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.
Matilda
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where Will goes you will follow in search of better land
Matilda never mind where you have been
Forget about Missouri forget about your kin
Matilda it's too bad your baby's gone
But he's rested in his cradle by the river
Matilda musn't let Will see you cry
Covered wagons keep on rolling never question or ask why
Matilda work your fingers to the bone
Read your Bible pray the Indians might spare you
Till you and Will reach your new home
Matilda just five hundred miles to go
You know Will's so proud of you though he never tells you so
Matilda Matilda
The song Matilda by Marty Robbins tells a story of a woman named Matilda who is traveling with her partner, Will, searching for a better life. The lyrics describe Matilda's calloused hands, symbolizing the hard work and sacrifices she has made on their journey. The line "where Will goes you will follow" shows Matilda's loyalty and dedication to their relationship. Despite her hardships, Matilda is urged to forget about her past and focus on the future, leaving behind her home state of Missouri and her family. It is also revealed that their baby has passed away and is buried by the river, which adds to the sorrowful tone of the song.
Matilda is told to be strong and not let Will see her cry, as they continue on their journey towards their new home. The line "covered wagons keep on rolling never question or ask why" highlights the perseverance and determination that Matilda and Will possess in order to achieve their goal. The song ends with a reminder of the distance they have left to travel and the unspoken pride that Will feels towards Matilda, ending with a repetition of her name. Overall, Matilda is a powerful portrayal of the struggles that many people faced during the pioneer era in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Matilda with your calloused hands
Matilda is a hardworking woman who is used to hard labor.
Where Will goes you will follow in search of better land
Matilda is dependent on her husband Will to guide her to better land.
Matilda never mind where you have been
Matilda needs to forget about her past and focus on her future.
Forget about Missouri forget about your kin
Matilda needs to put behind her the memories of her previous life and people.
Matilda it's too bad your baby's gone
Matilda has lost her baby, which is a source of sadness.
But he's rested in his cradle by the river
Matilda's baby has been buried in a cradle by the river.
Neath a simple grave of stone
The grave of Matilda's baby is simple.
Matilda musn't let Will see you cry
Matilda should not show her grief to Will.
Covered wagons keep on rolling never question or ask why
Matilda must not question the journey, only keep moving forward.
Matilda work your fingers to the bone
Matilda should work hard despite the difficulties of the journey.
Read your Bible pray the Indians might spare you
Matilda should read her Bible to stay faithful and hope the Indians will be merciful.
Till you and Will reach your new home
Matilda's ultimate goal is reaching their new home.
Matilda just five hundred miles to go
Matilda's journey is almost over.
You know Will's so proud of you though he never tells you so
Matilda's husband appreciates her efforts but doesn't express it.
Matilda Matilda
The chorus repeats her name, emphasizing her strength and perseverance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BOBBY BRADDOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bubs D
Matilda with your calloused hands
Where Will goes you will follow in search of better land
Matilda never mind where you have been
Forget about Missouri forget about your kin
Matilda it's too bad your baby's gone
But he's rested in his cradle by the river
Neath a simple grave of stone
Matilda musn't let Will see you cry
Covered wagons keep on rolling never question or ask why
Matilda work your fingers to the bone
Read your Bible pray the Indians might spare you
Till you and Will reach your new home
Matilda just five hundred miles to go
You know Will's so proud of you though he never tells you so
Matilda Matilda
Kathy Christensen
Wow what a great ballad. Marty sings it so convincingly. I've added it to my Marty favorites.
Shirley Lawlor
Just wonderful can listen for hours
Deborah Dyess
i finally have a copy of all of marty's movies and i am happy!great singer; fair actor.
AvarielBlackwing
I want this on CD... dang you, iTunes...
Maj-Brith H
He is the best!
Bubs D
Matilda with your calloused hands
Where Will goes you will follow in search of better land
Matilda never mind where you have been
Forget about Missouri forget about your kin
Matilda it's too bad your baby's gone
But he's rested in his cradle by the river
Neath a simple grave of stone
Matilda musn't let Will see you cry
Covered wagons keep on rolling never question or ask why
Matilda work your fingers to the bone
Read your Bible pray the Indians might spare you
Till you and Will reach your new home
Matilda just five hundred miles to go
You know Will's so proud of you though he never tells you so
Matilda Matilda
grama37
Tarquin, thank you for this song! My Grandmother's name was Mathilda this brings up so many wonderful memories. Grama37
jtls8
Marty can sing a ballad*****
Zane Starr
Close your eyes & you can be on that wagon...He will never be bettered,or even equalled.
Bonnie Pressnall
you got that right Zayn star he's the best and always will be just wish we had him longer we enjoy Marty while we did didn't we??