companies in order build your homes). They are not leeches on society. In most cases, their children are American and those kids know no other life. They work incredibly hard (at jobs you don’t want), because, for the most part, their sole reason for being here is to send money back home to their relatives so that they can survive on a daily basis.

(Honestly, if the government really wanted to solve the immigration issue, they’d help boost the Mexican economy. As long as there are incentives to come here, they will find a way. It doesn’t matter how many fences you build and laws you pass. How the EU dealt with Eastern Europe is a great example of how to make that work.)

For me, the most insulting part of this song may be the use of the Mariachi music. I can’t believe he had the gall to put his anti-Mexican tune to traditional Mexican music.

Finally, maybe someone should tell him that country music is currently trying to find a way to tap into the hispanic market in the U.S (not to antagonize it). For that reason alone, I’d be surprised if any radio DJs play the song.

It isn’t? Holy frijoles, I thought this was Mexico. Thanks!

I agree with Leeann. Most people have probably listened to the song, after all, a simple mouse click under the “thumbs down” logo will play the song on your computer. Thats how I listened to it.

Also, Helena accuses the critics of being “left wing nuts.” I can’t speak for others, but I am a moderate centrist, and I often vote for republican candidates. People like Rudy Guiliani or Mike Bloomberg appeal to me, and these people are not hard core leftists. But even if I was a nutcase, left, right or other wing, simple insults such as “left wing nut” would not discredit my thoughts on the song.