Marty Robbins: "Ain't I Right" (1966)

Marty Robbins (1925-1982) was an American singer-songwriter whose musical career spanned more than three decades. Born in Arizona, Robbins joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific theatre during World War II. After his discharge, Robbins returned to Arizona. He made a living performing in local bars and clubs, before presenting on radio and television and signing a record deal with Columbia. Robbins is best known for his signature song, the Western-themed El Paso. In 1966 Robbins wrote and recorded Ain’t I Right, a song that takes aim at communists (“a bearded, bathless bunch”), protestors (“tramps”) and “two-faced politicians”. Robbins reportedly wanted Ain’t I Right released as a single, however, studio bosses considered it too political and provocative.

You came down to this southern town last summer
To show the folks a brand new way of life
But all you’ve shown the folks around here is trouble
And you’ve only added misery to their strife
Your concern is not to help the people
And I’ll say again, though it’s been often said
Your concern is just to bring discomfort, my friend
And your policy is just a little red

Now, ain’t I right?
(Ain’t he right, ain’t he right)

It matters not to you how people suffer
And should they, you’d consider that a gain
You bring a lot of trouble to the town and then you leave
That’s part of your communistic game
I detect a little communism
I can see it in the things ya do
Communism, socialism call it what you like
There’s very little difference in the two

Now, ain’t I right?
(Ain’t he right, ain’t he right)

Your followers sometimes have been a bearded, bathless bunch
There’s even been a minister or two
A priest, a nun, a rabbi and an educated man
Have listened and been taken in by you
Aw, the country’s full of two-faced politicians
Who encourage you with words that go like this
Burn your draft card if you like, it’s good to disagree
That’s a get acquainted communistic kiss

Now, ain’t I right?
(Ain’t he right, ain’t he right)

One politician said it would be nice to send some blood
And help the enemy in Vietnam
That’s what he says, here’s what I say, let’s just keep the blood
Instead let’s send that politician man
Let’s rid the country of the politicians,
Who coddle tramps that march out in our streets
Protesting those who wanna fight for freedom, my friend
This kind of leader makes our country weak

Refrain

Let’s look and find the strong and able leaders
It’s time we found just how our neighbours stand
If we’re to win this war with Communism
Let’s fight it here as well as Vietnam
Let’s rise as one and meet our obligations
So Communistic boots will never trod
Across the fields of freedom that were given to us
With the blessing of our great almighty God
Across the fields of freedom that were given to us
With the blessing of our great almighty God

The Cold War

Marty Robbins: “Ain’t I Right” (1966)