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.
As Time Goes By
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A kiss is still a kiss
A sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply as time goes by
And when two lovers woo
They still say "I love you"
On that you can rely
No matter what the future brings, as time goes by
Hearts full of passion, jealousy, and hate
Woman needs man, and man must have his mate
That no one can deny
It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die
The world will always welcome lovers as time goes by
In this classic song by Marty Robbins, the singer sings about how some fundamental things never change, despite the passing of time. For instance, while times may have changed, a kiss still holds the same meaning that it did ages ago. Likewise, when people fall in love, they still say "I love you," and this is something that people can always rely on. The singer goes on to talk about how love never goes out of style - this is represented by the enduring appeal of moonlight and love songs. Hearts may be filled with passion, jealousy, and hate, but the fundamental desire for love remains the same. In the end, the world will always welcome lovers, no matter how much time has passed.
Overall, this song is a wistful but ultimately uplifting reflection on the enduring nature of love, as well as the ways in which certain things remain constant even as the world changes around us. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, and Robbins' performance is powerful and heartfelt, making this a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences for generations.
Line by Line Meaning
You must remember this
It's important to remember
A kiss is still a kiss
A kiss remains the same and has the same meaning
A sigh is just a sigh
A sigh is a simple expression of emotion
The fundamental things apply as time goes by
The most important things remain the same over time
And when two lovers woo
When two people fall in love
They still say "I love you"
They still express their feelings of love
On that you can rely
You can trust that they will always express their love
No matter what the future brings, as time goes by
Even with uncertainty, the important things remain the same
Moonlight and love songs never out of date
Romantic gestures are timeless
Hearts full of passion, jealousy, and hate
Strong emotions are part of love
Woman needs man, and man must have his mate
Human nature dictates that we seek companionship
That no one can deny
It's a universal truth
It's still the same old story
Love is a familiar tale
A fight for love and glory
Love involves battling for what you want
A case of do or die
It's a matter of survival
The world will always welcome lovers as time goes by
Love is a constant and will always be present
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Herman Hupfeld
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mary Cage
This man's talent was so under rated. He should have been promoted and appreciated more. He had one of the most beautiful voices and could sing pop as well as country beautifully. I loved Marty and still miss him and his great talent.
Melody Heather
My mother played this over and over after my dad passed away but it was a 8 track of By the Time I get to Phoenix" I would love someone to post the entire album Thank you for the strong Memories I meet him and he signed the 8 track told me the only one in his career he was so wonderful. He keeps my memories ALIVE Thank you again
Leroy S
Nice, soothing. God bless the late great Marty.
Marie Hardyman
Beautiful! Best version ever.
179cpv
A very lovely interpretation by Marty. I could do without the background singers though.
QR
That's some mighty fine singing.
whispperson
Lovely
Rosie Baker
8 years ago no one stand on ne every one agains me beed only my eyes,if any one knows this,words i know please fallow with Lord say i must speak thank you
Rosie Baker
No one can push me Lord he with me 4 months ago dont messages make me angry i dont hara s hin t s any one i GG ad a choice to be with me too yeah if i am highest to all Lird say every say yes we are goid thank yiu amen priease to the worlds,amen
Irene Mccann
Marty was one of my favourite singers, but I. Much prefer Perry Como singing this .