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.
The Air That I Breathe
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't think of anything I need
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
What more could I ask
There's nothing left to be desired
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
In Marty Robbins's song "The Air That I Breathe," the lyrics reflect on the simplicity of love and the joy it brings. The opening lines express the singer's contentment with his life, as he cannot think of anything he needs. He then goes on to list things he doesn't need, such as cigarettes, sleep, light, sound, and books. The verse is then contrasted with the intimate scene of making love. The loving act has left the singer feeling at peace, warm, and tired. He doesn't wish for anything more because he has everything he needs.
The chorus repeats the idea that sometimes all the singer needs is to breathe and love. These simple acts bring him the most joy and contentment in life. The last line of the verse, "Sleep, silent angel go to sleep," is perhaps one of the most interesting lines in the song. It could be interpreted in different ways. It could be a reference to death or the end of the relationship. Alternatively, it could be seen as the singer wanting to hold onto the moment a little longer and asking his lover to stay with him in peace and silence.
Overall, "The Air That I Breathe" expresses the idea that love and simplicity bring happiness and joy to life. The singer appreciates the little things and how they can make life feel complete.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
I am content with my life and do not wish for anything else.
Can't think of anything I need
I have everything that I need and am satisfied.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
There are no distractions or disturbances to my peaceful state.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
I am at ease and do not require any external stimulation.
Making love with you
My intimate connection with you brings me immense joy and serenity.
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
I am overcome with peaceful feelings and physical exhaustion.
What more could I ask
There is nothing else I desire or need in this moment.
There's nothing left to be desired
I am completely fulfilled and satisfied.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
My sense of peace is so profound that it has an almost physically draining effect on me.
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
The peace and calmness I feel is so strong that it feels like it's emanating from a serene, divine presence.
Sometimes all I need
I do not require much to feel content.
Is the air that I breathe
The simplicity and basic necessity of just breathing can bring me peace and satisfaction.
And to love you
My love for you is the most significant and fulfilling part of my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood
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!