Lyrics
Did you ever hear the story
Introduction to a story being told.
That happened not long ago
Refers to a recent event.
'Bout the man with a tan:
Describing a man with a tan.
El diablo de Mexico?
The devil of Mexico, suggesting a mysterious or dangerous figure.
And this man played his hand
Describing the man's actions and lifestyle.
And he lived by the luck of the draw;
Emphasizing the element of luck in his life.
Now and then and again,
Occurrences happening occasionally.
Found him steppin' outside of the law
His actions occasionally breaking the law.
Hey, hey!
An exclamation expressing attention or excitement.
And his fortune he had made
Talking about the wealth he accumulated.
let him live high on the hog
Living a luxurious life.
Til the day of the raid
Until a law enforcement action occurred.
When they hunted him like a dog.
The man being pursued like an animal.
He was out on the run,
On the run, trying to escape.
Knowing he could get by,
Confident in his ability to escape punishment.
'Cause the men killed in sin
People he had harmed not present to testify against him.
were not there to testify.
An exclamation expressing attention or excitement.
Hey, hey!
Repetition for emphasis or rhythm.
He was caught, he was bound
Describing his capture and confinement.
In La Casa de Calaboose.
Specifically, in the House of Jail.
He was tried; he was found
The legal process unfolding against him.
And readied for the noose.
Preparation for execution.
But the break he would make,
Expectation of an escape attempt.
It didn't turn out so well.
The escape not going as planned.
And the hombre called "Diablo"
Referring to the man as "Diablo" (devil).
Bid his last farewell.
The man bidding farewell, possibly before his execution.
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