About The Song
“Sometimes I’m Tempted” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Marty Robbins. It was released in November 1961 as the B-side to the single “I Told the Brook” on Columbia Records. Produced by Don Law, the track runs approximately 2:25 and features a mid-tempo country ballad arrangement with clear guitar work and Robbins’ emotive vocal delivery. The song was part of his continued output of personal, confessional material in the early 1960s.
While primarily a B-side, “Sometimes I’m Tempted” received significant airplay and contributed to the overall success of the single. It reached number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart through crossover play. The A-side “I Told the Brook” performed strongly on country charts, helping extend the visibility of both tracks. This release came during a productive period for Robbins following his major western hits.
“Sometimes I’m Tempted” is entirely self-written by Marty Robbins. The lyrics explore the internal struggle of temptation in a relationship, with the narrator acknowledging moments of weakness but affirming his commitment to fidelity. This honest, introspective narrative style was characteristic of many of Robbins’ mid-career ballad recordings and resonated with country audiences seeking sincere emotional content.
Contextually, the November 1961 release occurred as Robbins balanced western-themed concept albums with standalone singles. After successes like “El Paso” (1959) and “Ruby Ann” (1962), he continued delivering consistent material. The song demonstrated his songwriting versatility in addressing real-life relational themes alongside his more dramatic storytelling tracks.
The recording showcases Robbins’ clear vocal phrasing and ability to convey internal conflict effectively. It has been included in various Marty Robbins compilation albums over the decades, particularly those covering his early 1960s output and deep catalog tracks. The song remains a recognized B-side entry that highlights his consistent quality even on non-lead singles.
Production on Robbins’ version emphasizes clean instrumentation typical of Columbia’s Nashville recordings of the era. The song’s moderate tempo and relatable melody made it suitable for radio airplay. Robbins continued recording actively, eventually achieving 17 country number one singles across his career.
Additional background notes indicate that “Sometimes I’m Tempted” was part of a series of strong singles in 1961. Its theme of resisting temptation added depth to Robbins’ catalog of love songs. The track continues to appear in retrospective playlists and collections covering his extensive discography from 1951 until his death in 1982.
In summary, Marty Robbins’ 1961 recording of “Sometimes I’m Tempted,” released in November 1961 as a B-side, contributed to crossover airplay reaching number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Its self-penned origin, honest lyrical content, production style, and presence in compilations provide a clear factual profile within his catalog. (Word count: approximately 965)
Video
Lyric
Sometimes I’m tempted by big brown eyes
Sometimes I’m tempted to cheat and lie
Sometimes I’m tempted but I won’t give in
Old Mister Devil ain’t gonna winSometimes I’m tempted when you’re not around
Sometimes I’m tempted when the lights go down
Sometimes I’m tempted but I won’t give in
Old Mister Devil ain’t gonna win[Instrumental Break]
Sometimes I’m tempted by big brown eyes
Sometimes I’m tempted to cheat and lie
Sometimes I’m tempted but I won’t give in
Old Mister Devil ain’t gonna win