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About the Song

Toby is quarantined down in Mexico and forgot his guitar in the 405, so he stopped by a furniture store and picked up an old guitar. Here’s his rendition of Hoyt Axton’s “Evangelina”.

Hoyt Axton’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences for generations. Among his many memorable songs, “Evangelina” stands as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners. Released in 1979, this poignant ballad tells a tale of love, loss, and longing that has touched the hearts of countless individuals.

The song paints a vivid picture of a love affair set against a backdrop of evocative imagery. Axton’s rich baritone voice conveys the deep emotions of a narrator who is both heartbroken and hopeful. The lyrics, filled with poetic language and metaphors, create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The story of Evangelina, a woman whose memory lingers long after she is gone, is one that many can relate to.

“Evangelina” is a prime example of Axton’s ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, and these themes are particularly evident in this particular track. The song’s melodic beauty and introspective lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of folk and country music.

One of the most striking aspects of “Evangelina” is its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in listeners. The song’s melancholic tone and wistful melody create a sense of longing and sadness. However, there is also an underlying sense of hope and resilience, as the narrator reflects on the enduring power of love.

Hoyt Axton’s “Evangelina” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect people across generations and cultures. The song’s timeless message of love and loss continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a true classic. Whether you are a longtime fan of Axton’s music or are discovering his work for the first time, “Evangelina” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Lyrics: Evangelina

I dream in the morning
That she brings me water
And I dream in evening
That she brings me wine
Just a poor man’s daughter
From Puerto Penasco
Evangelina in old MexicoThere’s a great hot desert
South of Mexicali
And if you don’t have water
Then you better not go
Tequila won’t get you
Across the desert
To Evangelina in old MexicoAnd the fire I feel for the
Woman I love
Is driving me insane
Knowing she’s waiting
And I just can’t get there
Lord only knows that I’ve
Racked my brain
To try and find a way
To see that woman in old MexicoI met a kind man
Who guarded the border
He said you don’t have papers
But I’ll let you go
I can tell that you love her
By the look in your eyes now
She’s the rose of the desert
In old MexicoAnd the fire I feel for the
Woman I love
Is driving me insane
Knowing she’s waiting
And I just can’t get there
Lord only knows that I’ve
Racked my brain
To try and find a way
To see that woman in old Mexico

And I dream in the morning
That she brings me water
And I dream in the evening
That she brings me wine
Just a poor man’s daughter
From Puerto Penasco
Evangelina in old Mexico

There’s a great hot desert
South of Mexicali
And if you don’t have water
Then you better not go
Tequila won’t get you
Across the desert
To Evangelina in old Mexico

She’s the rose of the desert
In old Mexico

 

You Missed

Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.