Born in Glendale, Arizona, Robbins taught himself guitar while serving in the United States Navy during World War II, and subsequently drew fame performing in clubs in and around his hometown. In 1956, he released his first No. 1 country song, "Singing the Blues" and one year later, released two more No. 1 hits, "A White Sport Coat" and "The Story of My Life". In 1959, Robbins released his signature song, "El Paso", for which he won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. Later releases that drew critical acclaim include "Don't Worry", "Big Iron" and "Honkytonk Man", the last for which the 1982 Clint Eastwood film is named, and in which Robbins made his final appearance before death.
Over the course of his career, Robbins recorded more than 500 songs and 60 albums, and won two Grammy Awards, was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and was named the 1960s Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music. Robbins was a commercial success in both the country and pop genres, and his songs were covered by many other famous artists, including Johnny Cash, the Grateful Dead and Elvis Presley. His music continues to have an influence in pop culture today, having recently appeared in several contemporary pop culture features, including the video game Fallout: New Vegas, and the series finale of AMC's Breaking Bad.
Robbins was born in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix in Maricopa County, Arizona. His mother was mostly of Paiute Indian heritage. Robbins grew up in a difficult family situation. His father took odd jobs to support the family of 10 children; however, his hard drinking led to divorce in 1937. Among his warmer memories of his childhood, Robbins recalled having listened to stories of the American West told by his maternal grandfather, Texas Bob Heckle, who was a local medicine man. At 17, Robbins left his troubled home to serve in the United States Navy as an LCT coxswain during World War II. He was stationed in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. To pass the time during the war, he learned to play the guitar, started writing songs, and came to love Hawaiian music.
Robbins' discography consists of 52 studio albums, 13 compilation albums, and 100 singles. In his career, Robbins charted 17 Number One singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, as well as 82 Top 40 singles.
Robbins' highest charting album is 1959's Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. It charted to #6 on the all-genre Billboard 200, and was also certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album's first single, "El Paso", became a hit on both the country and pop charts, charting to Number One on the Hot Country Songs as well as the Billboard Hot 100. While that would be his only pop Number One, in 1957, "A White Sport Coat" charted to #2, and in 1961, "Don't Worry" charted to #3.
His final Top 10 single was "Honkytonk Man" from the 1982 eponymous film in which Robbins had a role. He died shortly before its release. Since his death, four posthumous studio albums have been released, but they made no impact on the charts.
Robbins married Marizona "Mari" Baldwin on September 27, 1948. They had two children, Ronny and Janet, and were married 34 years until his death.
A Little Spot In Heaven
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't mind the trials on earth that I go through
Beyond doubt, I want to prove that I am worthy
Of a little spot in Heaven close to you
Years ago my Mother taught me all your meaning
Of the hardship and the pain that you went through
Know you ,Lord, that I am ready and I'm waiting
Precious Lord, forget me not don't pass me by
Though there must be others worthier than I
If you can then, Lord, here's what I'll have you do
Save a little spot in Heaven close to you
If my wish is more than I deserve, forgive me
Up in Heaven any place would surely do
But I've done my best on earth that's why I'm asking
For a little spot in Heaven close to you
At the altar years ago we got acquainted
And as time went on the love in my heart grew
If it isn't asking too much, Lord, then save me
Just a little spot in Heaven close to you
The song "Little Spot in Heaven" by Marty Robbins is a heartfelt plea to God from someone who wants to prove their worthiness for a place in Heaven. The singer is willing to bear the trials and hardships of life on earth to show that they're deserving of a spot in Heaven close to God. The lyrics express the singer's deep faith in the teachings of their mother, who had taught them about the struggles and suffering that God himself went through.
The lyrics also tell of the singer's love for God, first becoming acquainted at the altar and growing stronger over the years. Despite acknowledging that there may be others who are more worthy, the singer humbly asks for just a little spot in Heaven close to God. The overall message of the song is one of faith, love, and devotion, and the desire to be closer to God in the afterlife.
Overall, "Little Spot in Heaven" is a movingly sincere expression of faith and devotion to God, with a message that rings true for many people. It speaks to the human desire for spiritual connection and the hope of an afterlife spent in the presence of a loving God.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't ask you ,Lord, to lighten up my burden
I do not expect or request a lighter load from you, Lord
I don't mind the trials on earth that I go through
The challenges on this earth do not bother me
Beyond doubt, I want to prove that I am worthy
I absolutely desire to demonstrate my worth
Of a little spot in Heaven close to you
To obtain a small, near location to you in Heaven
Years ago my Mother taught me all your meaning
My Mother educated me on your entire significance many years ago
Of the hardship and the pain that you went through
Of the difficulties and suffering that you experienced
Know you ,Lord, that I am ready and I'm waiting
Lord, I am prepared and waiting as you know
For a little spot in Heaven close to you
To be given a small, near location to you in Heaven
Precious Lord, forget me not don't pass me by
Dear Lord, please do not forget or overlook me
Though there must be others worthier than I
Even though there are certainly others more deserving than myself
If you can then, Lord, here's what I'll have you do
If possible, Lord, here is what I ask of you
Save a little spot in Heaven close to you
Reserve a small, near location to you in Heaven for me
If my wish is more than I deserve, forgive me
Lord, if my desire is greater than my worth, please pardon me
Up in Heaven any place would surely do
Any location in Heaven would suffice for me
But I've done my best on earth that's why I'm asking
However, I have given my best on this earth thus I'm requesting this of you
For a little spot in Heaven close to you
For a small, near location to you in Heaven
At the altar years ago we got acquainted
We became acquainted many years ago at the altar
And as time went on the love in my heart grew
As time progressed, the affection in my heart increased
If it isn't asking too much, Lord, then save me
If it isn't too much to ask, Lord, then save me
Just a little spot in Heaven close to you
Merely a small, near location to you in Heaven
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
A
on Johnny Fedavo
This is a fantastic, emotional song, thanks to whoever added the meaning behind the lyrics to this song. Makes it easy for some to understand a bit better!