About the song
Marty Robbins’s “The Master’s Call” is a soul-stirring narrative ballad that delves into themes of faith, redemption, and the consequences of one’s choices. Written by Robbins himself, the song was part of his influential album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” released in 1959.
Marty Robbins, born in 1925 in Glendale, Arizona, was not only a renowned country music artist but also a skilled songwriter and storyteller. Known for his distinctive voice and ability to evoke the essence of the American West through his music, Robbins gained widespread acclaim for his narrative songs. “The Master’s Call” stands out as a testament to his talent for weaving compelling stories that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level.
The song chronicles the journey of a young cowboy who recklessly ventures onto a treacherous trail despite warnings from others. As he faces perilous challenges and near-death experiences, he ultimately finds himself humbled and in need of divine intervention. The narrative unfolds with gripping intensity, propelled by Robbins’s heartfelt vocals and the evocative strumming of guitars.
Although “The Master’s Call” didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its release, it has endured as a beloved piece among fans of Marty Robbins and enthusiasts of western-themed music. Its enduring appeal lies in its moral depth and existential reflection, offering a poignant exploration of human frailty and spiritual awakening.
“Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” the album that featured “The Master’s Call,” became a landmark in Marty Robbins’s career. It showcased his ability to capture the rugged spirit of the Old West while exploring universal themes of morality and redemption through music.
Marty Robbins’s legacy as a storyteller and pioneer of western music continues to resonate today, with “The Master’s Call” standing as a testament to his enduring influence and artistic vision. The song remains a poignant reminder of Robbins’s ability to transcend mere entertainment and touch the hearts of listeners with profound narratives that explore the depths of the human spirit.
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Lyrics
When I was but a young man, I was wild and full of fire
A youth within my teens, but full of challenge and desire
I ran away from home and left my mother and my dad
I know it grieved them so to think their only boy was bad
I fell in with an outlaw band, their names were known quite well
How many times we robbed and plundered, I could never tell
This kind of sinful living leads only to a fall
I learned that much and more the night I heard my Master call
One night we rustled cattle, a thousand head or so
And started them out on the trail that leads to Mexico
But a norther started blowing and lightning flashed about
I thought someone was calling me, I thought I heard a shout
Then at that moment, lightning struck not 20 yards from me
And left there was a giant cross where once there was a tree
And this time I knew I heard a voice, a voice so sweet and strange
A voice that came from everywhere, a voice that called my name
So frightened I was thinking of sinful deeds I’d done
I failed to see the thousand head of cattle start to run
The cattle they stampeded, were running all around
My pony ran but stumbled, and it threw me to the ground
I felt the end was near, that death would be the price
When a mighty bolt of lightning showed the face of Jesus Christ
And I cried “Oh Lord forgive me, don’t let it happen now
I want to live for you alone, oh God, these words I vow”
My wicked past unfolded, I thought of wasted years
When another bolt of lightning killed a hundred head of steers
And the others rushed on by me, and I was left to live
The Master had a reason, life is his to take or give
A miracle performed that night, I wasn’t meant to die
The dead ones formed a barricade, ‘least six or seven high
And right behind it there was I, afraid but safe and sound
I cried and begged for mercy kneeling there upon the ground
A pardon I was granted, my sinful soul set free
No more to fear the angry waves upon life’s stormy sea
Forgiven by the love of God, a love that will remain
I gave my life and soul the night the Saviour called my name