#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------#
#This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the #
#song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. #
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El Paso
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Written and performed by Marty Robbins
notated by Greg Vaughn gvaughn@olga.net
6/8 type of fast waltz tempo in D
Intro
e+------------------------------------------------------------|
B+--------7--10--7------------------------10---12-------------|
G+-----7------------7----------------9-12-----------12---9----|
D+--7------------------------------9--------------------------|
A+----------------------------9-10----------------------------|
E+------------------------------------------------------------|
e+-10-----10-10-10----9------7--7---5--3--2-------------------|
B+-12-----12-12-12----10-----8--8---7--5--3-------------------|
G+------------------------------------------------------------|
D+------------------------------------------------------------|
A+------------------------------------------------------------|
E+------------------------------------------------------------|
trem
e+--10-------------9----------9-------------------------------|
B+--12-----12-12---10--10-----10------------------------------|
G+---------------------11-----------7-------------------------|
D+------------------------------------------------------------|
A+------------------------------------------------------------|
E+------------------------------------------------------------|
The "trem" means tremulo picking, which is an alternating up and
down stroke realy fast like you hear a lot on mandolin. Technically
that is one beat of triplet 32nd notes. (that's 1 beat subdivided
into 12 parts!)
D Em
1. Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
A7 D
I fell in love with a Mexican girl.
Em
Nighttime would find me in Rose's Cantina,
A7 D
Music would play and Felina would whirl.
2. 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 in vain I could tell.
Chorus 1
G D G
One night a wild young cowboy came in,
D D7
Wild as the West Texas wind...
D7
Dashing and daring, a drink he was sharing,
D7 G
With wicked Felina, the girl that I love.
A7
So in an - ger
3. 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.
4. 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.
Chorus 2
Out through the back door of Rose's I ran,
Out where the horses were tied...
I caught a good one; he looked like he could run,
Up on his back and away I did ride.
Just as fast as
5. 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.
6. But it's been so long since I've seen the young maiden,
My love is stronger that my fear of death.
(Nothing's missing. It really is only half a verse.)
Chorus 3
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 as last here
7. 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.
8. 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.
Chorus 4
Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side...
It's getting harder to stay in the saddle.
I'm getting weary, unable to ride.
But my love for
9. 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.
10.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.
I'd suggest playing A7 as (x02223). Alternate bass notes on beats one
and four throughout the verses. You might want to try Dadd9 (xx0230)
in place of the D in the first line of the chorus.
Tab Discussion, Comments, and Critiques
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No Picture
tim Lead Player |
#1 by tim sears at Sep 29, 2007 at 11:12 PM EST |
| Oh I listen to the old stuff, and this is my favorite country singer and song. I was so sad when Marty died. | |
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No Picture
sebastian Average |
#2 by sebastian daalmeijer at Oct 6, 2007 at 9:01 PM EST |
| Marty has many really good ballad type songs along with many non-ballads. There is still a lot of us around that still like the older music. | |
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No Picture
Justice Wanna Be |
#3 by Justice Fish at Oct 13, 2007 at 3:31 PM EST |
| A beautiful song, artfully done by a legendary artist, that actually tells a story. It's pretty self-explanatory when it comes to the meaing. I must say, also, that it is a shame that people on here don't appreciate the artists who paved the way for the artists who are out there today. | |
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No Picture
Luke Professional |
#4 by Luke Goudreault at Oct 14, 2007 at 5:56 PM EST |
| This was my favorite song growing up - Marty was the best ever at putting a western song to music - truly brought the Western to Country and Western - BTW, I heard that Marty Robbins wrote this song in less then 20 minutes - almost as fast as he could think it, the words and music came to him! | |
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No Picture
Emdizzy foshizz Lead Player |
#5 by Emdizzy foshizzy at Oct 14, 2007 at 6:27 PM EST |
| Just basically a story... good song, anyhow and of course no comments on it, since most of the people on here listen to newer stuff! | |
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