Marty Robbins… (Long Version) “El Paso” 1959

About the song

“El Paso” stands as a quintessential western ballad that etched its place in music history through Marty Robbins’ evocative storytelling and haunting melodies. Originally released on his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs” in September 1959, “El Paso” swiftly captivated listeners upon its single release the following month, ultimately ascending to the top of both the country and pop music charts, marking it as the first No. 1 hit of the 1960s on both fronts. Its enduring appeal is further underscored by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and its recognition by the Western Writers of America as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.

At the heart of “El Paso” lies a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the Wild West. The song unfolds through the eyes of a cowboy in El Paso, Texas, who recounts his fateful encounter with a Mexican dancer named Feleena at Rosa’s Cantina. Enamored but consumed by jealousy, the cowboy fatally shoots a rival suitor, triggering his flight from the town and inadvertently committing the crime of horse theft. Despite his escape to the badlands of New Mexico, the cowboy’s longing for Feleena draws him back to El Paso, where he meets his tragic fate in a shootout with a posse. The song’s narrative shift from past to present tense intensifies its poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption, punctuated by Robbins’ soulful vocals and Grady Martin’s eloquent Spanish guitar accompaniment.

“El Paso” spawned several versions, including an edited release and an alternate stereo take, both reflecting the song’s popularity and Columbia Records’ initial uncertainty over its lengthy duration for radio play. Beyond its original rendition, “El Paso” has been covered and celebrated across genres and generations, notably by the Grateful Dead and through parodies that humorously reimagine its tale.

Robbins expanded on the song’s lore with sequels like “Feleena (From El Paso)” and “El Paso City,” further enriching its mythos and reinforcing its place as a seminal piece in the landscape of American music. With its enduring legacy and narrative richness, “El Paso” continues to resonate, transporting listeners to the rugged terrain and poignant dramas of the Old West with each poignant refrain and haunting chord.

Video

Lyrics

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Night-time would find me in Rosa’s Cantina
Music would play and Feleena would whirl

Blacker than night were the eyes of Feleena
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 Feleena
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 heart-beat
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 bad-lands 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 Feleena 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
Feleena 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 Feleena 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 Feleena, good-bye

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