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.
Fly Butterfly Fly
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You held it for a while it made you smile you caught a butterfly
Finally it flew away you cried and cried that day
To see it fly so high an eagle came and caught the butterfly
So don't fly too high in the sky butterfly
If you fly very high in the sky you'll find the sun may burn your wings
And each song you hear let it go in and out your ear
Your daddy loves you best much more than all the rest
I watched you grow to be a lady then you been my butterfly
Learn to fly butterfly before you fly too high
An eagle waits for watch what you do be careful butterfly
And don't fly too high in the sky butterfly...
The song "Fly Butterfly Fly" by Marty Robbins is a touching ballad with thought-provoking lyrics. The song tells a story of a young girl catching a butterfly and how it made her smile but later the butterfly flew away and got caught by an eagle. The singer advises the butterfly to be careful not to fly too high in the sky because the sun may burn its wings and not to be deceived by the beautiful songs the nightbirds sing. The singer also acknowledges his love for the girl and the pains he has endured watching her grow up.
The song presents us with a metaphorical message of not getting ahead of oneself, to always be on guard no matter how beautiful something or some situation may be. The butterfly, in this case, represents the dreams, aspiration, and ambition that one has in life. It is good to have these and pursue them but it is important to be aware of the potential obstacles and pitfalls on the way. The songwriter uses the advice given to the butterfly as a cautionary tale to young people to be aware of the risks in chasing their dreams and to be careful of people who may take advantage of their naivety.
Line by Line Meaning
When you were only fine you caught a butterfly
In your youth, you captured a delicate butterfly
You held it for a while it made you smile you caught a butterfly
The experience brought you joy and happiness
Finally it flew away you cried and cried that day
When it was set free, you were engulfed in tears of sadness
To see it fly so high an eagle came and caught the butterfly
Though it soared to great heights, it was ultimately captured by a predator
So don't fly too high in the sky butterfly
Don't aim too high in life, butterfly
If you fly very high in the sky you'll find the sun may burn your wings
Ambition can lead to downfall
And each song you hear let it go in and out your ear
Be discerning when listening to advice
Don't be fooled by the beautiful songs the nightbirds sing
Beware of false promises
Your daddy loves you best much more than all the rest
Your father loves you more than anyone else
I watched you grow to be a lady then you been my butterfly
As you matured into a woman, you became a symbol of beauty and grace
Learn to fly butterfly before you fly too high
Learn life's lessons before it's too late
An eagle waits for watch what you do be careful butterfly
Unforeseen dangers lie in wait, be cautious and mindful
And don't fly too high in the sky butterfly...
Once more, don't aim too high in life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Barbara Arbo
🙋... playing this song for my Dad on this Father's Day June 19, 2021..he's sitting here on his recliner as I go through my Mom's 45s (RIP Mom, I miss you & I'm feeling odd yet comforted somehow going through these. 😭😭 ..Blessings to all & good health..Pima, AZ.🙏✌️
Florian Stollmayer's WILD WEST MUSIC
Hi Barbara! What a touching story. Thank you and Greetings from Dallas.