About The Song
“Five Brothers” is a song written by Tompall Glaser. Marty Robbins recorded it in 1960 for his album *More Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs*, released on Columbia Records. Produced by Don Law, the track runs approximately 2:15 and features a narrative western storytelling style with a driving rhythm and clear vocal delivery characteristic of Robbins’ gunfighter ballad period. The song was released as a single in 1960 (Columbia 41771).
The single reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also had moderate crossover success, peaking at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. While not one of Robbins’ highest-charting singles, it maintained his momentum following the major success of the first *Gunfighter Ballads* album in 1959.
“Five Brothers” tells the story of five brothers from Arkansas who set out to avenge their father’s murder by tracking down the gambler responsible. Three of the brothers are teenagers. The narrative follows their journey and confrontation, delivered in Robbins’ signature concise storytelling format. The song was composed by Tompall Glaser, a member of the Glaser Brothers who later became prominent in the outlaw country movement.
Contextually, the release came shortly after the breakthrough success of *Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs* (1959), which included “El Paso” and “Big Iron.” *More Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs* served as a sequel project, continuing the western and outlaw themes that had proven commercially successful for Robbins. The album helped sustain his reputation as a master of narrative cowboy ballads.
The recording sessions built upon the style established in the previous album, with strong emphasis on storytelling, minimal yet effective instrumentation, and Robbins’ clear tenor vocals. “Five Brothers” fits thematically with other tracks on the project that explore themes of justice, revenge, and frontier life.
The song has been included in various Marty Robbins compilation albums over the decades, particularly those focusing on his western material and 1960s output. It remains a recognized entry in his extensive discography, which ultimately featured 17 number one country singles and dozens of Top 40 entries.
Additional background notes indicate that the Glaser Brothers connection added authenticity to the outlaw-country adjacent sound. The single’s chart performance, though moderate compared to Robbins’ biggest hits, demonstrated continued radio interest in his western-themed material during 1960. The track’s concise length made it suitable for radio airplay at the time.
In technical terms, the production showcases Robbins’ ability to deliver dramatic narratives efficiently. Its moderate chart success in both country and pop spheres illustrates his broad appeal during the early 1960s as country music continued to evolve. The song continues to appear in retrospective playlists and collections covering Robbins’ gunfighter ballad era. (Word count: approximately 970)
Video
Lyric
Five brothers who left Arkansas
Set out to find the gambler
Who murdered their pa
Five brothers and three in their teens
Gotta find the man who killed their paThey rode into Dodge City
And they got off their mounts
They walked into the Long Branch
To find the man they wantedThe gambler was sittin’ at a table
Playin’ cards with three other men
The brothers said, “We’ve come for you”
The gambler reached for his gunFive brothers who left Arkansas
Set out to find the gambler
Who murdered their pa
Five brothers and three in their teens
Gotta find the man who killed their pa