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Introduction
There’s something undeniably special about Marty Robbins’ ability to weave stories into his music. “Pride And The Badge” is one of those songs that takes you right into the heart of a scene, like you’re standing in dusty boots on the streets of an old Western town. Robbins wasn’t just a singer; he was a storyteller, and in this track, he brings the tale of duty, honor, and the weight of responsibility alive in a way only he could.
At the core of “Pride And The Badge” is the story of a lawman, a person who wears the badge not just for the authority it bestows, but for the pride and sense of justice it represents. The song doesn’t just highlight the power that comes with the badge; it delves into the burden of upholding it. You can feel the inner conflict, the struggles between doing what’s right and what’s hard. Robbins paints a vivid picture of a world where choices aren’t black and white, but rather layered with personal sacrifice, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to honor.
What makes this song stand out is Robbins’ voice. It carries this deep, almost cinematic quality, drawing you into the dust-filled air of the Old West. You can almost hear the clinking of spurs and see the quiet determination in the lawman’s eyes. The song’s tempo is steady, almost like the rhythm of a heartbeat—calm yet powerful, a reflection of the steadfast resolve of the character it portrays.
Listening to “Pride And The Badge” feels like stepping into a time when values like honor and justice weren’t just ideals—they were lived realities. It’s a song that doesn’t just tell a story but immerses you in it, making you reflect on the weight of responsibility, and the sometimes lonely road of doing what’s right. It’s a reminder of how music can capture the essence of a moment, a character, and a whole way of life in just a few short minutes.
For those who love stories of grit, resilience, and quiet heroism, “Pride And The Badge” is a must-listen. Marty Robbins shows once again why his storytelling through song continues to resonate with listeners, taking them on a journey back to the wild frontier where honor still mattered, and doing the right thing came with a heavy, but meaningful, price.
Video
Lyrics
All night long I tried to sleep but sleep refused to come
‘Cause today I knew I’d either have to fight or run
Knowin’ if I choose to run my mind would never rest
‘Cause with so much pride I wear this badge upon my vest
Folks are filled with fear because there’s three bad guns in town
Sheriff Olsen made the wrong move and they shot him down
One they called Dakota Jack and one El Paso Red
The other just turned twenty and he’s called the Killer Kid
Good advice I get and that’s to leave and run away
But my pride and badge I wear won’t let me live this way
And if I stay the three have bragged they’ll add me to their list
But I have a different aim and I don’t aim to miss
From the doorway where I stand I see the outlaws three
Worried none because they know the town’s not helpin’ me
From a hundred yards away I try a lucky shot
Luck is with me and Dakota Jack dies on the spot
Well a kid runs through the barroom door and Red goes up the stairs
The Kid is ragin’ mad, he’s breakin’ bottles, kickin’ chairs
And from a roof El Paso Red has vowed to pay me back
As he views the lifeless body of Dakota Jack
I can see him as he jumps from one roof to the next
Searchin’ for me but he has no idea where I’m at
But I watch his every move I’m ready when he leaps
As I shoot him in mid air he crashes to the street
Now there’s one against just one I’ve evened up the score
Down the street I hear a yell come through the barroom door
The Kid has screamed, there’s no way I can live unless I run
Said there ain’t no lawdog man enough to take his gun
Through the barroom door he walks and steps out on the street
I can’t match his draw, he’s much too fast for me to beat
And as I walk toward him we both grab a forty-five
Maybe I will die today and he will stay alive
Like a hammer somethin’ hits me spinnin’ me around
As I fall I shoot him twice before he hits the ground
His bullet missed me, still I feel a burnin’ in my chest
His bullet hits the badge I wear with pride upon my vest
As the people view the bodies of the lifeless three
From their looks I know exactly what they think of me
To them I’m just a killer and they could not care less
‘Bout my pride or ’bout the badge I wear upon my vest