Time for another Music Monday brought to you by Always Me.

Rules from Lauren:
Every Monday share one or two of songs you’ve been enjoying lately.  It doesn’t have to be a specific genre, new, or one of your favorites – just something you’d like to share with others.  If possible, share a music or lyric video of the song and your thoughts on the song(s), artist(s), and/or music video(s).

If you would like to participate in Music Monday, please join the link up by sharing your post’s url over at this week’s post on Always Me.

The Art of the Story – El Paso.

I heard a song the other day that reminded me of how much I love a song that tells a story. A saga, if you will. (The song I was listening to was not in fact a saga, but it got me thinking about what I was listening to, which eventually lead me to saga-like songs, as my mind does tend to wander a bit. That’s the short version.) I love a good saga. They pull you in, just like a good book, wondering what will happen next.

I’ve got a few story/saga songs up my sleeve, but thought I would just feature one this week — and it’s probably my favorite — El Paso. My Dad loved the original version of this. I like it too, but I prefer the update from The Old 97’s. I’ve included the lyrics below so you can follow along. It’s like listening to an audio book. Or a short story on cassette.

El Paso by The Old 97’s

And for fun, the original by Marty Robbins

El Paso

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 were the eyes of Felina,
wicked and evil while casting her 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 Felina the girl that I loved.

So in anger I
challenged his life 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 it’s 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 will find me,
tonight nothing’s worse than this pain in my heart.

And at last,
here I am, on a 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.

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 tryin’ 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,
and Felina goodbye.

*Note: The Old 97’s skip this verse in their cover, but it’s in the original.