About the song
“El Paso” by Marty Robbins is an iconic country and western ballad that weaves a captivating tale of love, jealousy, and redemption. Released in 1959 as a single and later included on Robbins’ album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” the song stands as one of his most enduring and beloved works.
Written by Marty Robbins himself, “El Paso” tells the story of a cowboy who falls in love with a Mexican girl named Feleena in the town of El Paso. Fueled by jealousy, the cowboy becomes embroiled in a deadly gunfight, forcing him to flee for his life. Despite the danger, his love for Feleena compels him to return to El Paso, where he meets his tragic fate.
Upon its release, “El Paso” soared to the top of the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Its success marked a significant milestone in Marty Robbins’ career, earning him widespread acclaim and establishing him as a prominent figure in country music.
Beyond its chart success, “El Paso” has become a classic in the country and western genre, celebrated for its evocative storytelling and haunting melody. Its cinematic narrative and Robbins’ emotive vocals transport listeners to the dusty streets of the Old West, where love and danger collide.
“El Paso” remains a timeless masterpiece, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline and unforgettable melody. With its enduring popularity and influence, the song continues to be a favorite among fans of country and western music, solidifying its place as one of Marty Robbins’ greatest achievements.
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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