“As Time Goes By” is a poignant ballad of enduring, unrequited love that time cannot diminish.
There are certain melodies that don’t just fill the air—they transport you, wrapping you in a warm blanket of memory and nostalgia. Marty Robbins‘s rendition of “As Time Goes By” is one of those rare treasures. It’s a song that speaks to a universal truth: the heart’s stubborn refusal to forget a love that has passed, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever carried a torch for someone long gone. While the song is now synonymous with the 1942 film Casablanca, where it was famously performed by Dooley Wilson, Marty Robbins brought his signature country and western soul to this timeless classic, giving it a depth that feels both personal and profoundly universal.
The story behind this particular recording is not one of dramatic, newfound romance, but of an artist’s deep appreciation for a piece of music that existed long before he did. The song itself was originally written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931 for a Broadway musical, but it was its inclusion in Casablanca that cemented its place in pop culture history. Marty Robbins, a master storyteller in his own right, chose to cover the song and released it on his 1968 album, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” This was a fascinating time in Marty Robbins‘s career. He was already a legend, having conquered both the country and pop charts with hits like “El Paso” and “A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation).” He was known for his narrative ballads of gunfighters and cowboys, but he was also a versatile artist who could croon a love song with an emotional sincerity that could break your heart. This version of “As Time Goes By” is a perfect example of that other side of his artistry.
The song’s meaning, especially when filtered through the reflective style of Marty Robbins, is simple yet powerful. It’s about a love that persists despite the passage of time. The lyrics, “You must remember this / A kiss is still a kiss / A sigh is just a sigh / The fundamental things apply / As time goes by,” speak to the unchanging nature of love and human emotion. The song’s placement on the “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” album, which itself reached #8 on the US Country charts, highlights Marty Robbins‘s continued success and his ability to move effortlessly between genres. While his most famous hits like “El Paso” reached the top of the pop charts, “As Time Goes By” did not have the same blockbuster chart performance, but its enduring legacy is not measured in numbers. It is measured in the quiet moments of reflection it evokes, the memories it stirs, and the way it reminds us that some feelings, and some loves, truly do transcend time. For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a time when songs were stories, and a voice like Marty Robbins‘s could make you feel every word. It’s a testament to the fact that while life may change, and people may come and go, the core sentiments of the human heart remain the same.