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.
Evening Prayer
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I have wounded any soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord, forgive.
If I have uttered idol words in vain
Lest I myself shall suffer through the strain
Dear Lord, forgive.
Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee
Forgive the secret sins I do not see
Oh, guide me, love me and my keeper be
Dear Lord, forgive.
If I have wounded any soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord, forgive...
The lyrics of Marty Robbins' song "An Evening Prayer" reflect a deep sense of contrition and humility. The song begins with the singer acknowledging the possibility that they may have hurt someone's feelings or caused them to stray from the right path. The singer also admits to having acted selfishly at times, turning away from others' needs and pain. Through this hymn-like prayer, the singer seeks forgiveness from God not only for the sins they know they have committed but also for the ones they may be unaware of.
The lyrics of "An Evening Prayer" communicate a message of self-reflection and repentance. By acknowledging their wrongdoings and asking for forgiveness, the singer demonstrates a desire for spiritual growth and a recognition of their own faults. This humility and introspection are characteristic of many religious traditions and serve as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
Overall, "An Evening Prayer" is a beautiful expression of faith and a call for a deeper connection with God. It encourages the listener to reflect on their own behavior and strive to be a better person every day.
Line by Line Meaning
If I have wounded any soul today
If I have hurt anyone's feelings or caused emotional pain today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have led someone down the wrong path or caused them to make a bad decision
If I have walked in my own willful way
If I have acted selfishly or stubbornly instead of following God's path
Dear Lord, forgive.
A plea to God for forgiveness for any wrongs committed
If I have uttered idle words in vain
If I have spoken without purpose or meaning, or gossiped
If I have turned aside from want or pain
If I have ignored the needs or suffering of others
Lest I myself shall suffer through the strain
Out of concern for facing consequences or guilt for ignoring the plight of others
Dear Lord, forgive.
A plea to God for forgiveness for any wrongs committed
Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee
Requesting forgiveness for the wrongs already recognized and admitted to God
Forgive the secret sins I do not see
Requesting forgiveness for any wrongs committed but not yet recognized or admitted to God
Oh, guide me, love me and my keeper be
A plea for God to show the way, provide guidance and protection
Dear Lord, forgive.
A plea to God for forgiveness for any wrongs committed
If I have wounded any soul today
If I have hurt anyone's feelings or caused emotional pain today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have led someone down the wrong path or caused them to make a bad decision
If I have walked in my own willful way
If I have acted selfishly or stubbornly instead of following God's path
Dear Lord, forgive.
A plea to God for forgiveness for any wrongs committed
Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben Craft
What a beautiful hymn, and a magnificent job Marty does his usual job singing it. How lucky we are to enjoy his music !
Jenny Harris
Beautiful hymn and video,Marty was one of a kind
maryanne grixti
You are incredible Father ,I love you loads
Jo Builder
Thank you for providing the incomparable rendition by Marty Robbins and the beautiful montage setting
Carol Barry
What an amazing song! Love it!
Rita Fellin
Amen ππ»
Kaj Larsen
Think about the text !!!!Beautifull song which skall be singing with my ending of life !!!
Guus Vogelsang
my daily song in case I might have hurt some one alongΒ my paths
Rita Fellin
Amen ππ»
Mary Betz
Beautiful. ππ»ππ»ππ»ππ»ππ»β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ