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.
Yesterday's Roses
Marty Robbins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring wonderful memories of you
Roses, withered and faded
The same as the love we once knew
Yesterday's roses covered with teardrops
Yesterday's teardrops sparkle like dew
I'll always treasure yesterday's roses
Tellin' a story that never came true
My poor heart is breaking inside
True love we might have known, dear
But just like the roses, it died
Yesterday's roses covered with teardrops
Yesterday's teardrops sparkle like dew
I'll always treasure yesterday's roses
Tellin' a story that never came true
The lyrics of Marty Robbins's song "Yesterday's Roses" reflects on the bittersweet memories of a past love. The imagery of "roses, pressed in a bible" symbolizes the preservation of cherished memories. The roses, although "withered and faded," represent the love that has also faded over time. The singer compares the tears that have fallen on the roses to the tears shed over lost love, emphasizing the sadness and nostalgia associated with these past memories.
The phrase "yesterday's roses covered with teardrops" suggests that the memories of the failed relationship are still fresh and vivid. The tears on the roses "sparkle like dew," implying that there is still some beauty and allure in reminiscing about the past. The singer admits that they will always treasure these memories, even though they acknowledge that they were "a story that never came true."
The song expresses the longing for a love that could have been, but ultimately faded away. The lyrics convey a sense of heartbreak and the pain of missed opportunities. It is a bittersweet reflection on a past relationship that continues to hold significance and evoke strong emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Roses, pressed in a bible
Preserved flowers in a holy book
Bring wonderful memories of you
Summon delightful recollections of your presence
Roses, withered and faded
Flowers that have wilted and lost their vibrant color
The same as the love we once knew
Comparable to the affection we once shared
Yesterday's roses covered with teardrops
Previous day's blossoms adorned with droplets of sorrow
Yesterday's teardrops sparkle like dew
Tears shed in the past glisten like morning dew
I'll always treasure yesterday's roses
I will forever value the faded flowers of yesteryear
Tellin' a story that never came true
Narrating a tale that remained unfulfilled
Sometimes when I'm alone, dear
Occasionally in solitude, my beloved
My poor heart is breaking inside
My grief-stricken heart is shattering internally
True love we might have known, dear
Authentic affection that could have been ours, my beloved
But just like the roses, it died
Yet like the flowers, it perished
Yesterday's roses covered with teardrops
Previous day's blossoms adorned with droplets of sorrow
Yesterday's teardrops sparkle like dew
Tears shed in the past glisten like morning dew
I'll always treasure yesterday's roses
I will forever value the faded flowers of yesteryear
Tellin' a story that never came true
Narrating a tale that remained unfulfilled
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRED ROSE, GENE AUTRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shirley Lawlor
I can listen to Marty for hours ,,,, just wonderful
Anthony Seiler
I have Martys' singing and music since I was just a young boy and now
I am 74 yrs old still think he is the best.
Anthony Seiler
What a Great song, sung by the greatest traditional country singer!!!!!
Zane Starr
The problem is that when you hear this man sing anything, you do not want to hear anyone else. Now that called talent in my book, few are they that have it but Mr Robbins did, by the the wagon load.
Sandi Davis
I have been listening to Marty for the last few months, I have others, but somehow Marty is all I listen to
Ingrid Maier
Marty could have sang the phone book, I would have listened and loved it. This man was just a genius.
Christopher Pierce
One of my favourite memories is being with Marty in Roy Acuff's dressing room at the GOO. Mr Acuff's wife had died a week or two before and Marty at Acuff's suggestion, took Bashful Bro. Oswald's dobro and accompanied himself singing Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. The tears were rolling down Acuff's cheeks as Marty sang...then the hallway, normally a dull roar, went utterly silent. It went so suddenly quiet that Marty momentarily stopped and asked, "I wonder what's going on?" I said...probably someone here that isn't normally. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and in walked George Jones. He'd just left the Betty Ford Clinic that afternoon and was already inebriated.
Primrose Haran
Fantastic love this song from the brilliant marty just love him thanks for this he is simply the greatest singer ever
noel cleghorn
love the song and the voice this song puts me to bed every night
Shirley Lawlor
Just wonderful to be able to listen too all these old records ,, not like the music that's played now