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.
Some Melodies Just Won't Die
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You way it's through
It was a long long time ago
And he means nothing to you
Oh but I heard you whisper
Someone's name in your sleep last night
Baby admit it
Some memories just won't die
Oh some memories just won't die
Some feelings just won't leave
Oh no matter how hard you try
And I know every now and then
You still think of him
I see it in your eyes
Some memories just won't die
I thought my loving
would help you forget
But something tells me
You're not over him yet
Something's haunting you
Way down deep inside
Am I losing you
To a memory that won't die
And some memories just won't die
Some feelings just won't leave
Oh no matter how hard you try
And I know every now and then
You still think of him
I see it in your eyes
Some memories just won't die
The lyrics to Marty Robbins's song, "Some Memories Just Won't Die" are about a man who is in a relationship with a woman, but he can feel that she is not fully over her past lover. She tells him that it's over, that it was a long time ago, and that her previous lover means nothing to her now. However, the man hears her whispering someone's name in her sleep, and he knows that she still thinks about her past lover every now and then, which makes him feel like he might be losing her. He had thought that his love would help her forget about her past lover, but it's becoming clear that some memories just won't die.
The theme of the song is relatable to many people who have had past relationships and had difficulties moving on. The song captures the feeling of how a past relationship is always present in some ways, no matter how much someone tries to forget. The man wants to be with the woman, but he's unable to ignore the fact that she's still thinking of someone else. The song highlights the reality of how sometimes, we can't control our memories and how they can impact our current relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You say it's over
You claim that it has ended
You way it's through
You assert that it's complete
It was a long long time ago
It happened in the distant past
And he means nothing to you
He holds no value or importance to you
Oh but I heard you whisper
However, I overheard you murmuring
Someone's name in your sleep last night
The name of someone else while you slept
Baby admit it
My dear, confess the truth
Some memories just won't die
Certain recollections cannot be forgotten
Oh some memories just won't die
Indeed, some memories will persist
Some feelings just won't leave
Emotions will linger
Oh no matter how hard you try
Despite your efforts
And I know every now and then
Occasionally
You still think of him
You still ponder about him
I see it in your eyes
It's evident in your gaze
Some memories just won't die
Certain memories will not become forgotten
I thought my loving
I believed that my affection
would help you forget
Would aid in your attempt to move on
But something tells me
Nevertheless, something indicates to me
You're not over him yet
That you still have not moved on from him
Something's haunting you
Something is tormenting you
Way down deep inside
Deep within your soul
Am I losing you
Is our relationship slipping through my fingers
To a memory that won't die
To a remembrance that will not be forgotten
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOBBY SPRINGFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sheriff of Boone County
You say it's over
You way it's through
It was a long long time ago
And he means nothing to you
Oh but I heard you whisper
Someone's name in your sleep last night
Baby admit it
Some memories just won't die
Oh some memories just won't die
Some feelings just won't leave
Oh no matter how hard you try
And I know every now and then
You still think of him
I see it in your eyes
Some memories just won't die
I thought my loving
Would help you forget
But something tells me
You're not over him yet
Something's haunting you
Way down deep inside
Am I losing you
To a memory that won't die
And some memories just won't die
Some feelings just won't leave
Oh no matter how hard you try
And I know every now and then
You still think of him
I see it in your eyes
Some memories just won't die
CanPat71
How in hell can anyone give this song a thumbs down, is beyond me! Wonderful song, wonderful performance. His best yet!!!!
Oniel Graham
They'd be crazy if they did
Anne Marie MacKay
It will be 39 years tomorrow that Marty left this world but since that time, his music has remained with many of us. He was the best country singer in my estimation and there are younger people out there who are finding and appreciating his music more every day. I enjoy watching his videos and listen to his music every night. You are sadly missed Marty and know that you brought joy to many and are still doing so today. Your music and memory lives on. RIP Marty.
James Brown
This beautiful song will never die!!! Love Marty's music !!!! 70's and 80's music!
Ginny Bagwell
Marty was so versatile in everything he sang. His voice is one I could never grow tired of. He is one of my all time favorites.
Jerome Cabral
My grandparents and I would listen to the radio every morning when I was in grade school. There is a station called K.F.D.I. in wichita kansas.
MIke Knowles
I was sitting at my desk in a college dorm room studying with some country station playing on a little clock radio when they announced Marty had died. I'll never forget that moment.
Les Reed
I had the same sort of thing when Elvis, Jim Reeves and Eddie Cochran died.
dr. Human dog
I am thankful I didn't have to go through that but I still wish I got to be around when he was alive
Les Reed
@dr. Human dog I was there - and it saddened me each time.