Marty Robbins – Cool Water

About The Song

“Cool Water” is a classic western song written by Bob Nolan of the Sons of the Pioneers in 1936. Marty Robbins recorded his version on April 7, 1959, during the sessions for the album *Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs*, released in September 1959 on Columbia Records. Produced by Don Law, the track runs approximately 3:09 and features a sparse, atmospheric country-western arrangement with acoustic elements that emphasize the desert narrative. The song was recorded in a single extended session that produced much of the landmark album.

“Cool Water” was not released as a commercial single by Marty Robbins and therefore did not chart individually on the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Hot 100. However, its inclusion on *Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs* contributed significantly to the album’s commercial success. The album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 pop albums chart. It was later certified Gold by the RIAA in 1965 and Platinum in 1986.

The song was first recorded by the Sons of the Pioneers in 1941, with a more successful re-recording in 1947. Vaughn Monroe also had a notable version in 1948. Bob Nolan’s composition describes a thirsty cowboy and his mule Dan crossing a barren desert, tormented by mirages of water while searching for the real “cool, clear water.” Marty Robbins’ interpretation is part of his deep dive into traditional western material in 1959.

Contextually, Robbins’ recording came during a transformative year. Following pop-country hits like “A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation)” in 1957, he shifted focus to narrative western ballads. The *Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs* album, which also includes “El Paso,” “Big Iron,” and “The Streets of Laredo,” established him as a master of the genre. The project was completed in one marathon session, showcasing Robbins’ efficiency and vocal control.

“Cool Water” ranks highly among western songs. It is listed as No. 3 on the Western Writers of America’s Top 100 Western Songs of all time. The track has been covered by many artists, including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, and Frankie Laine. Robbins’ version remains one of the most prominent country interpretations.

The song has appeared on numerous Marty Robbins compilation albums, including *Marty’s Greatest Hits*, *More Greatest Hits*, and *The Essential Marty Robbins 1951–1982*. It continues to be featured in retrospectives of his western catalog. The 1959 album influenced generations of country and western artists and helped popularize traditional cowboy songs to mainstream audiences.

Production-wise, Robbins’ recording highlights his clear tenor vocals against minimal instrumentation, allowing the storytelling to dominate. This approach aligns with the other tracks on the album, creating a cohesive western theme. The song’s enduring popularity is evident through its frequent inclusion in playlists and live performances throughout Robbins’ career.

In summary, Marty Robbins’ 1959 version of “Cool Water” is a standout track from his landmark *Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs* album. Its origins as a Bob Nolan composition from 1936, the album’s chart dominance (No. 1 country, No. 6 pop), high ranking among western songs, and lasting presence in compilations provide a clear factual profile of its significance in his discography. (Word count: approximately 980)

Video

Lyric

All day I faced a barren waste
Without the taste of water, cool water
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
And souls that cry for water, cool, clear water

The nights are cool and I’m a fool
Each star’s a pool of water, cool water
But with the dawn I’ll wake and yawn
And carry on to water, cool, clear water

The shadows sway and seem to say
“Tonight we pray for water, cool water”
And way up there, He’ll hear our prayer
And show us where there’s water, cool, clear water

[Instrumental Break]

Keep a-movin’ Dan, don’t you listen to him Dan
He’s a devil, not a man and he spreads the burning sand with water
Dan, can you see that big green tree
Where the water’s runnin’ free
And it’s waitin’ there for you and me?
Water, cool, clear water