About the song
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” is a timeless ballad that weaves a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy. Released in 1959, the song quickly ascended to the top of both the country and pop charts, cementing Robbins’ status as a songwriting and vocal powerhouse.
The song’s narrative, told from the perspective of a nameless cowboy, unfolds with a gripping intensity. The cowboy’s infatuation with a young Mexican dancer named Feleena leads to a deadly confrontation, forcing him to flee town. Years later, driven by an unwavering love, he returns to El Paso, despite the grave consequences. The shift from past to present tense in the lyrics adds a dramatic urgency, heightening the tension as the cowboy’s fate draws near.
Robbins’ evocative storytelling is complemented by the song’s rich musical tapestry. The haunting harmonies, distinctive Spanish guitar accompaniment, and the emotional depth of Robbins’ vocals combine to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. “El Paso” has been hailed as a genre classic, its enduring popularity a testament to its universal appeal and timeless themes.
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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