The lyrics of The Growlers' song "Tijuana" paint a bleak and gritty picture of the city. The song begins with the lines "Ether in the ice, Revenge in the water," suggesting a dark atmosphere and a desire for retribution. The mention of a "thorn in your taco" and the question about a missing daughter further emphasize the dangerous and unpredictable nature of Tijuana. The lyrics go on to describe madness and despair in the city. "Madness in the meat" and "dead dogs in the street" create an unsettling image of the city's decay. The line "Little babies scrappen money that they don't get to keep" suggests a cycle of poverty and desperation. The song then takes a turn to describe the underbelly of Tijuana's nightlife. It mentions the city's "wasted dreams" and portrays a disturbing scene of young boys with M16's and underage girls dancing to mechanical beats. The lyrics caution the children, urging them to be skeptical of the apparent happiness around them. Overall, "Tijuana" portrays a dark and gritty side of the city, shedding light on its social issues, violence, and corruption. The song's lyrics serve as a commentary on the haunting realities and dangers that exist within Tijuana, urging listeners to recognize the harshness of the city and the need for caution in such an environment.
