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.
Don't Let Me Touch You
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw your new love and it was plain, he cares about you
But I'll wait until he's out of town
Then I'll call you up and want to come around
But don't let me touch you, don't let me get close to you
Though I might say nice things and I might bring a rose to you
There's just a chance your old romance might burn anew
Don't let me touch you, don't let me get close to you
Though I might say nice things and I might bring a rose to you
There's just a chance your old romance might burn anew
Don't let me touch you, don't let me get close to you
Don't let me touch you
In Marty Robbins's song, "Don't Let Me Touch You," the singer contemplates his feelings for his former lover. He has recently seen her with her new love interest, who cares for her deeply. However, the singer is not deterred by this fact and suggests that he will wait until the new love interest is out of town to reach out to his ex-lover. Despite his desire to connect with her again, the singer has the self-awareness to recognize the potential danger in doing so. He pleads with his ex-lover not to let him touch her or get too close to her, as he fears that their old romance may still burn strongly within him, leading to complicated emotions and negative consequences.
The lyrics of "Don't Let Me Touch You" showcase the struggle that can come with trying to move on from an intense and meaningful relationship. While the singer recognizes that his former lover has moved on, his own feelings for her have not. He desires to rekindle their old romance, but he also acknowledges the potential harm that could come if he acts on those feelings. This conflict is relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of a breakup and the struggle of trying to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Guess who I saw today, and I asked him about you
I ran into someone who knows you and asked about how you're doing
I saw your new love and it was plain, he cares about you
I saw that you're seeing someone new and it's obvious he cares for you
But I'll wait until he's out of town
I'll wait until the time is right to make my move
Then I'll call you up and want to come around
Once I know the coast is clear, I'll call you and ask to see you
Though I might say nice things and I might bring a rose to you
I may try to woo you with compliments and gifts
There's just a chance your old romance might burn anew
But there's a risk that our old feelings for each other could reignite
Don't let me touch you
Please don't give in to my advances
Don't let me get close to you
Don't allow me to be near you in a romantic capacity
Don't let me touch you
I know I have a tendency to cause complications, please keep your distance
Don't let me get close to you
I understand that we may have some chemistry, but for your own sake, keep your guard up
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Judy HORNBUCKLE
The GREATEST artist ever.. could listen to his songs 24/7.....
Shirley lawlor
Just wonderful ,, can listen to him for hours
Shirley Lawlor
But he left all these old songs ,, just wonderful can listen for hours ,, never get tired of playing them over and over again
Christine Gragg
He has an amazing voice. I, have been listening to his music for a long time. Thanks to my mom. He is one in a million
Louise Anne Blais
He was such a good singer!
JuneJSP
This has to be one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard....by one of the best. What a voice. June Schiavoni
J.W. Gauntt
@JuneJSP thank you for listening , much appreciated
Kevin Stephenson
Classic Marty. Loved his music and his sense of humor. He never took himself too seriously.
Ronald Parker
Up until 2012 I did a "Marty Robbins" Tribute Show. This was just one of the many songs of Marty's that I performed in my shows. He had a FABULOUS voice. R.I.P. Marty.
john sandiford
Nice song by Marty,thanks for sharing Jack.
I had some Marty LP's and my dad left me another 6-8 when he passed on.Marty was his favorite Country singer.I chose one of his songs to play at the church service.