Marty Robbins - El Paso (1959)
EL PASOis 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 beworthless
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 itto 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
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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 ofthe 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
Uploaded: September 28, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Author: bmcneese45a
Length: 00:04:25
Rating: 4.91
Views: 382262
Tags: el robbins paso western marty music country
Video Comments:
nor888vast695 (January 8, 2009 at 6:09 am)
We all think artists should get fair royalties for the art they create. However, the music business is cutthroat and many artists try to find a new outlet for their work and some have their own recording studio so they can present music they like; they approach music from their point of view. Everybody hates the system except those getting fat and not paying a dime to the artists. The worst case I can think of is Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts that's because I loved them so as a kid.
lupersaud (January 7, 2009 at 3:52 am)
This song bring memories of a boyfriend who would "punch" this song whenever we had ice cream together. We knew our friendship would never progress because of cultural and religious issues. I wonder if he remembers those days.
ThefirstGluhbirne (January 5, 2009 at 4:18 am)
My parents used to play this for me when I was little. I'm American and I fell in love with a Mexican boy and married him. We actually ended up living in Juarez, just across the border from El Paso for two years.This song will always hold a special place in my heart.
area455 (January 4, 2009 at 6:42 pm)
To peter stiles13, There is a great difference between "Country music and "Weatern Music" Marty sung Western Music not Country.
countryflyboy (January 4, 2009 at 4:59 pm)
no he did not
bmcneese45a (January 3, 2009 at 9:52 pm)
Well I guess she got her own song, at least I hope so. ON ANOTHER SUBJECT, I'm truly surprised the "copyright owners" haven't forced Youtube to yank this classic. They are whittling away at my 50-65 year old songs, country and otherwise. Around 25-30 songs lost now (including some by Kitty Wells). Pretty soon I'll have to substitute videos of my cat playing and my tomatoes growing. Won't that be fun.
newall7 (January 3, 2009 at 8:39 pm)
his son
remembers marty writing it as they approached el paso whilst on a family holliday
remembers marty writing it as they approached el paso whilst on a family holliday
shanecubbins (January 3, 2009 at 4:36 pm)
Great
boyk99 (January 2, 2009 at 11:17 pm)
dapugh1 if marty did a bad song it stayed on cutting room floor.
boyk99 (January 2, 2009 at 11:14 pm)
mr Mc neese sir i compliment you on the music i`m a marty fan, but where is feleena ? only joking my friend..
bigb5949 (January 2, 2009 at 3:05 am)
no....
dapugh1 (January 2, 2009 at 1:49 am)
Did Marty ever do a bad song?
ajefg (January 1, 2009 at 9:24 pm)
hey grew up on cattle ranch luv this shit plus i drink way to much
Ladymech62 (January 1, 2009 at 1:27 pm)
A classic done by a gentleman - he sings so effortlessly where so many of the newer artists seem to be working at getting every note out...
I miss him.
I miss him.
bmcneese45a (January 1, 2009 at 4:51 am)
You are quite welcome Floyd. Glad it brings back good memories for you.
Boogie1951 (December 31, 2008 at 11:33 pm)
Well said.
dafontenot (December 31, 2008 at 11:03 pm)
Is there a piano arrangement of this song?
01rockangel (December 31, 2008 at 4:57 am)
my great aunt dated this guy hahahahaha!!!!! =)
RatBastardKrCulhane (December 30, 2008 at 9:59 pm)
drank myself silly many a times to this classic. :-)
ffairlane57 (December 30, 2008 at 7:20 pm)
Grady Martin also backed Johnny Horton.
dahoser44 (December 30, 2008 at 5:06 am)
Thank You for this post! My mom and dad had this on a album when I was just a little guy but I remember it and what great memories it brings back. Once again thanks, Floyd
PeterStiles13 (December 30, 2008 at 12:03 am)
you're right, there are some good country songs. but in general modern country music is mainly a gimmicky genre, at least in my opinion. I'll stick with the classics--in country music anyway.
r3st3cp (December 28, 2008 at 5:20 pm)
great tune! thanks :)
jokersgiggles (December 28, 2008 at 7:17 am)
thank you for bringing back such great memories of my grandfather I miss him terribly but remember his working out in his shop listening to Marty Robbins
Gforce479 (December 28, 2008 at 5:16 am)
Peter, there is still good country music out there. You just need to sort it out.