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.
Red River Valley
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For you take with you all of the sunshine
That has brightened our pathway a while
Then come sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy that's loved you so true
For a long time, my darlin', I've waited
For the sweet words you never would say
Now at last all my fond hopes have vanished
For they say that you're going away
Then come sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy that's loved you so true
Marty Robbins's song Red River Valley is a classic romantic ballad about heartbreak and farewell. The lyrics are sung from the point of view of a cowboy who is watching the love of his life leave the valley where they both lived. The first stanza describes the sorrowful feelings of the people left behind as the woman departs. They will miss her sunny disposition and cheerful presence, for she had brought joy and light to their everyday life.
In the second stanza, the cowboy addresses his sweetheart directly, asking her to stay with him a little longer, to sit by his side and remember the good times they had together in the Red River Valley. He pleads with her not to rush to say goodbye, reminding her of the depth of his love for her, that cowboy who had always been true.
However, the third stanza is a realization of his worst fears as the cowboy acknowledges that his fondest hopes for their future together have been shattered. His beloved is leaving, and he has no hope of convincing her to stay. In this final verse, he once again asks her to stay with him, to sit by his side if she still loves him, and to remember the Red River Valley and the love that they shared.
Overall, the song Red River Valley is a poignant lament for a love that has been lost. The cowboy watches helplessly as his beloved walks away from him, leaving him alone with his memories of their time together. The song has become a classic because of the simple beauty of its melody and its moving lyrics, a testament to the enduring power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
From this valley they say you are leaving
It has been brought to our attention that you will be leaving this place
We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
Your absence will be deeply felt and we will miss your cheerful presence
For you take with you all of the sunshine
You take with you all the joy and happiness that you have brought us
That has brightened our pathway a while
That has given us hope and made our journey a little easier
Then come sit by my side if you love me
If you truly love me, then come sit by my side
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Don't rush to say goodbye to me
Just remember the Red River Valley
Always keep in mind the memories of this place we call home
And the cowboy that's loved you so true
And the man who has always loved you with all his heart
For a long time, my darlin', I've waited
I have waited for a long time, my love
For the sweet words you never would say
For the kind words you have never spoken to me
Now at last all my fond hopes have vanished
Now, all my cherished dreams have disappeared
For they say that you're going away
Because they say that you will be leaving
Then come sit by my side if you love me
If you truly love me, then come sit by my side
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Don't rush to say goodbye to me
Just remember the Red River Valley
Always keep in mind the memories of this place we call home
And the cowboy that's loved you so true
And the man who has always loved you with all his heart
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carl Cotner
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!