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.
It Had To Be You
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why must I just give you your way?
Why do I sigh?
Why do I try to forget?
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
Kept on saying I had to wait
I saw them all
It had to be you, it had to be you
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults, I love you still
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
The first stanza of Marty Robbins's song "It Had to Be You" expresses the singer's sentimental acceptance of his beloved's whims and desires. He asks himself why he complies with her every wish and why he continues to try to forget her despite his undeniable love for her. He acknowledges that their meeting was predestined, that Fate brought them together, even when he was hesitant. The second stanza expounds upon how the singer's love for this person is insurmountable. The singer sings of how he wandered aimlessly before meeting the person who could make him 'be true' and feel all sorts of complex emotions. It's touched a nerve that other people have not, and even with flaws, the singer loves this person deeply, stating that "nobody else gave me a thrill." Overall the singer is singing a song of appreciation, reflecting on their love story, and acknowledging that his partner was meant for him.
In context, this song was originally written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn back in 1924, but it was performed several times by different musicians, including Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. It was even used in several Hollywood films such as the famous movie Casablanca. It was eventually covered by Marty Robbins, who was popularly known for his western and country music. In this rendition, Robbins added his signature country sound and turned the song into a country classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I do just as you say?
I follow you obediently, as per your instructions.
Why must I just give you your way?
You influence my actions, making it necessary for me to comply with your demands.
Why do I sigh?
I express my discontent or longing for something that is out of my reach.
Why do I try to forget?
I attempt to dismiss you, but your presence remains persistent in my thoughts.
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
Perhaps a connection predetermined by destiny.
Kept on saying I had to wait
An invisible force compelled me to hold out until a particular time arrived.
I saw them all
There were many other potential partners available.
Just couldn't fall till we met
I was unable to form a romantic attachment until I encountered you.
It had to be you, it had to be you
Out of everyone else, only you could be the one.
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
After an extensive search, I eventually discovered the person who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
They were capable of inducing a sense of commitment and sadness within me.
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
Even while feeling melancholy, I find a peculiar joy in pondering your being.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Compared to others I've encountered, you might not be considered manipulative or angry.
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
However, I don't believe anyone else has the capability to inspire my love like you do.
For nobody else gave me a thrill
No other person has the ability to evoke such an intense emotional response in me.
With all your faults, I love you still
Despite your imperfections, I still hold great affection for you.
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
Ultimately, there was no other choice: it had to be you, my wonderful person.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Isham Jones, Gus Kahn
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!