About the song
**Marty Robbins’** timeless classic, “El Paso,” is a captivating tale of love, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy set against the rugged backdrop of the American West. This haunting ballad, released in 1959, quickly became a chart-topping sensation, leaving an indelible mark on both country and pop music.
The song unfolds as a first-person narrative, narrated by a lone cowboy who finds himself captivated by a beautiful Mexican dancer named Feleena. Their love affair is passionate but short-lived, as jealousy leads to a deadly confrontation. The cowboy, driven by his desire for Feleena, returns to El Paso despite knowing the consequences, only to meet a tragic end.
What sets “El Paso” apart is its evocative storytelling and the rich musical tapestry that accompanies it. Robbins’ emotive vocals, coupled with the haunting harmonies provided by Bobby Sykes and Jim Glaser, create a sense of longing and melancholy. The Spanish guitar accompaniment, expertly played by Grady Martin, adds a distinctive Tex-Mex flavor to the song, further enhancing its atmospheric quality.
Beyond its musical merits, “El Paso” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The song’s gripping narrative, combined with its timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption, has resonated with audiences for generations. It’s a testament to Robbins’ songwriting prowess and the enduring appeal of the Western genre.
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