About The Song
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso”: A Ballad of Love, Loss, and Redemption
In the realm of country music, Marty Robbins stands as a towering figure, his rich baritone and captivating storytelling weaving tales that have resonated with generations of listeners. Among his most celebrated works is the 1959 ballad “El Paso,” a hauntingly beautiful narrative that encapsulates the themes of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of the American West.
A Tale of Two Lovers
“El Paso” opens with a melancholic melody, its somber tone foreshadowing the tragic events to unfold. The lyrics introduce us to a cowboy, deeply enamored with a Mexican girl, whose love blossoms amidst the vibrant atmosphere of El Paso’s cantina. Their forbidden romance, however, is soon threatened by the arrival of a rival cowboy, igniting a fiery conflict that will forever alter their lives.
A Clash of Passion and Pride
As the tension escalates, the two cowboys engage in a fateful showdown, their pride and passion clashing in a deadly dance. The outcome is swift and devastating, leaving the narrator, the original cowboy, wounded and grief-stricken. Consumed by remorse and regret, he flees El Paso, seeking solace in the vast expanse of the desert.
A Haunting Melody and Lyrical Depth
Robbins’ masterful storytelling is complemented by the evocative melody of “El Paso,” its haunting strains mirroring the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The lyrics, infused with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors, paint a vivid picture of the characters’ struggles and the harsh realities of the Wild West.
A Legacy of Enduring Popularity
“El Paso” quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming Robbins’ first number-one hit and cementing his status as a country music legend. The song’s enduring popularity has spanned decades, captivating audiences with its timeless themes and poignant portrayal of human emotion. It has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own interpretation to this enduring classic.
A Ballad that Resonates Across Generations
The enduring appeal of “El Paso” lies in its ability to transcend the boundaries of time and genre. Its themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate universally, speaking to the human experience in a way that continues to touch listeners of all ages. Marty Robbins’ masterful storytelling and the song’s evocative melody have solidified its place as a cornerstone of American music, ensuring that “El Paso” will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
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Lyric
Out in the West Texas town of El PasoI fell in love with a Mexican girlNighttime would find me in Rosa’s cantinaMusic would play and Felina would whirl
Blacker than night were the eyes of FelinaWicked and evil while casting a spellMy love was deep for this Mexican maidenI was in love but in vain, I could tell
One night a wild young cowboy came inWild as the West Texas windDashing and daring, a drink he was sharingWith wicked Felina, the girl that I loved
So in anger IChallenged his right for the love of this maidenDown went his hand for the gun that he woreMy challenge was answered in less than a heartbeatThe handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor
Just for a moment I stood there in silenceShocked by the foul evil deed I had doneMany thoughts raced through my mind as I stood thereI had but one chance and that was to run
Out through the back door of Rosa’s I ranOut where the horses were tiedI caught a good one, it looked like it could runUp on its back and away I did ride
Just as fast as ICould from the West Texas town of El PasoOut to the badlands of New Mexico
Back in El Paso my life would be worthlessEverything’s gone in life; nothing is leftIt’s been so long since I’ve seen the young maidenMy love is stronger than my fear of death
I saddled up and away I did goRiding alone in the darkMaybe tomorrow, a bullet may find meTonight nothing’s worse than this pain in my heart
And at last here IAm on the hill overlooking El PasoI can see Rosa’s cantina belowMy love is strong and it pushes me onwardDown off the hill to Felina I go
Off to my right I see five mounted cowboysOff to my left ride a dozen or moreShouting and shooting, I can’t let them catch meI have to make it to Rosa’s back door
Something is dreadfully wrong for I feelA deep burning pain in my sideThough I am trying to stay in the saddleI’m getting weary, unable to ride
But my love forFelina is strong and I rise where I’ve fallenThough I am weary I can’t stop to restI see the white puff of smoke from the rifleI feel the bullet go deep in my chest
From out of nowhere Felina has found meKissing my cheek as she kneels by my sideCradled by two loving arms that I’ll die forOne little kiss and Felina, goodbye