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.
Hawaiian Bells
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because I'm coming back you know
Don't sing Aloha though I cry
Our parting just not means goodbye
I'll dream of you in Waikiki
That's where I long as long to be
Just smile and say you'll miss me so
[ steel ]
Don't sing Aloha when I go...
I'll dream of you in Waikiki...
The song "Don't Sing Aloha When I Go" by Marty Robbins is a poignant ballad about saying goodbye to a loved one. The title itself may be a bit confusing as "Aloha" is often associated with a warm welcome, but in this context, it is meant as a farewell. Robbins asks that his loved ones not sing "Aloha" when he leaves because he plans to return. He begs them not to cry, as their parting is not goodbye forever.
The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia as Robbins pines for Waikiki and dreams of returning there someday. He asks his loved ones to smile and tell him they'll miss him, but not to sing "Aloha" as it would be too painful a reminder of the separation. The song is a reminder that goodbyes are not always permanent and that people will always come back to the ones they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't sing Aloha when I go
Please don't sing Aloha (goodbye) when I leave
Because I'm coming back you know
I plan on returning, so don't make it a final goodbye
Don't sing Aloha though I cry
Even if I'm emotional, don't say goodbye
Our parting just not means goodbye
Even though we're parting, it doesn't mean goodbye forever
I'll dream of you in Waikiki
I'll be thinking of you while I'm in Waikiki
That's where I long as long to be
Waikiki is where I want to be
Just smile and say you'll miss me so
Instead of saying Aloha, just smile and say you'll miss me
Don't sing Aloha when I go
Please don't sing Aloha (goodbye) when I leave
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
A
on Johnny Fedavo
This is a fantastic, emotional song, thanks to whoever added the meaning behind the lyrics to this song. Makes it easy for some to understand a bit better!