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.
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the roll is called up yonder
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time will be no more
And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair
When the saved word shall gather over on the other shore
And the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
When the roll is called up yonder...
Let us lay before the Master from the dawn till setting sun
Let us talk of all his wonderous love and care
And when all of life is over and our work on earth is done
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
When the roll is called up yonder...
The song "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" by Marty Robbins is a popular gospel hymn that addresses the idea of judgment day and being counted as one of the saved. The lyrics talk about the trumpet of the Lord sounding and the end of time, and those who have been saved will gather on the other shore when the roll is called up yonder. The idea of the roll being called up refers to a biblical reference to a book of life that contains the names of the saved. This poem suggests that the singer wants to be remembered and counted as one of the saved ones on the day of judgment.
The song encourages listeners to lay their lives before the Master, talk about God's love and care, and do their best to live their lives in a way that will allow them to be remembered in the book of life. The idea is that by doing these things, they will ensure that when the roll is called up yonder, they will be counted among the saved. The song offers a hopeful message to listeners that by living a righteous life, they can be sure of their salvation and a place in heaven.
Overall, the song is a call to action for those who believe in God and want to ensure their place in heaven. It encourages listeners to live their lives in a way that will honor God and allow them to be counted as one of the saved.
Line by Line Meaning
When the roll is called up yonder when the roll is called up yonder
The singer is emphasizing the importance of being present when the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven is read aloud.
When the roll is called up yonder
The singer is reiterating the importance of being present when the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven is read aloud.
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
The singer is expressing a desire to be included in the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven.
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time will be no more
The artist is acknowledging that the end of the world is approaching and that the sound of the trumpet will signify this event.
And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair
The artist is suggesting that the afterlife will be a place of eternal light and beauty.
When the saved word shall gather over on the other shore
The singer is referring to his fellow believers as the 'saved' and suggesting that after they die, they will be reunited in heaven.
And the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
The singer is expressing once again his desire to be included in the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven.
When the roll is called up yonder...
The artist is concluding his song with a final repetition of the importance of being present when the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven is read aloud.
[guitar]
Musical interlude with no lyrics.
Let us lay before the Master from the dawn till setting sun
The artist is urging listeners to spend their days in worship and devotion to God.
Let us talk of all his wonderous love and care
The singer is suggesting that believers spend time discussing the positive impact that God has had on their lives.
And when all of life is over and our work on earth is done
The artist is acknowledging that death is inevitable and that each individual should strive to fulfill their purpose on earth before they die.
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
The singer once again expresses his desire to be included in the list of individuals admitted into heaven.
When the roll is called up yonder...
The singer concludes the song with another repetition of the importance of being present when the list of individuals who will be admitted into heaven is read aloud.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: WILLIE NELSON
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!