Lyrics El Paso - Live at Barton Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 5/8/77 - Grateful Dead

Out in the west Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Nighttime would find me at Rosa's Cantina
Music would play and Felina would whirl
Black as the night were the eyes of Felina
Wicked and evil while casting a spell
My love was strong for this Mexiacn maiden
I was in love, but in vain, I could tell

One night a wily 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 right for the heart of the 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 at 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 picked a good one, it looked like he could run
Up on his back and away I did ride

Just as fast as I
Could from the west Texas town of El Paso
Out through 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
But anything's worth this pain in my heart

Now 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
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've got to make it to Rosa's back door

Suddenly something is wrong, for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side
It's getting harder 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
Good
Bye