El Paso Lyrics - John Denver

[i] 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 

[i] 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 

[ii] 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 

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[iii] 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 

[i] 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 

[ii] 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 

[iii] Just as fast as I could from the West Texas town of El Paso 

Out to the badlands of New Mexico 

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[i] 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 

[ii] 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 

I can see Rosa's cantina below 

My love is strong and it pushes me onward 

Down off the hill to Felina I go 

[i] 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 

[ii] Something is dreadfully wrong, for I feel 

A deep burning pain in my side 

I'm getting weary, unable to ride 

[iii] But my love for Felina is strong and I rise where I've fallen 

I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle 

I feel the bullet go deep in my chest 

[i] 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, then Felina goodbye.