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
A classic song my father loved way back in 1959 and early 1960s, which I recall hearing on an old record player. He loved the harmony especially as he sat listening to the story told by this great balladeer Marty Robbins. It’s a song one can never forget but remember fondly.👏👏👏👏
I was stationed at White Sands missile range New Mexico just a few miles from El Paso when this song came out. It was on the radio all day,, everyday for along time. Never got tired of hearing it.
I've always loved Marty Robbins. I got to see him in concert and loved every minute of it; he was a true performer, beautiful voice and a great sense of humor. I remember the day he died. I was home ironing clothes when my mother called me and told me he had died. I cried.
Marty Robbins showed a spontaneity and playfulness that is sadly absent from so many performers, especially 'country music' performers. He is a joy to hear and watch!
I was born a year before this songs debut; my name is Falinda, my father wanted to name me Felena but mom would not - because of his song. LOL Today, my family calls me Felena I'm her. LOL
I was 3 years old when the song came out. My Dad had the album and it was one of the first western ballads I ever heard. Years later as a young EMT, I worked with a guy who was the absolutely look alike of Marty Robbins and sounded just like him. It was crazy because people would ask him constantly if he was related.
