About the song
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso City,” released in 1959, is a timeless country ballad that has cemented the singer’s reputation as one of the genre’s most enduring and beloved figures. The song’s dramatic narrative, coupled with Robbins’ soulful vocals and the heartfelt accompaniment of his band, have made it a cultural touchstone.
“El Paso City” is a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the American West. The song’s lyrics tell the tale of a young man named Faron, who falls in love with a woman named Inez. Their relationship is complicated by jealousy and violence, leading to a tragic confrontation.
The song’s narrative is driven by Robbins’ powerful storytelling, which draws the listener into the world of the characters and the dramatic events of the story. The song’s melancholic tone is amplified by Robbins’ emotive delivery and the soulful harmonies of his backing band.
Musically, “El Paso City” is a beautifully crafted country ballad that showcases Robbins’ songwriting and vocal abilities. The arrangement is sparse, allowing Robbins’ vocals to take center stage. The song’s simple chord progression and steady tempo create a sense of longing and melancholy, while the occasional guitar solo adds a touch of emotional release.
Beyond its commercial success, “El Paso City” has become a cultural touchstone, influencing countless artists and cementing Robbins’ legacy as a pioneer of country music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. As we listen to “El Paso City” today, we are reminded of the power of music to evoke powerful emotions and the enduring legacy of Marty Robbins’ artistry.
Video
Lyrics
From thirty thousand feet above
The desert floor, I see it there below
A city with a legend
The west Texas city of El Paso
Where long ago I heard a song
About a Texas cowboy and a girl
And a little place called Rosa’s
Where he used to go and watch this beauty whirl
I don’t recall who sang the song
But I recall the story that I heard
And as I look down on the city
I remember each and every word
The singer sang about a jealous cowboy
And the way he used a gun
To kill another cowboy
Then he had to leave El Paso on the run
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
The cowboy lived and rode away
But love was strong, he couldn’t stay
He rode back just to die in that El Paso sand
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
I try not to let you cross my mind
But still I find there’s just a mystery
In the song that I don’t understand
My mind is down there somewhere
As I fly above the badlands of New Mexico
I can’t explain why I should know
The very trail he rode back to El Paso
Can it be that man can disappear
From life and live another time?
And does the mystery deepen ’cause you think
That you yourself lived in that other time?
Somewhere in my deepest thoughts
Familar scenes and memories unfold
These wild and unexplained emotions
That I’ve had so long but I have never told
Like every time I fly up thru the heavens
And I see you there below
I get the feeling sometime
In another world I lived in El Paso
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
Could it be that I could be
The cowboy in this mystery
That died there in that desert sand so long ago?
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
A voice tells me to go and see
Another voice keeps tellin’ me
Maybe death awaits me in El Paso
El Paso City