In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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 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 danger 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 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 fear 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's 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
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 danger 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 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 fear 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's 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
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
El Paso Lyrics as written by Marty Robbins
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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