Andrea McKenna • June 29, 2026
Sal Carson’s “Borrego”: A Musical Tribute | Historic Borrego Sun
Share
A glimpse into Borrego Springs' history through music and song.
In 1949, Sal Carson, Hoberg's resident orchestra leader, wrote a tune titled "Borrego." At the time, Hoberg's Desert Resort, now The Palms at Indian Head, was one of Borrego Springs' best-known destinations, welcoming visitors seeking the beauty and tranquility of the desert. Carson's role as the resort's orchestra leader placed him at the center of Borrego's early entertainment scene.
1949 was an important year for Borrego Springs. Along with the publication of the first issue of The Borrego Sun, Sal Carson's "Borrego" captured the beauty of the desert in song, preserving a musical snapshot of the community during its early years.
The song "Borrego" is a musical tribute to the desert. Its lyrics celebrate Borrego Springs through images of palm trees, blooming cactus, glowing campfires, colorful sunsets, and star-filled desert skies, capturing the beauty and peaceful character of the valley.
Sal Carson, known as "San Francisco's Music Man," enjoyed a distinguished career as a trumpeter, orchestra leader, composer, and entertainer. He performed with artists including Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Frankie Laine, The Mills Brothers, Helen O'Connell, and Louis Prima. For six years, he also served as the musical leader of the San Francisco 49ers Football Team Band.
Together, the song and the events of 1949 capture an exciting chapter in Borrego Springs history, when the community was growing, welcoming visitors, and beginning to tell its story through music, tourism, aviation, and its newly established hometown newspaper.
BORREGO
Words & Music by Sal Carson
Desert palm trees gently sway,
As the sunset fades away,
Borrego,
Cactus in bloom,
Where days end too soon.
Glowing campfires slowly die,
As the starlight fills the sky,
Borrego,
Land that enchants,
Filled with gay romance.
Guitars are playing,
Hearts are saying,
Dear, I really do love you.
The night's ending,
Lips are blending,
Dawn comes soon to dim the moon.
Desert sunrise paints the sky;
And we'll never say goodbye,
Borrego,
Valley of fun,
Our place in the sun.
-----
These documents are part of the Borrego Sun materials acquired by Ram Media Foundation. Separately, The Borrego Sun archives are being preserved and digitized by the San Diego History Center, ensuring that decades of Borrego Springs history will be preserved for future generations.
To support the future of local media through Ram Media Foundation, please contact Andrea at andrea@rammediafoundation.org.
O Little Town of Borrego
Written and performed by Sherry Harapat (2023)
Learn More About Borrego Springs
