About The Song
In the realm of country music, few songs have achieved the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Marty Robbins’s “El Paso”. Released in 1959 as part of his album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, this epic tale of love, loss, and redemption has captivated audiences for generations, cementing its place as one of the genre’s most cherished classics.
Robbins, a master storyteller with a captivating baritone voice, weaves a vivid narrative that transports listeners to the heart of the Wild West. The song opens with the narrator’s arrival in the dusty town of El Paso, where he falls for the captivating Feleena. However, their budding romance is threatened by the arrival of a “wild young cowboy”, igniting a rivalry that escalates into a deadly confrontation.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, particularly the protagonist’s struggle with guilt and regret. As he flees the scene of the crime, haunted by the memory of his actions, he grapples with the weight of his choices and the consequences of his impulsive violence.
“El Paso” is more than just a cowboy ballad; it’s a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of love, loss, and the search for redemption. Robbins’s masterful storytelling and expressive vocals bring the narrative to life, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. It has been covered by countless artists across various genres, from country legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to rock icons like Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen. Its influence extends beyond music, having been featured in numerous films and television shows, further solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.
“El Paso” stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with listeners on a profound level. Marty Robbins’s masterful storytelling and expressive vocals have created a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of country music and American culture.
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Lyric
Out in the West Texas town of El PasoI fell in love with a Mexican girlNighttime would find me in Rosa’s cantinaMusic would play and Felina would whirlBlacker than night were the eyes of FelinaWicked and evil while casting a spellMy love was deep for this Mexican maidenI was in love, but in vain I could tellOne night, a wild young cowboy came inWild as the West Texas windDashing and daring, a drink he was sharingWith wicked Felina, the girl that I lovedSo in angerI challenged his right for the love of this maidenDown went his hand for the gun that he woreMy challenge was answered in less than a heartbeatThe handsome young stranger lay dead on the floorJust for a moment, I stood there in silenceShocked by the foul evil deed I had doneMany thoughts raced through my mind as I stood thereI had but one chance and that was to runOut through the back door of Rosa’s I ranOut where the horses were tiedI caught a good one, it looked like it could runUp on its back and away I did rideJust as fast as ICould from the West Texas town of El PasoOut to the badlands of New MexicoBack in El Paso, my life would be worthlessEverything’s gone in life, nothing is leftIt’s been so long since I’ve seen the young maidenMy love is stronger than my fear of deathI saddled up and away I did goRiding alone in the darkMaybe tomorrow, a bullet may find meTonight nothing’s worse than this pain in my heartAnd at last here I am on the hill, overlooking El PasoI can see Rosa’s cantina belowMy love is strong and it pushes me onwardDown off the hill to Felina I goOff to my right I see five mounted cowboysOff to my left ride a dozen or moreShouting and shooting, I can’t let them catch meI have to make it to Rosa’s back doorSomething is dreadfully wrong, for I feelA deep burning pain in my sideThough I am trying to stay in the saddleI’m getting weary, unable to rideBut my love for Felina is strong and I rise where I’ve fallenThough I am weary, I can’t stop to restI see the white puff of smoke from the rifleI feel the bullet go deep in my chestFrom out of nowhere Felina has found meKissing my cheek as she kneels by my sideCradled by two loving arms that I’ll die forOne little kiss and Felina, goodbye