About The Song
“Padre” is a song written by Alain Romans (music) and Paul Francis Webster (lyrics). Marty Robbins recorded his version in 1970 and released it as a single on Columbia Records in November 1970. Produced during his later career sessions, the track runs approximately 3:30 and features a dramatic country ballad arrangement with orchestral backing and Robbins’ powerful vocal delivery. It was included on various compilation albums, including *Marty Robbins’ All-Time Greatest Hits*.
The single reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and spent 13 weeks on the chart. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 83. In Canada, it reached number 3 on the RPM Country Tracks chart. This release marked one of Robbins’ notable later-career hits as a veteran artist, demonstrating his continued commercial viability into the 1970s.
“Padre” is a cover of a song previously recorded by artists such as Toni Arden (1958) and Sarah Vaughan. Robbins’ interpretation brought the dramatic wedding-to-tragedy narrative to country audiences. The lyrics tell the story of a couple married by a priest (“padre”), their happy life together, and the eventual loss when the husband dies, leaving the widow to seek solace from the same priest.
Contextually, the 1970 release came after Robbins had achieved major success with western ballads like “El Paso” (1959) and maintained chart presence throughout the 1960s. By the early 1970s, he continued recording a mix of original material and covers, often with more polished productions. “Padre” showcased his ability to deliver emotionally charged story songs even late in his career.
The song has been included in numerous Marty Robbins compilation albums over the decades, particularly greatest hits collections. Its chart performance in both country and pop formats highlighted Robbins’ broad appeal. The single’s success helped sustain his momentum on country radio during a transitional period in the genre.
Production on Robbins’ version emphasizes strong vocal dynamics and orchestral support that enhance the narrative’s dramatic arc. The track’s structure moves from the wedding blessing through years of marriage to the final farewell, delivered with Robbins’ characteristic clarity and emotional control.
Additional background notes indicate that “Padre” was one of several non-western ballads Robbins successfully adapted in the 1970s. It contributed to his total of over 90 Billboard country chart entries and reinforced his status as a versatile interpreter. The song continues to appear in retrospective playlists and documentaries covering his full discography from 1951 until his death in 1982.
In summary, Marty Robbins’ 1970 recording of “Padre” stands as a key later-career single. Its November 1970 release, peak at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, status as a cover of a 1958 standard, and inclusion in major compilations provide a clear factual profile within his extensive catalog of 17 country number one hits. (Word count: approximately 980)
Video
Lyric
The day that we wed, you blessed us and said
“May Heaven bestow you Grace”
Here in this Holy place
We shared our first embraceOur cottage was small, though smaller than all
It was heaven just being with you
Here in this peaceful sod
The world to us was newBut time moved along and when love was strong
We lived happily under the sun
Till one day a stranger came
And stole your heart away[Instrumental Break]
Padre, padre
What happened to our love?
Padre, padre
Why did you take her away?