El Paso (Marty Robbins)

Lyrics

Out in the west Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Nighttime would find me at Rosa's cantina
Music would play and Felina would world

Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina
Wicked and evil while casting a spell
My love was strong for this Mexican maiden
I was in love but vain I could tell

One night, a wild young cowboy came in
Wild as the west Texas wind
Dashing and daring, 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 challenge 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 raced through my thoughts as I stood there
I had but one chance, and that was to run

Out of the back door of Rosa's I ran
Out where the horses were tied
I picked a good one, he looked like a good one
Up on his back and away I did ride

Just as fast as
I could from the west Texas town of El Paso
Out through the badlands of New Mexico
Back in El Paso, my life would be worthless
Everything's gone in life, nothing is left
But it's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fear of death

So I saddled up and away I did go
Riding alone in the dark
Maybe tomorrow a bullet will find me
At night nothing'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've got to make it to Rosa's back door

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side
And it's getting harder to stay in the saddle
I'm getting weary unable to ride

But my love for
Feleena is strong, and I rise where I've fallen
Though I am weary, I can't stop to rest
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, good-bye