Marty Robbins – To Each His Own: A Velvet Serenade to the Destiny of the Human Heart
In the autumn of 1968, an era where the world was loud with the drums of change, Marty Robbins chose to reach back into the timeless American songbook to deliver a message of quiet, destined love. Released as a standout track on his sophisticated album I’ve Got a Woman’s Love, his rendition of “To Each His Own” became a beacon of “Country-Politan” grace. While the song was originally a massive hit in the mid-1940s, Marty’s version climbed to #7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving that his “velvet” tenor could bridge the gap between the nostalgic melodies of the Greatest Generation and the evolving tastes of the late sixties.
A Sanctuary in the Midst of the Storm
For those of us who remember 1968, it was a year of jagged edges and rapid shifts. Yet, when Marty Robbins appeared on the radio with “To Each His Own”, the world seemed to slow down. For the mature listener, this song is a time machine—not just back to the sixties, but to the simpler, romantic ideals of the post-war era that Marty so deeply respected. This recording represents Marty at his most refined during his legendary tenure at Columbia Records, showcasing his ability to take a pop standard and infuse it with the soul of a desert sunset.
The Geography of a Soulmate
The narrative of “To Each His Own” is a poetic meditation on the invisible threads that connect two people. It suggests that in a world of billions, there is a specific heart designed to beat in rhythm with our own—a “home” that isn’t a place, but a person.
“A rose must remain with the sun and the rain / Or its lovely promise won’t come true…”
For the reader who has lived through the decades, these lyrics are a mirror of a life well-traveled. We look back on the faces we’ve known and the hands we’ve held, realizing that our own journey was always leading toward a singular destination. Marty’s vocal performance is nothing short of celestial. He approaches the melody with a gentle reverence, his voice gliding over the high notes like a hawk on a thermal. There is a profound sense of nostalgia in his phrasing; he sings with the wisdom of a man who knows that finding “one’s own” is the only success that truly matters when the shadows grow long.
The Lush Artistry of Nashville’s Golden Age
The production of this track is a hallmark of the Nashville Sound at its zenith. Under the guidance of master producers, the arrangement features a sweeping orchestral backdrop—swelling violins and a soft, choral cushion—that elevates Marty’s voice into the realm of the eternal. Yet, tucked beneath the strings, you can still hear the steady, rhythmic pulse of a country heart. It is a recording that feels “expensive” yet intimate, like a private concert in a candlelit room.
As we revisit “To Each His Own” today, we are reminded of why Marty Robbins remains a titan of music. He didn’t just sing songs; he curated memories. This track is a nostalgic masterpiece because it validates our belief in destiny. It serves as a gentle reminder that despite the chaos of the world, there is a natural order to the heart. When Marty concludes with that final, soaring note, we are left with a sense of peace—knowing that we are all travelers, simply looking for that one person who makes the journey worth the miles.