A Fool’s Paradise: The Border Crossing Tale of “Gringo Honeymoon”
While Robert Earl Keen is often revered for his sweeping narrative epics like “The Road Goes on Forever” and the holiday chaos of “Merry Christmas From The Family,” the title track of his 1994 album, “Gringo Honeymoon,” is a masterful blend of road trip adventure, romantic folly, and Southwestern atmosphere.
The song “Gringo Honeymoon” (the album was released in August 1994 on Sugar Hill Records) is a quintessential example of the Texan singer-songwriter tradition: a beautifully detailed, largely autobiographical story set to music. The story recounts a seemingly impulsive, post-wedding trip that Keen and his wife took to the small Mexican border town of Boquillas del Carmen, across the Rio Grande from Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Keen’s lyrics are rich with the kind of specific, slightly bemused detail that makes his writing so beloved. He describes the unromantic means of crossing the river in a rickety “tarred and faded jon boat” with a Captain named Pablo, a journey that contrasts comically with the notion of a romantic honeymoon. The adventure unfolds with all the humor and minor mishaps typical of a “gringo” trying to navigate an authentic, dusty border town where time has seemingly stopped. The song is a celebration of romantic spontaneity and the joy of simple, messy, off-the-beaten-path experiences. It captures the charm of a place that feels blissfully disconnected from the modern world.
The commercial impact of “Gringo Honeymoon” (the album and the song) solidified Keen’s standing as a cornerstone of the burgeoning Americana and Texas Country movements. While he consistently bypassed mainstream charts, this album won significant critical acclaim, including being named Texas Album of the Year and helping to propel Keen to the forefront of a scene defined by authentic storytelling and musical integrity. The song is considered one of his signature tunes by his passionate, cult-like fanbase, often mentioned alongside “The Road Goes on Forever” as essential Keen listening.
In essence, “Gringo Honeymoon” is an ode to finding love and adventure in unexpected places. It’s a road map for anyone who believes that the best memories are made when you throw out the itinerary, embrace the unknown, and—in the words of Keen—treat traveling as a “fool’s paradise.” It is a charming reminder that a true honeymoon isn’t about the destination’s luxury, but the companionship and shared experiences that make the journey worthwhile.