El Paso

(Marty Robbins)



Out in the west Texas town of El Paso

I fell in love with a Mexican girl

Night time would find me in Rosa's Cantina

The music would play and Felina would whirl.



One night a wild young cowboy came in

Wild as the west Texas wind

Dancin' and darin' a drink he was sharing

With wicked Felina the girl that I love.



So in anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden

Down went his hand for the gun that he wore

My challenege was answered in less than a heartbeat

The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor.



Just for a moment I stood there in silence

shocked by the foul evil deed I had done

Many thoughts race through my mind as I stood there

I had but one chance and that was to run.



I saddled up and away I did go

Riding alone in the dark

Maybe tomorrow a bullet may find me

Tonight nothin's worse than this pain in my heart.



And at last here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso

I can see Rosa's Cantina below

My love is strong and it pushes me onward

Down off the hill to Felina I go.



Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys

Off to my left ride a dozen or more

Shouting and shooting I can't let them catch me

I have to make it to Rosa's back door.



I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle

I feel the bullet go deep in my chest

From out of nowhere Felina has found me

Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side

Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for

One little kiss and Felina goodbye...