“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine driving through the vast, open desert of the American Southwest, the sun setting behind distant mountains, when a song like “El Paso” comes on the radio. That’s exactly how many first connected with Marty Robbins’ legendary ballad—a musical journey into the heart of the Old West. For anyone who has ever been captivated by Westerns or dreamt of wide-open landscapes, “El Paso” brings that vivid imagery to life through its unforgettable narrative and music.
About The Composition
- Title: “El Paso”
- Composer: Marty Robbins
- Premiere Date: 1959
- Album/Opus/Collection: Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs
- Genre: Western ballad, Country music
Background
“El Paso” was written by Marty Robbins and released in 1959 as part of his album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. Robbins, who had grown up loving Westerns, brought his admiration for the Old West into this song. The ballad tells a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and fatal decisions, set in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Robbins found inspiration for the song in the Western films he adored, creating a narrative that mirrored the classic themes of gunfights, heartbreak, and redemption. Upon its release, the song became an instant hit, capturing the imaginations of listeners with its compelling storytelling and musical craftsmanship. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1960, an impressive feat for a country song at the time.
Musical Style
Musically, “El Paso” is a beautifully crafted piece that features rich, traditional Western sounds. The song is characterized by its smooth acoustic guitar intro and the dramatic use of Mexican-inspired rhythms, fitting the setting of the story. Robbins’ vocal delivery is both tender and haunting, as he takes listeners on an emotional journey through the eyes of his protagonist. The structure is straightforward, but the detailed narrative unfolds with each verse, enhancing the suspense of the plot. The use of pedal steel guitar and subtle strings adds depth, creating a sense of movement and urgency as the story progresses toward its tragic end.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “El Paso” are nothing short of poetic storytelling. In the song, a cowboy falls in love with a Mexican girl named Felina. However, his jealousy over another man’s affection for her leads to a deadly encounter. After killing the man, the cowboy flees, only to return to El Paso out of longing for Felina, despite knowing the danger that awaits him. The song’s themes of love, fatal mistakes, and the pull of destiny are timeless, wrapped in the romanticism and danger of the Old West. The imagery in Robbins’ lyrics paints a vivid picture, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the tragic, inevitable outcome.
Performance History
“El Paso” has been performed and covered by numerous artists over the decades, cementing its status as one of country music’s most iconic songs. It won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961, and its legacy has only grown over time. Marty Robbins performed the song on countless stages, and it continues to be a staple in country music collections. The song has also been featured in various media, including television and film, often used to evoke the mood of the American West.
Cultural Impact
The impact of “El Paso” on both country music and popular culture is immense. The song’s success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart demonstrated that country music could appeal to mainstream audiences. It also played a significant role in solidifying the “gunfighter ballad” as a beloved subgenre of country music. Beyond the world of music, “El Paso” has been referenced in TV shows, parodied in comedic performances, and remains a touchstone for Western-themed storytelling in popular media.
Legacy
More than 60 years after its release, “El Paso” continues to resonate with audiences. The song’s detailed narrative and Robbins’ expressive storytelling make it a timeless classic. It’s a song that transports listeners to a different time and place, capturing the essence of the American West with unparalleled authenticity. Modern country artists still cite “El Paso” as an influence, and it holds a revered place in the country music canon.
Conclusion
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” is more than just a song—it’s a journey. Its emotional depth, coupled with Robbins’ vivid storytelling and masterful musical composition, makes it an enduring classic. For those unfamiliar with this ballad, I highly recommend listening to the original recording or watching one of Robbins’ live performances to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind it. This is the kind of song that sticks with you long after it ends, its story continuing to play out in your mind, like a great Western film.
Video
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