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.
My Blue Heaven
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hurry to my Blue Heaven
Turn to the right, there's a little white light
Will lead you to my Blue Heaven
You'll see a smilin' face, a fireplace, a cozy room
Little nest that nestles where the roses bloom
Molly and me, and the baby makes three
We're happy in my, in my Blue Heaven
And a little nest nestled where the roses bloom
Just Molly and me, and the baby is three
We're so happy in my Blue Heaven
We're happy in my Blue Heaven
We're happy in my Blue Heaven!
The lyrics of Marty Robbins's "My Blue Heaven" describe a peaceful and idyllic domestic scene. As whippoorwills call and evening approaches, the singer invites the listener to come with him to his "Blue Heaven." With a turn to the right, a little white light will lead the way to a smiling face, a cozy room, and a little nest where roses bloom. The singer shares this nest with Molly and their baby, and together they are happy residing in this heavenly retreat. The use of a blue color scheme in the title and the reference to the "little nest" nestled among blooming roses evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility, reinforcing the song's theme of contentment in domestic life.
The song was released in 1951 and became a hit for Robbins, reaching the top of the country charts. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Fats Domino and Doris Day. The song's gentle melody and optimistic lyrics have contributed to its enduring popularity. Interestingly, the song's lyrics were inspired by the real-life experiences of songwriter Walter Donaldson. Donaldson, after a contentious divorce, moved to a cottage in upstate New York where he built a private retreat for himself and his new wife. The couple called their new home "My Blue Heaven." The song also appeared in the 1990 film Goodfellas, where it was used in a scene depicting the singers' mounting success in the world of organized crime.
Line by Line Meaning
Whippoorwills call, evenin' is nigh
As the night approaches, the whippoorwills' calls can be heard.
Hurry to my Blue Heaven
Come quickly to join me in my happy place, my Blue Heaven.
Turn to the right, there's a little white light
Look to the right to find a faint yet distinct white light.
Will lead you to my Blue Heaven
Follow that white light; it will take you to my joyful paradise, my Blue Heaven.
You'll see a smilin' face, a fireplace, a cozy room
In my Blue Heaven, you will see the warm smile of welcome, the gentle fire of comfort, and the snug setting of coziness.
Little nest that nestles where the roses bloom
My Blue Heaven is a sweet homey haven where roses flourish and a small sanctuary exists.
Molly and me, and the baby makes three
It's just Molly, me, and our little one, enjoying the delight of my Blue Heaven together.
We're happy in my, in my Blue Heaven
Together, as a family, we experience unbridled joy in my Blue Heaven.
We're happy in my Blue Heaven
Molly, our child, and I are incredibly content, radiantly happy in my Blue Heaven.
We're happy in my Blue Heaven!
There's no doubt--our joy is overflowing in my Blue Heaven!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE WHITING, WALTER DONALDSON
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!