El Paso - Hank Snow

Out in the west Texas town of El Paso

I fell in love with a Mexican girl

Night time 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 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 mind as I stood there

I had but one chance and that was to run.

Out through the back door 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 may find me Tonight nothin’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 back door.

Something is dreadfully 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 cheek as she kneels by my side

Cradled by two loving arms that Ill die for

One little kiss, then Feleena, goodbye!

(Marty Robbins)