About the song
“El Paso,” performed by the legendary Marty Robbins, is a classic ballad that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1959. Featured on his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” “El Paso” is a quintessential Western story-song that showcases Robbins’ storytelling prowess and musical talent.
Written by Marty Robbins himself, “El Paso” narrates the tale of a cowboy’s tragic love story in the Old West. The song’s protagonist falls in love with Feleena, a beautiful dancer at Rosa’s Cantina in El Paso, Texas. Driven by passion and jealousy, he kills a rival in a fit of rage and is forced to flee to the badlands of New Mexico. Haunted by his love for Feleena, he returns to El Paso, only to meet his tragic end.
The song is notable for its vivid lyrics, which paint a picture of the Old West, complete with dusty trails, cantinas, and gunfights. Robbins’ smooth, evocative voice and the song’s distinctive Spanish guitar accompaniment contribute to its timeless appeal. “El Paso” was a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It also earned Robbins a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961.
“El Paso” remains one of Marty Robbins’ most beloved songs and a staple of American country music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Robbins’ ability to craft a compelling narrative set to music, capturing the imagination of generations of listeners. The song’s rich storytelling and melodic charm continue to resonate, making it a cherished classic in the annals of country music history.
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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