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.
Little Stranger
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little stranger in a manger little stranger sweet and mild
Mother Mary there with Joseph watches o'er you, their holy child
Searching for you to adore you came Three Kings led by a star
Little stranger in a manger they'll find heaven where you are
Choirs of angels are singing this night of your birth
Humble shepherds filled will wonder
Kneel and pray by lanthern light
Little stranger in a manger bless us all this holy night
Choirs of angels are singing this night of your birth
Praise and glory to the highest little stranger here on earth
The song "Little Stranger" by Marty Robbins is a beautiful and heart-warming song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The song paints a vivid picture of the scene in Bethlehem, where baby Jesus is born in a manger, watched over by his parents Mary and Joseph. The song also mentions the three wise men who come to visit the baby, guided by a star in the sky. The lyrics evoke a sense of reverence and awe for the little stranger who has come to the earth, bringing with him the hope of salvation.
The song uses powerful imagery, such as the stable where Jesus is born, the shepherds who come to pay their respects, and the choirs of angels who sing on the night of his birth. The song reminds us that even though Jesus was born in humble circumstances, his birth was a momentous occasion that was commemorated by people from all walks of life. The lyrics also contain a powerful message about the transformative power of faith, and how the arrival of Jesus changed the world forever.
In conclusion, "Little Stranger" is a beautiful and timeless song that captures the spirit of Christmas and reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday. The song's lyrics are filled with hope and joy, and they provide a powerful reminder of the reason we celebrate this special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
Praise and glory to the highest little stranger here on earth
Offering admiration and honor to the divine existence of the infant, who is a foreigner to this world
Little stranger in a manger little stranger sweet and mild
Unfamiliar newborn resting in a feeding trough, delicate and calm
Mother Mary there with Joseph watches o'er you, their holy child
Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Joseph, who is his guardian, take care of their sacred offspring
Searching for you to adore you came Three Kings led by a star
Three wise men, guided by a shining star, sought after the infant with the intention of worshiping him
Little stranger in a manger they'll find heaven where you are
The wise men will discover paradise where the newborn rests
Choirs of angels are singing this night of your birth
Groups of heavenly creatures celebrate the arrival of the baby
Praise and glory to the highest in a stable on earth
Commending and paying tribute to the most magnificent in a barn located on the planet
Humble shepherds filled will wonder
Unpretentious caretakers were astonished
Kneel and pray by lantern light
To bow down and engage in prayer under a flickering lamp
Little stranger in a manger bless us all this holy night
May the alien infant in the feed trough bless everyone on this sacred night
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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!