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.
Ain't Life a Crying Shame
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh ain't life a crying shame
I hate to hurt them either one I want 'em both can't have but one
Oh ain't life a crying shame
I wish I knew which way to turn which love light should I let burn
Makes no difference how I choose I can't win I'll only lose
Bound to break somebody's heart tear somebody's world apart
Oh ain't life a crying shame
I wish I knew which way to turn...
The lyrics of Marty Robbins's song, "Ain't Life a Crying Shame," describe a situation where the singer is in love with two different people but cannot have both. The singer is tied to someone who is true, but at the same time, he has fallen in love with another person. He feels torn between the two individuals and hates to hurt either of them. Though he wants both of them, he knows he can only choose one, which is the crying shame that life brings.
The singer wishes he knew which way to turn, but whichever love light he lets burn, he knows he will lose. He feels bound to break somebody's heart and tear somebody's world apart, which aggravates the already upsetting situation. The lyrics paint a pretty bleak picture of a love triangle where one person feels trapped and confused, wishing they could give their heart to both.
In summary, this song is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and relationships. Life can be a crying shame when we desire two things that are impossible to have together. This situation can be especially challenging when it involves love and the hearts of other people.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tied to someone that's true and yet I love another too
I am in a committed relationship but I have developed feelings for someone else as well.
Oh ain't life a crying shame
Life is full of difficult choices that can lead to heartbreak and pain.
I hate to hurt them either one I want 'em both can't have but one
I care about both people and do not want to cause them pain, but I cannot have both.
I wish I knew which way to turn which love light should I let burn
I am torn between two loves and do not know which one to choose.
Makes no difference how I choose I can't win I'll only lose
No matter what decision I make, someone will end up getting hurt.
Bound to break somebody's heart tear somebody's world apart
I am aware that my choice will cause pain and suffering to someone.
Oh ain't life a crying shame
Once again, life is full of difficult choices that can lead to heartbreak and pain.
[piano]
Instrumental break
I wish I knew which way to turn...
I am still struggling with my decision and do not know which way to turn.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY MCDOWELL, TONY SENN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Toos van Es
i love his voyce thanks .
Bonnie Pressnall
good old Marty no one ever sounded like you you are the best
TheCaptainSato
Hello and How are you. my good friend Taylor san.I'm very enjoyed this wonderful Marty's song for a long time.Thank you and have a nice day. ! ... Tadashi
Raymomd Arthur
good one.