el paso lyrics

Written by Marty Robbins

Out in the west Texan town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Nighttime would find me in Rosa's Cantina
Music would play and Feleena would whirl
Blacker than night were the eyes of Feleena
Wicked and evil while casting a spell

My love was deep for this Mexican maiden
I was in love but in 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 Feleena the girl that I loved

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 deed I had done
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there
I had but one chance and that was to run

Out to the backdoor of Rosa's I ran
Out where the horses were tied
I caught a good one, it looked like it could run
Up on its back and away I did ride
Just as fast as I could
From the west Texas town of El Paso
Out to the badlands of New Mexico

Back in El Paso my life would be worthless
Everything's gone in life, nothing is left
It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fears of death

I saddled up and away I did go
Riding alone in the dark
Maybe tomorrow a bullet would find me
Tonight 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 Feleena 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 backdoor

Something is dreadfuly wrong for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side
Though I am trying 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 Feleena has found me
kissing my cheeks as she kneels by my side
Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for
One little kiss then Feleena, goodbye...