Marty Robbins - El Paso (1959)

Added: Sep 28, 2007

From: bmcneese45a

Duration: 4:25

EL PASO is a country and western ballad written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, and first released on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs in September 1959. It was released as a single the following month, and became a major hit on both the country and pop music charts, reaching #1 in both at the start of 1960. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961, and remains Robbins' best-known song. It is widely considered a genre classic for its gripping narrative, haunting harmonies by Tompall and the Glaser Brothers and the eloquent Spanish guitar accompaniment by Grady Martin that lends the recording a distinctive Tex-Mex feel. (Info from Wikipedia) --LYRICS-- Out in the West Texas town of El Paso I fell in love with a Mexican girl Nighttime would find me in Rosa's cantina Music would play and Felina would whirl Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina Wicked and evil while casting a spell My love deep for this Mexican maiden I was in love, but in vain I could tell One night a wild young cowboy came in Wild as the West Texas wind Dashing and daring, a drink he was sharing Wicked Felina the girl that I loved So in anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden Down went his hand for the gun that he wore My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor [THIS VERSE IS MISSING!!! (See NOTE #1 at the end) Just for a moment I stood there in silence Shocked by the foul evil deed I had done Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there I had but one chance, and that was to run Out through the back door of Rosa's I ran Out where the horses were tied I caught a good one, it looked like it could run Up on its back and away I did ride Just as fast as I could From the West Texas town of El Paso Out to the badlands of New Mexico Back in El Paso my life would be worthless Everything's gone in life nothing is left It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden My love is stronger than my fear of death I saddled up and away I did go Riding alone in the dark Maybe tomorrow a bullet may find me Tonight nothing's worse than this pain in my heart And at last here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso I can see Rosa's cantina below My love is strong and it pushes me onwards Down off the hill to Felina I go Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys Off to my left ride a dozen and more Shouting and shooting, I can't let them catch me I have to make it to Rosa's back door Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel A deep burning pain in my side Though I am trying stay in the saddle I'm getting weary, unable to ride But my love for Felina is strong and I rise where I've fallen Though I am weary I can't stop to rest I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle I feel the bullet go deep in my chest From out of nowhere, Felina has found me Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for One little kiss sent Fellina goodbye ------------------------------------------------ NOTE #1: It was not noticed that the verse, "Just for a moment I stood there in silence, shocked by the foul evil deed I had done...." was missing until after posting. Possible reasons it may be missing: 1) Early radio censorship (1960) in certain regions of the US. (Blatant act of "evil" in a song = cut out the offending part of the song before broadcasting on the airwaves.) 2) Some radio stations may have requested a shorter version of this, for the time, VERY long song to fit in another commercial sooner. In fact, many radio stations did initially complain about the length of the song. However, it turned into such a phenomenal hit, they had no choice but to play it.

Channel: Music

Tags: country  el  marty  music  paso  robbins  western