A Time And A Place For Everything
A Country Ballad That Reminds Us of Life’s Unfolding Journey
In the golden age of country and western music, there were storytellers whose voices carried the weight of a life well-lived, and songs that felt like old friends sharing a secret. Among them, few were as revered as Marty Robbins. Known for his rich baritone and an unparalleled ability to cross genres, from traditional country to pop and even Hawaiian music, Robbins was a true musical chameleon. His legacy is cemented by timeless classics like “El Paso” and “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife”, but there are hidden gems in his discography that resonate with a deeper, more personal truth. One such masterpiece is the introspective ballad, “A Time And A Place For Everything”.
This poignant song, released in 1968, was never a massive chart-topper in the way some of Robbins’ other hits were. It was a B-side to the single “I Walk Alone”, and while “I Walk Alone” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, “A Time And A Place For Everything” didn’t chart independently. However, its quiet power and profound message have made it a favorite among dedicated fans and a testament to Robbins’s artistry. It’s the kind of song that finds its audience not on the radio, but in quiet moments of reflection, perhaps playing on a worn-out record as a dusty sunset paints the sky.
The story behind this song is not one of dramatic romance or thrilling gunfights, but of a universal human experience. It’s a meditation on the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. The lyrics, penned by the legendary Merle Haggard, speak to the idea that life is a series of chapters, each with its own purpose. The song’s gentle, rolling melody, coupled with Robbins’s warm and comforting delivery, creates an atmosphere of peaceful acceptance. It’s a musical embrace, a gentle reminder that every stage of life, with all its joys and sorrows, holds its own unique significance.
For those of us who have lived long enough to look back on our own unfolding story, “A Time And A Place For Everything” strikes a chord deep within the heart. It’s a song that acknowledges the inevitable changes that life brings – the youthful exuberance that gives way to mature reflection, the wild nights that are replaced by quiet mornings. It’s a piece of music that understands the bittersweet nature of memory, the way we can be nostalgic for what was while appreciating what is. When Robbins sings, “There’s a time to be reckless, a time to be free / A time to be foolish, and a time to be me,” it’s not just a lyric; it’s a shared understanding, a knowing nod to the journey we’ve all been on.
The song is a departure from Robbins’s more theatrical, narrative-driven pieces. It’s stripped down, raw, and deeply personal. It feels less like a performance and more like a heart-to-heart conversation with a dear friend. The simple arrangement, with its soft guitar and subtle strings, allows Robbins’s voice to be the star, and it’s a voice that has the power to heal and to comfort. This is the kind of song you put on when you need to feel grounded, when you want to make sense of the past and find peace in the present. It’s a musical balm for the soul, and a perfect example of why Marty Robbins will forever be remembered as one of the greatest storytellers country music has ever known.
Oldies Songs