South of the Border

Robbie Williams

About South of the Border

"South of the Border" is a song by English recording artist Robbie Williams, released as the third single from his debut studio album Life thru a Lens (1997). The song reached #14 on the singles chart, his only single to miss the top ten until "Sin Sin Sin" in 2006. Williams described this single as "One of the best, so much better than Angels". Music critic Joe Garvey said "Love it!" in music magazine NME. According to his home page, at the very last second, Williams changed his mind and made this his single. This explains why the video is a little uncohesive and mostly a performance shoot. Williams has stated that the song was inspired by Kate Moss, giving way to the opening line "I know a freaky young lady name of cocaine Katie" (the line is changed to "no shame Katie" on the single version). After a few relatively unknown songs parallel to Gary Barlow's career and "South of the Border" failing, many thought this was the end of Williams. This was the only Life Thru A Lens single that didn't make into to 2004's Greatest Hits. 


Year:
2010
3:54
50 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I know a freaky young lady
Name of Cocaine Katie
She makes my temperature freeze
She's got a blood red powder
When she gives a shout
She'll bring you to your knees

Well, we were being clever, playing God games forever
She said she only meant to please
But I'm someone's brother, got a father and a mother
You know I'm going to have to leave

South of the border
I think you oughta
South of the border
I think you oughta

'Cause you know you're gonna have to leave
To a place where you can breathe
And you know there's no reprieve

There'll be tears on leaving
But there won't be no grieving
'Cause a city soon forgets
To me it's magic 
To the landlord it's tragic
He's got another room let

There'll be the same old faces in the same old places
Where my youth was well misspent
But I tow the line and move the time
To a town called 'No Regrets'

South of the border
I think you oughta
South of the border
I think you oughta

?Cause you know you're gonna have to leave
To a place where you can breathe
And you know there's no reprieve

'Cause you know you're gonna have to leave
To a place where you can breathe
And you know there's no reprieve 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Robbie Williams

Robert Peter "Robbie" Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer-songwriter, and occasional actor. He is a member of the pop group Take That, but has found greater commercial success as a solo artist. more »

5 fans

Written by: GUY CHAMBERS, ROBERT PETER WILLIAMS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Information
"South of the Border" is featured on the album "Life thru a Lens," which was Robbie Williams's debut solo studio album after leaving boyband "Take That."
Release Date
The song was released on September 29, 1997. The album where the song is included was released a week later on October 6, 1997.
Song Contributors
Robbie Williams co-wrote this song with Guy Chambers, who was a long-time collaborator of Williams and was a crucial part of his solo career success.
Music Genre
"South of the Border" is a pop-rock track, which was a new direction for Williams after his pop career with Take That.
Chart Performance
Despite not being released as a standalone single, "South of the Border" became popular among the fans and the album, "Life thru a Lens," peaked at number 1 in the UK Albums Chart.
Song Interpretation
The song narrates Williams’s romantic affairs, which can be interpreted as risky or south of the border, an allusion to candid relationships.
Live Performances
"South of the Border" is quite popular in concerts. The energetic and uptempo rhythm of the song is ideal for a live concert setting.
Album Success
"Life thru a Lens" album, which includes "South of the Border," sold over 2.4 million copies, making it a certified 8-times Platinum in the UK and demonstrating Robbie William's success as a solo artist.
Personal Connection
Robbie Williams often mentions that the creation of "South of the Border" and the other songs in "Life thru a Lens" album was something of great personal significance, marking the start of his solo career and creative freedom.
Song reviews
"South of the Border" received positive reviews from music critics for Williams' powerful, raw voice and the high energy rock-infused beats.

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