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.
With His Hands On My Shoulder
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With his hand on my shoulder I cannot help but win
I'll follow as he pilots me through waters dark and cold
With His hand on my shoulder I know I'll reach my goal
My every hope is anchored to the faith I have in him
I know I'll reach the shoreline though at times the lights are dim
He'll take me past the rocky cliffs from life's storm I'll be released
With his hand on my shoulder I'll have everlasting peace
Surrounded by an angry sea that's made of hate and sin
But I won't sink as long as I won't let the waters in
And with the help of God I know I'll never lose my way
With his hand on my shoulder I cannot go astray
I have a home up in the sky and he made it just for me
But to prove that I'll desert this home I have to sail this sea
The waves of sin sometimes are high and the spray might touch my clothes
With his hand on my shoulder it will never touch my soul
The song "With His Hands On My Shoulder" by Marty Robbins is a gospel tune that expresses the singer's faith in God's guidance and salvation. The lyrics describe a journey through a sea of sin, but the singer feels confident because he is not alone - he believes that God is accompanying him and directing his course. The reference to "waters dark and cold" suggests that this journey may be difficult and uncertain, but the singer trusts that he will ultimately reach his goal, which is likely heaven or salvation. The refrain repeats the phrase "With his hand on my shoulder," emphasizing the singer's belief in God's protective presence.
Throughout the song, the singer contrasts the turbulent sea of sin with the peace and security he feels when he puts his faith in God. The line "I won't sink as long as I won't let the waters in" suggests that the singer recognizes the temptations and dangers of sin but is determined to resist them. He is grateful for the "everlasting peace" that he believes God provides and looks forward to a heavenly home. The final line of the song, "it will never touch my soul," echoes the theme of protection and assurance that runs throughout the lyrics.
Overall, "With His Hands On My Shoulder" is a testament to the power of faith and the comfort of feeling supported and guided through life's challenges. The song's lyrics are simple but heartfelt, expressing a deep connection between the singer and his beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
With his hand on my shoulder I sail this sea of sin
I trust in God to guide me through life's struggles.
With his hand on my shoulder I cannot help but win
I have confidence that God will help me succeed.
I'll follow as he pilots me through waters dark and cold
I trust in God to lead me even when things are difficult.
With His hand on my shoulder I know I'll reach my goal
I believe that with God's help I will achieve my dreams.
My every hope is anchored to the faith I have in him
My trust in God is the foundation of my hope.
I know I'll reach the shoreline though at times the lights are dim
Even when I can't see the way forward, I believe God will guide me to safety.
He'll take me past the rocky cliffs from life's storm I'll be released
God will help me overcome challenges and find peace.
With his hand on my shoulder I'll have everlasting peace
God's presence gives me inner tranquility.
Surrounded by an angry sea that's made of hate and sin
The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place.
But I won't sink as long as I won't let the waters in
I won't let negativity and evil control me.
And with the help of God I know I'll never lose my way
I trust that God will guide me towards the right path.
I have a home up in the sky and he made it just for me
I believe in an afterlife and that God has a place for me there.
But to prove that I'll desert this home I have to sail this sea
I must navigate life's challenges to demonstrate my worthiness of eternal life.
The waves of sin sometimes are high and the spray might touch my clothes
Temptation and wrongdoing can be difficult to avoid.
With his hand on my shoulder it will never touch my soul
God will help me remain pure and righteous despite the world's influence.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jshalom65
If there was ever a singer touched by God it's Marty Robbins
@tcharli1948
I love this song and I had not heard it in a while and just felt the need to hear it this morning. I have no doubt that Marty is with our savior.
@paulhudson914
This man Marty Robbins is THE greatest singer ever.
@mrbobevans
And a pretty damn good songwriter as well, as evidenced by this amazing song.
@georgeayton5347
agreed.
@irenemccann7032
Absolutely magnificent, Martys voice Is soo full of emotion , and itโs a beautiful hymn.
@shirleylawlor941
Can listen to Marty singing for hours ,, just wonderful
@dianefiske-foy4717
I have been watching Martyโs videos for hours! Love him ๐ฅฐโผ๏ธ
@paulwilliams8763
Outstanding singer. Fantastic voice . First I am hearing these gospel song after so many years listening to Marty. Hope he rest in peace though he lives on it our hearts..
@ezridgemu
Thanks for posting. I thought Marty was one of the best both as a human being and as a singer. So sorry we lost him but I'm sure he's in a better place.