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.
Now Is the Hour
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea
While you're away oh, then, remember me
When you return you'll find me waiting here
Sunset glow fades in the west
Night o'er the valley is creeping
Birds cuddle down in their nest
Now is the hour when we must goodbye
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea
While you're away oh, then, remember me
When you return you'll find me waiting here
The song "Now Is the Hour" by Marty Robbins is a poignant and melancholic goodbye ballad. It speaks of a lover who is about to embark on a long journey across the sea, leaving behind his beloved. The opening line "Now is the hour when we must say goodbye" sets the tone for the rest of the song. It suggests a sense of finality and inevitability, as if the lovers know that their parting is inevitable. The imagery of the "sunset glow fades in the west" and "night o'er the valley is creeping" adds to the sense of sadness and farewell. The singer implores the departing lover to remember him while he is away and promises to be there waiting when he returns. The lyrics are straightforward and touching, conveying a sense of longing and bittersweet emotion that is universal and relatable.
The song was originally written in Maori language by Dorothy Stewart and Henry Tamariki, titled " Po Atarau" meaning "Maori Farewell Song", in 1915. Later in 1948, the song was translated to English by Maewa Kaihau and the title was changed to "Now Is the Hour".
Line by Line Meaning
Now is the hour when we must say goodbye
The present moment is the time when we have to bid farewell
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea
You will be embarking on a voyage that takes you afar to cross the sea soon
While you're away oh, then, remember me
When you are distant, kindly keep me in your thoughts as you move forward
When you return you'll find me waiting here
Upon your arrival, I will be present and waiting for you
Sunset glow fades in the west
The warm colours of sunset in the west start to disappear gradually
Night o'er the valley is creeping
The darkness of night begins to gather and spread across the valley slowly
Birds cuddle down in their nest
The birds get ready to settle down comfortably inside their nest
Soon all the world will be sleeping
Very soon, the entire world will be at rest in deep slumber
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY BYRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Judy Lear
Marty could sing anything beautifully... didn't matter what type of music. I watched him years before he died and when he was on the stage he really seem to love what he did. He sang with such an easy laid back manner and what an awesome voice!!! Nice video and thanks for posting...I really enjoyed it...
LoveTheOConnor
Love this version, Jim!! Your backgrounds are gorgeous--and very tempting! The pictures of lovely Ms. Lamour fit perfectly! Thanks so much! Happy Labor Day :))
willem warbout
Beautiful! Prachtig!
john catterson
Pure class🇮🇪
nipstertunes
You are very welcome! I have been a fan of his since "A White Sport Coat" and this early album of his, with all the island songs on it, is really great. Ms. Lamour....well, what can you say about her...Beautiful, for sure. Thanks so much for your great comments! Jim
Primrose Haran
really beautiful song from the greatest singer ever marty
nipstertunes
And Happy Labor Day to You Too, Heather! Thank you so much for watching! I'm so happy you liked it! Wishing You a Great week! Jim
Momo Joue
Hello. Nice song love voice tender relaxing with photos vote★★★★★thanks for posting. Happy new year 2016
nipstertunes
+Momo Joue I'm so glad you liked the song and video! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Wishing you all the best in 2016 as well.
Jim
Momo Joue
Hello. View your message today. Thanks to you. It's soon new year chinese in world asiatic very important for the chinese and me I'm chinese tahitian. It's a pleasure for me I like it video. Good weekend to you