Introduction
El Paso: A Ballad Born in the Texas Sky
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” is a timeless Western ballad that transcends genre, captivating audiences with its tragic tale of love and gunfight on the Mexican border. But the song’s origins are as fascinating as its story.
The inspiration struck Robbins in 1957, not in El Paso itself, but while driving through the West Texas town on his way to Phoenix for Christmas. The opening line, “Out in the west Texas town of El Paso,” bloomed in his mind, and the rest of the lyrics unfolded over the next several hours as he continued his journey [Source: Lonestar 1280].
Robbins claimed the entire song, taking just as long to compose as it does to sing – a remarkable four minutes and fourteen seconds. He reported it was only the second time a song had come to him so completely and quickly [Source: Petticoats & Pistols].
Released in 1959 on “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” “El Paso” became an instant sensation. It wasn’t just a country hit; it crossed over to the pop charts, becoming the first No. 1 song of the 1960s on both [Source: Wikipedia]. The song’s success earned Robbins the very first Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Song, solidifying his place in country music history [Source: American Songwriter].
But the story of “El Paso” doesn’t end there. In 1966, yearning to revisit the characters and setting, Robbins penned “Feleena (From El Paso),” an epic eight-minute ballad offering the perspective of the Mexican girl from the original song [Source: LiveAbout].
“El Paso” continues to resonate today. Covered by artists from diverse backgrounds, including The Mills Brothers and Jason and the Scorchers, the song remains a staple of Western music and a testament to Marty Robbins’ remarkable songwriting talent. So, as the haunting melody begins, prepare to be transported to a dusty Texas town where love and violence intertwine in a tale as timeless as the West itself.