Meaning of "Billy The Kid" by Marty Robbins

The lyrics of "Billy the Kid" depict the life and downfall of a notorious criminal, portraying him as a figure of both fascination and tragedy. The song presents Billy as a product of his circumstances, highlighting the limited options available to young men in the New Mexico of the time. The reference to Billy killing his first man at the age of twelve suggests that he was drawn into a life of violence at a very young age. The song also touches on the romanticization of outlaws, as Mexican maidens sing songs about Billy, portraying him as a folk hero or "boy bandit king." However, the lyrics also convey a sense of inevitability and doom, suggesting that Billy's path was predetermined and that he was destined for a violent end. This notion is reinforced by his final words, expressing dissatisfaction with the number of men he had killed and suggesting that Sheriff Pat Garrett should be his final victim, making it an eerie prophecy of his own demise. The lyrics of "Billy the Kid" shed light on the cyclical nature of violence and the ultimate tragedy that befalls those who choose a life of crime.