Mexican Cousin

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "Mexican Cousin" immediately plunge us into a complex relationship with tequila, personified as a "long lost friend." The speaker expresses an intense desire to "kiss my Mexican cousin once again," suggesting a deep, almost romantic, longing for this intoxicating experience. It's a scene of willing surrender to a powerful, all-consuming influence. This intimate connection, however, comes with a dark undercurrent. The speaker acknowledges memory loss, noting that tequila will "tell me about tomorrow," and even questions their own state, wondering if they're "in bed or in a hearse." There's a stark admission of pre-existing emotional pain, as the things told about the speaker "can't make me feel any worse," hinting at a self-destructive cycle fueled by a desperate search for solace. The craft here is particularly effective in blurring the lines between a substance and a relationship. Tequila isn't just a drink; it's a confidant, a lover, and ultimately, the sole constant. The repeated refrain, "Mexican cousin again," coupled with the primal, almost guttural "I wanna wanna kiss your ooh," creates a hypnotic sense of inescapable craving. The "ooh" vocalization, rather than a specific word, underscores a raw, inarticulate desire that transcends rational thought. Ultimately, the lyrics reveal a profound resignation. The speaker casually dismisses other "true friends" who "got pissed," declaring that "tequila's where that starts and where it ends." This stark statement underscores the substance's absolute dominance, portraying a speaker who has chosen, or perhaps been chosen by, this intoxicating relationship above all others, accepting its chaotic embrace as their ultimate reality.