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.
In the Ashes of an Old Love Affair
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I watched it I kept thinking I could never forget
An old love that didn't last I saw my future just like my past
In the ashes of an old love affair
Then a spark rosin gave light to a world of romance
And it thrilled me to think there could still be a chance
In these mouldering embers I saw love burning bright
In the ashes of an old love affair
Then a spark...
The opening line of "In the Ashes of an Old Love Affair" by Marty Robbins describes finding a glimmer of hope in the remnants of a failed relationship. The singer has a sense of nostalgia for the past, as they reflect on the old love that didn't last. Despite the pain of the past, the thought of still being able to find love and happiness excites them.
The second verse talks of a spark giving light to a world of romance. The singer feels alive and hopeful as they contemplate the idea of a second chance at love. The image of mouldering embers, which are typically associated with decay and decline, in this song is used to represent the idea of new beginnings and the possibility of something positive emerging from the ashes of a broken relationship.
Overall, "In the Ashes of an Old Love Affair" is a song about optimism in the face of heartbreak. It is a reminder that while relationships may end, the hope for love remains.
Line by Line Meaning
In the ashes of an old love I found the spark burning yet
Despite the love being old and gone, I found a small sign that it may still exist
As I watched it I kept thinking I could never forget
While observing the spark, I couldn't help but remember the past love that once existed
An old love that didn't last I saw my future just like my past
Reflecting on the previous unsuccessful relationship, I feared my future would be a repeat of my past
In the ashes of an old love affair
While looking at the remnants of the failed romance
Then a spark rosin gave light to a world of romance
The spark that remained provided hope for a new and exciting love
And it thrilled me to think there could still be a chance
The possibility of a new love was exciting and invigorating
In these mouldering embers I saw love burning bright
Even though the love had faded away, I saw potential for it to reignite and flourish
In the ashes of an old love affair
Continuing to observe the remains of the past relationship
[ guitar ]
Musical interlude
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEON DOUGLAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rolland Varner
I haven't heard this song for years, so very pretty and song by the best voice there ever was or will be. Thanks very much.
Rolland Varner
He sang a song like nobody else , he will never be replaced. I want to thank who ever posted this song as well as all the others, and wow what a song Love it.
Sandy Miller
Written by Leon Douglas. Marty did this beautiful song justice.
latokatn506
Great song Lucky I have this on an old album
Primrose Haran
Fantastic song from marty the greatest singer ever just love him
John Smith
A legend a icon and hero of country music
gunfighter46
What album is this of of? I'd like to include this in my song list for my shows.
Shirley Lawlor
Just wonderful
CRITICAL LIMITT
beautiful my dad use to sing thia to me when i wos a yound child.... 5 stars
John Smith
A butiful song a butiful singer god rest you marty now and forever