The Champs – Tequila

The Champs was an American Rock and Roll band from the 1950’s-1960’s era.  Inspired by Gene Audrey’s horse named Champion, their song Tequila was an instant hit, putting them on the map.  Their catchy tune won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 1959.  They had other singles, including El Rancho Rock, Limbo Rock, and yes, Too Much Tequila.  They also had a resurgence in 2020, with their latest album, Tequila Party.  However, none came close to matching the craze that is Tequila.

The intro tune from Tequila was remixed in one of my top favorite video games of all time: Earthbound.  This song also resurfaced a few years ago when America’s Got Talent contestant Andy won over the audience with his stupidly hilarious karaoke cover.

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/The-champs-tequila-lyrics.

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1. What message does the song communicate?

This particular fermented drink is a traditional Mexican classic, crafted from the blue agave plant that grows in Mexico and South America.  As I’ll explain in section 2, drinking this succulent distilled beverage is not inherently sinful.  I can understand why some are reluctant to listen to this classic tune: for them, it’s a stumbling block.  However, The Champs’ message is about having a good time, which is also not inherently sinful.

Agave also comes in syrup, which tastes great on pancakes.  Sadly, my wife must have hers gluten-free.  Not the pancakes, but the syrup.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

This song completely aligns with God’s inspired Word.

Since this song does not contain a Verse/Chorus/Bridge format, I assigned stanzas to each paragraph.

[Stanza 1]

Line 1: One of the most hotly debated topics in Christiandom is alcohol.  Is it a sin to drink?  No, it’s not.  According to Deuteronomy 7:13 and Deuteronomy 11:14, wine is a blessing from God!  It also gladdens the heart (Psalm 104:15).  However, over-consumption leads to drunkenness, which is sinful (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:29-35, Isaiah 5:11-17, 1 Corinthians 6:10, Galatians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:18).

As stated in section 1, The Champs’ message is about enjoying the fruits of our labor (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).  Christians can drink responsibly by remaining sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8).

[Stanza 2]

Line 1: Repeats Stanza 1, line 1.  But, you knew that already, didn’t you?

[Stanza 3]

Line 1: I see Déjà vu.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Unbelievers will likely interpret it one of three ways:

1. Partying, often filled with carousing, drunkenness, and all sorts of debauchery.
2. Responsible get-togethers.

Since only the first two interpretations are equally possible, I’ll give half credit.  However, I find it difficult to see the third one as a viable explanation.

Score: 5/10

4. What does this song glorify?

While this song glorifies a particular alcoholic liquid refreshment, its message and Biblical accuracy glorify God. Thus, I will offer half credit.

Score: 5/10

Closing Comments

The Champs’ Tequila is delicious.  It goes down smooth and should be enjoyed by those who drink responsibly.  Those who are enticed by its lusts to drunkenness should run far away, not daring to touch it with a ten-foot pole, let alone a six-inch duck of doom.

I highly recommend drinking it slowly, perhaps with a good meal and responsible company.  But, what do I know?  I drink tea, not alcohol.

Final Score: ∞/10

Artist Info

Track: Tequila (listen to the song)

Artist: The Champs

Album: Go, Champs, Go!

Genre: Classic Rock

Release Year: 1958

Duration: 2:17

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.