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.
Three Little Words
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we talked about the kids
We mentioned the good times we've had
The events of the day in their glorious array
Hardly a moment's been bad
There were three little words
I was waiting to hear
Reassuring my heart that I held the best part
Of your heart with it's message so clear
I love you, I love you, my dear
Just three little words I was waiting to hear
I love you, I love you, my dear
You spoke these three words I was waiting to hear
Your eyes sparkled with laughter
When you saw I was after
These three little words, I love you
You didn't disappoint me
Though you teased me a bit
You came through with these words, I love you
I love you, I love you, my dear
You spoke these three words I was waiting to hear
I love you, I love you, my dear
Three little words I was waiting to hear
The song "Three Little Words" by Marty Robbins is about a conversation between two people who talk about ordinary things such as the weather and their kids. However, there is a deeper meaning to the conversation, as the singer is waiting to hear the words "I love you" from the other person. The singer reassures their heart that they hold the best part of the other person's heart with its message so clear, that they love them. The singer then goes on to explain that they were waiting for these three little words to be spoken to them. The other person eventually said these words, and the singer's heart was filled with joy.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey the idea that even in the midst of mundane conversations, the words "I love you" can mean everything to someone. The song captures the essence of what love is all about and how it can be expressed in three small words.
Line by Line Meaning
We talked about the weather
We engaged in conversation regarding the conditions of the atmosphere
And we talked about the kids
We discussed the offspring of ourselves and others
We mentioned the good times we've had
We recollected on past moments of happiness and positivity
The events of the day in their glorious array
We reviewed the occurrences of the day, in all of their splendid variety
Hardly a moment's been bad
There have been few if any unpleasant or unfavorable moments
There were three little words
A significant phrase consisting of only three words was forthcoming
I was waiting to hear
I was anticipating and longing to receive this message
I love you, I love you, my dear
The phrase that was eagerly awaited is an expression of deep romantic affection
Reassuring my heart that I held the best part
This declaration from my beloved confirms that I hold the most important place in their heart
Of your heart with its message so clear
It is evident and unmistakable that their heart contains this sentiment
You spoke these three words I was waiting to hear
Finally, my lover conveyed the statement that I had been desiring to hear
Your eyes sparkled with laughter
Your eyes gleamed with mirth and glee
When you saw I was after
Upon realizing my intent, you playfully evaded me
These three little words, I love you
The words that I was seeking from you are only three, but carry immense meaning
You didn't disappoint me
You did not fail nor let me down in this desire of mine
Though you teased me a bit
Even so, you bestowed some playful banter while withholding the contents of your heart
You came through with these words, I love you
Ultimately, you revealed your love for me, bringing me joy and contentment
Three little words I was waiting to hear
The phrase I had been yearning for consisted of merely three small words
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby
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!