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| Rosa's Cantina |
I started to post this a couple of days ago, inspired
by our Hayden Lake trip to Idaho in late July: Meme’s sister Pat (a longtime
resident of El Paso) presented a photo to their cousin Pete of him in front of Rosa’s
Cantina. It got me thinking about the classic Marty Robbins tune and some of
its artistic liberties. Glad I didn’t post it on Friday, because last night the
song was featured in the series finale for “Breaking Bad.” How is that for
timing? Now for a quick review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIHRgisdbeY
“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 Felina would whirl.
Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina, 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.
(stop
right there: “wicked”… really? In love with someone wicked and evil? Don’t say
I didn’t “told you so…” buddy; and "maiden" really? A "maiden" whirling in a cantina: better look up the classical definition instead of the using contemporary e-dicts.)
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. (there is that “wicked reference again, got a
clue yet amigo?)
So in anger I Challenged his right for the love of
this maiden. (What kind
of challenge? “Hey, you dirty dog! You’re drinkin’ with my wicked crush, and
your Momma…”)
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore. (...like “the other guy” drew first)
My challenge was answered in less than a
heart-beat;
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor. (Sounds like self-defense via code-of-the-west? What about "Stand Your Ground," even if Jon Steward will characterize you as some F*@#ing gun nut?)
Just for a moment I stood there in silence, Shocked
by the FOUL EVIL deed I had done.
(Aggressive-speak?
Survivors remorse?)
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood
there; I had but one chance and that was to run.
(Law &
order in Ol’ El Paso was bought & paid for by cattle interests?)
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 bad-lands of New Mexico. (about 100-miles to closest malpais/lava
badlands, several days ride)
Back in El Paso my life would be worthless. Everything's
gone in life; nothing is left.
(it won’t
be if you keep a negative train-of-thought going like this)
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 Rosa's cantina below.
My love is strong and it pushes me onward. Down off
the hill to Felina I go.
(To the
wicked one? I think we can see how this is going to play out… and Felina will
probably get your royalties)
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. (then
what?)
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 (sic?) 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. (Ouch!)
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, good-bye. (She was
evil…).
Other favorite Marty Robbins tunes are many, here
are a few-starting with “Big Iron”
(BTW- no “Town of Agua Fria” in Arizona today, but
New Mexico still has “the Traditional Village of Agua Fria” [now part of Santa
Fe] and considering the historical links of these territories dating back to
“la frontera” days it seems a reasonable locale- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agua_Fria,_New_Mexico
)
The incredible imagery brought forth by “Strawberry
Roan” (I can see him)
Then there is always the “Master’s Call” (AMEN!)
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