Verse:
In my imagination I'm finding consolation
Somewhere along the Rio Grande.
Sadly I'm reminiscing, madly again I'm kissing
Someone along the Rio Grande.

Chorus:
It happened in Monterey a long time ago.
I met her in Monterey in old Mexico.
Stars and steel guitars and luscious lips as red as wine
Broke somebody's heart and I'm afraid that it was mine.

It happened in Monterey without thinking twice.
I left her and threw away the Key to Paradise.
My indiscreet heart longs for the sweetheart
That I left in old Monterey.

(chorus repeats)