Martin David Robinson (September 26, 1925 – December 8, 1982), known profes… Read Full Bio ↴Martin David Robinson (September 26, 1925 – December 8, 1982), known professionally as Marty Robbins, was an American singer, songwriter, actor, multi-instrumentalist, and NASCAR racing driver. Robbins was one of the most popular and successful country and western singers for most of his nearly four-decade career, which spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1980s.

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.

Song Of The Patriot
Marty Robbins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I love mom and apple pie
And the freedoms that we all enjoy across this beautiful land

I worked hard and I fight hard for the old Red, White, and Blue
And I'll die a whole lot harder if it comes to where I have to
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam

A rough riding fighting Yankee man

And when I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men
Who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin', my blood begins to churnin'
And I could do some fightin' of my own

I don't believe in violence, I'm a God fearing man
But I'll stand up for my country just as long as I can stand
'Cause I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
And I enjoy the liberty of being what I want to be
And achieve any goals that I can

I was taught to turn the other cheek, but daddy used to say
Walk soft and pack a big stick, but never walk away
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

And when I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men
Who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin', my blood begins to churnin'
And I could do some fightin' of my own

'Cause I love all my brothers and we're proud of our group
We've got the greenest country here on God's green earth

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

Overall Meaning

"Marty Robbins's Song of the Patriot" is an ode to patriotism and love for one's country. The song describes the singer as a "flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam" and a "rough riding fighting Yankee man." He has a deep love and admiration for his country and all the freedoms that come with it. The singer is willing to fight for his country and the values it stands for, but he also acknowledges the importance of peace and nonviolence.

The song's lyrics also call to mind the image of the American flag waving in the wind as a symbol of the country's strength, freedom, and bravery. The singer recognizes the sacrifices made by the brave men who have fought and died for their country, and he is willing to do the same if the need arises. The lyrics also allude to the fact that America is the "greenest country here on God's green earth," representing a sense of pride in the nation's natural beauty.

Overall, the song is an ode to the values of patriotism, bravery, and love for one's country. Through its lyrics, it encourages listeners to appreciate the freedoms we possess and to stand up for what we believe in.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
I am a fervently patriotic person who loves their country and is inspired by the symbol of the American flag, which is an important part of my national identity.

A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I am a tough and rugged warrior at heart, ready to fight and defend the values of my home and nation.

I love mom and apple pie
I embrace the traditional values of family and simple pleasures that are often associated with Americana, like enjoying a slice of pie with those we cherish.

And the freedoms that we all enjoy across this beautiful land
I value the democratic principles and ideals of freedom, opportunity, and equality that are embodied by America and the freedoms they offer to all people who live within its borders.

I worked hard and I fight hard for the old Red, White, and Blue
I am committed to working hard to uphold the patriotic values of my country and will fight vigorously to protect it from any outside threats that it might face.

And I'll die a whole lot harder if it comes to where I have to
I am prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary to defend my country and its people, with a willingness to lay down my life in order to preserve its way of life and its values.

And when I see old Glory waving
The sight of the American flag inspires a deep feeling of pride and reverence within me, reminding me of the great sacrifices made by those who fought under it to protect our nation's freedom.

I think of all the brave men
I honor the memory and bravery of those who have served and sacrificed under the American flag, and feel grateful for the protections and freedoms they have secured for us all.

Who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
I recognize that the defense of America and its values requires sacrifice and risk, and those who have died or been injured in service to our country have done so on behalf of what they believed was right and just.

And when I see old Glory burnin', my blood begins to churnin'
Any threat or desecration of the American flag is an affront to my sense of patriotism and civic duty, stirring deep emotions and a desire to take action to defend what is right and just.

And I could do some fightin' of my own
I am willing to take action to defend the symbols, values, and institutions of my country from any threats or harm, even if it means getting involved in conflict or taking risks to ensure the future of America.

I don't believe in violence, I'm a God fearing man
While I am willing to fight and defend my country, I do not seek out violence or aggression and believe in peace and justice as fundamental values.

But I'll stand up for my country just as long as I can stand
I am committed to defending my country and its values as long as I am able, and will never give up hope or surrender in the face of adversity or conflict.

And achieve any goals that I can
I am optimistic and ambitious, believing in the power of the American Dream to provide opportunities for personal and collective growth, advancement, and success.

I was taught to turn the other cheek, but daddy used to say
While I was raised to be peaceful and forgiving, my father also taught me to be tough and resilient in the face of adversity, and to stand up for myself and what I believe in.

Walk soft and pack a big stick, but never walk away
My father instilled in me the value of being strong and capable, while also being tactical in my approach to conflict, always ready to defend myself and those around me against any potential threats.

'Cause I love all my brothers and we're proud of our group
I value the bonds of brotherhood and community that are a critical part of American culture and identity, and find strength and purpose in being part of a collective that shares common values and aspirations.

We've got the greenest country here on God's green earth
I take great pride in the natural beauty of America and the bounty of its natural resources, seeing them as a reflection of our national wealth and the potential for a sustainable future for generations to come.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS, SHIRL MILETE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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