Russell Tom - El Paso lyrics

(Marty Robbins)

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso

I fell in love with a Mexican girl

Nighttime would find me in Rosa's Cantina

Music would play and Felina would whirl

Blacker than night where the eyes of Felina

Wicked and evil while casting a spell

My love was strong 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 Felina, 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 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 ran through my mind as I stood there

I had but one chance and that was to run

Out through the back door of Rose's I ran

Out where the horses were tied

I caught a good one, it looked like it could run

Up on his back and away I did ride

Just as fast as I could from the West Texas town of El Paso

Out thru 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 fear of death

I saddled up and away I did go

Riding alone in the dark

Maybe tomorrow a bullet may 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 Rose'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 Rose's back door

Something is dreadfully wrong for, I feel

A deep burning pain in my side

Something is dreadfully wrong, for I feel

A deep burning pain in my side

Although I am trying to stay in the saddle

I'm getting weary, unable to ride

It's getting harder to stay in the saddle

I'm getting weary, unable to ride

But my love for Felina 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 goodbye