About the song
Marty Robbins’s “El Paso” is a quintessential masterpiece in the realm of country music, renowned for its narrative richness, emotional depth, and captivating musicality. Written solely by Robbins himself, the song was released in 1959 as part of his iconic album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs.”
Born in 1925 in Glendale, Arizona, Marty Robbins was not only a gifted singer but also a prolific songwriter and storyteller. His ability to weave compelling tales through his music, blending elements of country, western, and folk genres, set him apart as a true pioneer in the industry.
“El Paso” tells the gripping story of a cowboy who falls passionately in love with a Mexican girl named Feleena in the town of El Paso, Texas. Their love affair takes a tragic turn when the cowboy, driven by jealousy, ends up killing another man who flirted with Feleena. Fearing the law, he flees the town but eventually returns, driven by his love for Feleena, only to meet his own demise in a gunfight.
The song’s narrative brilliance and Robbins’s evocative vocals struck a chord with audiences, propelling “El Paso” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960, where it remained for several weeks. Its cinematic scope, enhanced by Robbins’s rich baritone voice and the haunting melody of Spanish guitars, transported listeners to the rugged landscapes and passionate emotions of the Old West.
“Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” the album that featured “El Paso,” became a monumental success in Marty Robbins’s career, showcasing his ability to paint vivid pictures and evoke deep emotions through his storytelling. The album not only solidified Robbins’s reputation as a masterful storyteller but also earned him widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Marty Robbins’s legacy as a trailblazer in country music is further underscored by “El Paso,” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance highlight Robbins’s lasting impact on the genre, ensuring that his musical contributions are celebrated for generations to come.
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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 was 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
With 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
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 onward
Down off the hill to Felina I go
Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys
Off to my left ride a dozen or 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 to 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 and Felina, goodbye