I've watched The BORDER (The movie) starring Jack Nicholson and the opening scene with Freddy Fender singing brings tears to my eyes. This is a powerful song with the right singer it. I love this song.
yeah me 2.......Today I am torn in feelings Texas has taken a toll from this border issue yet the movie 'The Border' remains deeply in my heart to those that try to reach the promised land.
Saw Freddy and Flaco in Santa Fe in the 80s....free concert at Ft Marcy City Park....they played this song and you could hear a pin drop the crowd hung on to every word and note....until the end and then the crowd went absolutely nuts....great memory
Freddy sings this song better than anyone else I have ever heard. We saw the movie, "The Border" in the theater when it came out and stayed through the credits to listen when this beautiful song came on. The projectionist came out and stood next to us. We apologized for keeping him and he said we didn't because he let it play through every time to hear this song. Such soul Freddy put in this song.
"The Border." 1981 Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel. Great movie. Huck Finn having a mid-life crisis and finding, again, that the right thing to do is the only cure for mistakes' blues.
I watched The Border last night and caught Freddie Fender's rendition of this great song. I find this morning that it is not on iTunes. I will buy the DVD and pull the music off of it if I have to. It seems every group coming to the U.S.A. get a push-back instead of the guidance we need to shine brighter with their unique talents. What have most groups done, crime! When will we ever learn?
I grew up with Freddy Fender Music, My mom have a LP collection of Freddy. I own the dvd THE BORDER starring Jack Nicholson and Warren Oates and Harvey Kietel. Its a Great film and the best Performance of Jack Nicholson Career, Cheers friend for the load of the Music.
Doubt you'll see this 7 years later, but yes: film has a mythical quest feel: lost soul needs to do just one good thing in this bleak world. How awesome was Valerie Perrine, though?
What was old is new again. Joseph Campbell would have had a field day with this movie. Nicholsen is an unlikely knight who goes on a quest to do one good thing. (Parsifal?) He is also, despite himself and his lust, the boy who sees that the (capitalist) emperor has no clothes. Valerie Perrine ought to at least have been supporting-actress nominated (was she ever? How about Sonny's ex in "Electric Horseman?") Would love to have heard Ed Abbey on the subject of this movie. Not sure he wouldn't have been hard on the wuss who stumbled into being a hero, out of being kindov, you know, airy-fairy. (See Abbey's parody review of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.") So, there you go: like you, still thinking about this movie. By the way, still listening to the song, sad and eternal.
I've lived though out Central America. Got married to a Honduran girl in Belize. Been in Mexico a lot. I've seen old women, surrounded by kids, digging though garbage. Believe me, if that was my mother, I'd damn sure be taking a swim across the Rio Grande to help them out. Before you call for their blood at the border learn their stories.
In fond memory of the late great legendary Freddy Fender LOVE this Song , always have and always will ! It was the Theme Song used in the 1981 Universal Film '' The Border '' with Jack Nicholson , Harvey Keitel , Valerie Perrine and Warren Oates .
Freddie Fender was invited to visit our Elementary School (James Bonham) in McAllen,Tx. If I recall correct around 1975..!! His Rich Baritone voice intrugued me..!!He had just filmed a movie in & around Roma,Tx.
Ry Cooder was commissioned to write the song for the move with Jack Nicholson. He wrote it with John Hiatt and Jim Dickinson, and then recorded it for the movie, bringing in Freddy Fender for the vocals (it's Cooder on guitar here). So this Fender version is the "original", as in first recording. Cooder himself recorded it on his Get Rhythm album, with an additional Spanish verse; it was also the title song for a Willie Nelson album, and both Springsteen and Dylan have performed it.
I didn't know who Freddy Fender was until I went to see The Border in a theater back whenever that was. I loved Freddy's version of the tune immediately and went out and bought the soundtrack LP. Nice to see it and hear it here on YT.
Freddy was a perfect conduit between Mexico and America, both worlds claimed Freddy as their own, but he was destined for the masses, allowing the taste of each world; he belonged to all of us, and we're the fortunate recipients of his unique voice, his passion. Listening to Freddy, I had to get on the dance floor, he breathed life into every note he sang. A beautiful person, thank you for your gift, I hope you enjoyed your life Freddy.
I've always thought this was a song about reaching a spiritual experience with God that severes your ties with your old life or that somehow you can't recognise yourself anymore but now that you mention it and him singing about the Rio Grande makes sense
The absolut best version of this beautifull song. I have seen this terrible border in 1968. The view from the penney bridge, where underneath the children tried to catch the penneys some people were trying to throw into their paperbags on long stakes.
He rates In the top very best 3 singers Freddy fender Conway Twitty and George Jones. Thank you for your beautiful music and you have a very beautiful and also unique voice. I had all your records before one of nature's interferes. I'm sure you know how that goes. Thank you for all the wonderful songs. I'm 70 plus yrs just want to say thank you to.
For me, a quality of Jack Nicholsons acting genius is his ability and desire to reach down into the raw core of the person he portrays in his films; he never plays it safe.
'....beautiful Freddie...yeah it was the bars and stops in old Belize City late 1970's...a time and place i was lucky to play it like i did... thanks Fender and God bless you' Bongoman.
The movie, The Border, remains a great and very memorable movie for me. An astonishingly beautiful story and lyrics. The actors were perfectly matched to the story. The movie was appropriately filmed in my hometown of El Paso so it holds a very special meaning for me. Whether you interpret the song literally or as a metaphor, it will enter your conscience and draw your memories like a string.
This song has a spiritual meaning to me. I'm listening to it as I grieve for my wonderfully affectionate pet cat of 10 years who died suddenly this evening.
Late into the evening and in my cups - now - I listen to my music, often older tunes, just before I lay meself down to sleep. This bittersweet song just presented itself, and I realize that its relevance when it was first released is magnified a thousand fold today. This isn’t just a poignant song in today’s Trumpian dystopia - it’s a friggin’ anthem! Please listen, and let it slip deep into you. It resonates. Maybe pass it on to your family, your friends.
This man lived raised a family and died in a Texas border town.although he succeeded in a music career he had the unique insight of what most illegal go through.welcome to the broken promise land
Very well put. I agree that to understand the literal, the metaphorical sheds perspective which gives each other a deeper meaning. Life is built on layers, L & M, where we can gain perspective.
@Sambergler Good to hear from a kindred spirit! I made a tape of Freddy's output over say twenty years, and it was amazing how well it all hung together and sounded fresh. That Ry Cooder and other fine musicians back him is a great sign of respect and honour.
Any good metaphor must have a concrete basis to work.Journalists who have seriously looked at Cooder,like Evan Schlansky,have written that his songs are often allegories, and it's selling him short to see them literally. This song resonates with people who live oceans away from Texas because they can relate to the metaphorical border,not the real one.Anyone who has lived for a while has crossed that line,one way or another,and regretted it.
I've watched The BORDER (The movie) starring Jack Nicholson and the opening scene with Freddy Fender singing brings tears to my eyes. This is a powerful song with the right singer it. I love this song.
Had not heard this since the movie came out around 1980 or 81, i'm in tears right now typing this.
yeah me 2.......Today I am torn in feelings Texas has taken a toll from this border issue yet the movie 'The Border' remains deeply in my heart to those that try to reach the promised land.
Saw Freddy and Flaco in Santa Fe in the 80s....free concert at Ft Marcy City Park....they played this song and you could hear a pin drop the crowd hung on to every word and note....until the end and then the crowd went absolutely nuts....great memory
Holdup...you saw two members of THE Texas Tornados at a free concert?! Oh, that is to cool!
Best version ever. Very spare, right to the point. Perfect.
I love this song. I watch this movie 3 times just to hear this song
Freddy sings this song better than anyone else I have ever heard. We saw the movie, "The Border" in the theater when it came out and stayed through the credits to listen when this beautiful song came on. The projectionist came out and stood next to us. We apologized for keeping him and he said we didn't because he let it play through every time to hear this song. Such soul Freddy put in this song.
Carolyn Haun which movie
"The Border." 1981 Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel. Great movie. Huck Finn having a mid-life crisis and finding, again, that the right thing to do is the only cure for mistakes' blues.
Maybe you like Willie DeVille's studio version too ...
By far the best rendition!
Love a story like that.
Love this song and love Freddy.
the border with jack N was a much underrated film. The album of the soundtrack is fantastic
Totally agree. I have this movie on Blu-ray !
My father was an extra as a border patrol one in this film I was very proud of him and although he's gone now I'm still very proud of him
Joseph Campbell would have loved this m. The quest of the unlikely knight to do one good thing. Valerie P. should have gotten an oscar.
I cry every time I hear this song. GREAT song!
Gracias Señor Huerta por toda la catálogo de musica tan estupenda que nos regalaba durante todo tu vida y aún hoy y en el futuro. 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
Freddy sang so beautifully and with feeling.
I watched The Border last night and caught Freddie Fender's rendition of this great song. I find this morning that it is not on iTunes. I will buy the DVD and pull the music off of it if I have to. It seems every group coming to the U.S.A. get a push-back instead of the guidance we need to shine brighter with their unique talents. What have most groups done, crime! When will we ever learn?
Cain't never forget this tune and Freddy...Just listened to Ry Cooder and had to come revisit Freddy...RIP.
I grew up with Freddy Fender Music, My mom have a LP collection of Freddy. I own the dvd THE BORDER starring Jack Nicholson and Warren Oates and Harvey Kietel. Its a Great film and the best Performance of Jack Nicholson Career, Cheers friend for the load of the Music.
I love this song. The sweetness of the melody makes it that much more dramatic. The guitars, the piano, the strings, the harmonica... It's a fantasy.
No harmonica, that's Flaco jiminez playing a hohner corona diatonic button accordian, sounds NOTHING like a harmonica
GOD bless you Freddie ! RIP
Tear jerking song....so real. Loved the movie with Jack Nicholson...
It so honestly sang with such conviction, the instrumentals are simple, yet perfect. I'm so happy to have found this again after so many years...
Great Song Great Singer Great Movie
I always thought this was Jack Nicholson's best film of all. His character was such an honorable man with such a great heart.
Doubt you'll see this 7 years later, but yes: film has a mythical quest feel: lost soul needs to do just one good thing in this bleak world. How awesome was Valerie Perrine, though?
You'll never see this, but: remember Joseph Campbell and the Heroes Quest? Valerie Perrine deserved at least a nomination:Best Supporting.
Great voice - great song - great performance.
This song becomes more relevant by the day. I love the song, I love the writer, and of course I love the artist. I am adding this song to my set list.
I agree wholeheartedly !
+Philip J: Writers; Ry Cooder/John Hiatt/ Jim Dickenson. Don't forget the excellent efforts of Ry with Harry Dean Stanton and of course, "The Boss".
Reading this one year later and it's even more relevant today.
I love this song. One should see the movie as the song is being sung, especially the beginning.
Absolutely agree. Freddy's singing set the tone for the entire film.
I've never heard a better version of this song.
I love Ry Cooder’s version as well
Dylans version brilliant
@@kennyelliott8709no it's really fricken AWFUL
I love the movie so much with Jack Nicholson ! The Borderline song really touched my heart so much !!
I always shed a little tear when I hear this an I am 72 years old I don't cry I hold my emotions
The song and the movie are one of the best I've seen .
I think Ryland P. Cooder is the only electric guitar player to get a sound as clean and smooth as an acoustic guitar.
Saw this movie when it came out,still look at it 2020, amazing sound track and movie. Realities of life.
What was old is new again. Joseph Campbell would have had a field day with this movie. Nicholsen is an unlikely knight who goes on a quest to do one good thing. (Parsifal?) He is also, despite himself and his lust, the boy who sees that the (capitalist) emperor has no clothes. Valerie Perrine ought to at least have been supporting-actress nominated (was she ever? How about Sonny's ex in "Electric Horseman?") Would love to have heard Ed Abbey on the subject of this movie. Not sure he wouldn't have been hard on the wuss who stumbled into being a hero, out of being kindov, you know, airy-fairy. (See Abbey's parody review of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.") So, there you go: like you, still thinking about this movie. By the way, still listening to the song, sad and eternal.
Saw the movie yesterday. Great film with Nicholson and what great music and of course Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez
I've lived though out Central America. Got married to a Honduran girl in Belize. Been in Mexico a lot. I've seen old women, surrounded by kids, digging though garbage. Believe me, if that was my mother, I'd damn sure be taking a swim across the Rio Grande to help them out. Before you call for their blood at the border learn their stories.
In fond memory of the late great legendary Freddy Fender
LOVE this Song , always have and always will ! It was the Theme Song used in the 1981 Universal Film '' The Border '' with Jack Nicholson , Harvey Keitel , Valerie Perrine and Warren Oates .
The best interpretation.
I agree. His is so heartfelt and Ry Cooder's trademark sound behing him makes this version sound so authentic.
So glad to find this after searching for quite a while, it's an old favorite. Thanks for posting!
R.I.P Freddy. my father's favourite, both gone now sadly. love U always pops.
Lo siento muchos. mi amigo.
thank u my friend.
I'm sorry for your loss.
My dad liked him too. This was back when listening to country music definitely wasn't hip.
Freddie Fender was invited to visit our Elementary School (James Bonham) in McAllen,Tx. If I recall correct around 1975..!! His Rich Baritone voice intrugued me..!!He had just filmed a movie in & around Roma,Tx.
Ry Cooder was commissioned to write the song for the move with Jack Nicholson. He wrote it with John Hiatt and Jim Dickinson, and then recorded it for the movie, bringing in Freddy Fender for the vocals (it's Cooder on guitar here). So this Fender version is the "original", as in first recording. Cooder himself recorded it on his Get Rhythm album, with an additional Spanish verse; it was also the title song for a Willie Nelson album, and both Springsteen and Dylan have performed it.
Beautiful.
Pretty good piece of work. Classic Freddie Fender.
I didn't know who Freddy Fender was until I went to see The Border in a theater back whenever that was. I loved Freddy's version of the tune immediately and went out and bought the soundtrack LP. Nice to see it and hear it here on YT.
I LOVE his songs. Loved the movie this song was featured in!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Freddy was a perfect conduit between Mexico and America, both worlds claimed Freddy as their own, but he was destined for the masses, allowing the taste of each world; he belonged to all of us, and we're the fortunate recipients of his unique voice, his passion. Listening to Freddy, I had to get on the dance floor, he breathed life into every note he sang. A beautiful person, thank you for your gift, I hope you enjoyed your life Freddy.
One of the most poignant songs about the immigrant experience I've ever heard.
I've always thought this was a song about reaching a spiritual experience with God that severes your ties with your old life or that somehow you can't recognise yourself anymore but now that you mention it and him singing about the Rio Grande makes sense
Or that it was to do with dying
May be because it talks of the promised land and I took it Biblically
Nvm
Beautiful song.
The absolut best version of this beautifull song. I have seen this terrible border in 1968. The view from the penney bridge, where underneath the children tried to catch the penneys some people were trying to throw into their paperbags on long stakes.
Magnificent.
Thanks for sharing the song 2003. Semper Fi, to my Marine brother Freddy and rest in peace amigo.
This version of the song is so much better than original. Very sensitive, it tucks under your skin during the first listening!
It is the original Version
He rates In the top very best 3 singers Freddy fender Conway Twitty and George Jones. Thank you for your beautiful music and you have a very beautiful and also unique voice. I had all your records before one of nature's interferes. I'm sure you know how that goes. Thank you for all the wonderful songs. I'm 70 plus yrs just want to say thank you to.
Love the movie and this song Retired Navy
We are retired Navy too. The movie was great! Great song too!
Cool song from a fine movie. Both should be better known.
loved the song and love Freddy Fender
For me, a quality of Jack Nicholsons acting genius is his ability and desire to reach down into the raw core of the person he portrays in his films; he never plays it safe.
Beautiful song 😢
@JosephBC69 I agree. And Ry Cooder's raw simplicity behind him just makes it work so well.
Great opening song for a great movie “ The Border “
My favorite Freddy Fender song.
He's crying this song,heart breaking beautiful!
This song will break your heart if you listen to it in August of 2109. A new context, same old story.
'....beautiful Freddie...yeah it was the bars and stops in old Belize City late 1970's...a time and place i was lucky to play it like i did... thanks Fender and God bless you' Bongoman.
The movie, The Border, remains a great and very memorable movie for me. An astonishingly beautiful story and lyrics. The actors were perfectly matched to the story. The movie was appropriately filmed in my hometown of El Paso so it holds a very special meaning for me. Whether you interpret the song literally or as a metaphor, it will enter your conscience and draw your memories like a string.
This song has a spiritual meaning to me. I'm listening to it as I grieve for my wonderfully affectionate pet cat of 10 years who died suddenly this evening.
i feel for u i love my cat.
love this song
Heartbreaking
The best ever, the only complaint that I have? It's in my head every waking minute.
Me, too. It is beautiful, isn't it?
great song
Beautiful !!!
My heart breaks every time I hear this I live 150 miles from agua prieta Sonora and 140 miles from Nogales Sonora love my Mexican neighbors 🌵🌹🌵
Heaven is waiting for songs like this.
Perfection! Freddy is so right for this great song
Late into the evening and in my cups - now - I listen to my music, often older tunes, just before I lay meself down to sleep. This bittersweet song just presented itself, and I realize that its relevance when it was first released is magnified a thousand fold today. This isn’t just a poignant song in today’s Trumpian dystopia - it’s a friggin’ anthem! Please listen, and let it slip deep into you. It resonates. Maybe pass it on to your family, your friends.
Super Song
This Makes me cry everytime-- See The Border 1987 -- so great
Awesome .. Rich in every aspect .
Freddy fenders version of across the borderline the best
The movie should be seen again and again it sums up the whole damn mess
This man lived raised a family and died in a Texas border town.although he succeeded in a music career he had the unique insight of what most illegal go through.welcome to the broken promise land
Awesome song ! ! I love it every time I hear it !!
Sådan skal det gøres... super sang Freddy.
Very well put. I agree that to understand the literal, the metaphorical sheds perspective which gives each other a deeper meaning. Life is built on layers, L & M, where we can gain perspective.
@Sambergler Good to hear from a kindred spirit! I made a tape of Freddy's output over say twenty years, and it was amazing how well it all hung together and sounded fresh. That Ry Cooder and other fine musicians back him is a great sign of respect and honour.
I like this song!!
+Noah Noah So do I Happy New Year from Scotland 2016
he was a US Marine
Best version.
The Border with Jack Nicholson
Great song and movie and jacks best performenc ever!
Any good metaphor must have a concrete basis to work.Journalists who have seriously looked at Cooder,like Evan Schlansky,have written that his songs are often allegories,
and it's selling him short to see them literally.
This song resonates with people who live oceans away from Texas because they can relate to the metaphorical border,not the real one.Anyone who has lived for a while has crossed that line,one way or another,and regretted it.
oleole52 the valiant cross it and never regret it. the cowards cross it only when forced and immediately regret it
The truth hurts...sometimes...but it's still the truth.
Brilliant
Great song and lyrics but .... ready to follow lyric poetry!
Magnifico
Immortal !!
Absolute class.
BEAUTIFUL BALLAD YET A VERY SAD STORIES BEHIND IT..
Love this song.
Freddy.
Gone too soon.
❤
Wonderful song
The movie, The Border, with Jack Nicholson. This song is played in it.
Its been three years and how many and how many ?gives lost ?
freddy, ry cooder, and flaco jimenez.... tpo that!
Freddie looked like Albert Einstein....but with a whole lot more hair.
+yumi mango And a lot more talent.....
They say Einstein played a sweet fiddle!