About the song
Let me take you on a journey back to the era of classic country music, where storytelling was king and melodies painted vivid pictures in the minds of listeners. Today, I want to introduce you to a timeless gem from the legendary Marty Robbins called “Big Iron”.
Released as part of his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs” in 1959, “Big Iron” quickly became a hallmark of Robbins’ illustrious career. Written by Robbins himself, this song showcases his prowess not just as a singer but as a masterful storyteller.
The song paints a gripping narrative of a deadly showdown between a fearless lawman and a notorious outlaw named Texas Red. Robbins’ rich baritone voice draws you into the dusty streets of the Old West, where the tension is palpable and the stakes are high.
“Big Iron” didn’t just captivate audiences with its compelling story; it also soared to the top of the charts, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic of the genre, beloved by fans old and new alike.
Robbins’ delivery is nothing short of mesmerizing, infusing each verse with a blend of grit, determination, and a hint of melancholy. As you listen, you can’t help but be transported to a bygone era, where honor and justice were often decided at the barrel of a gun.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a musical journey through the Wild West, join me in experiencing the timeless allure of Marty Robbins’ “Big Iron”. It’s a song that proves some tales are truly immortal, destined to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Video
Lyrics
To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day
Hardly spoke to folks around him, didn’t have too much to say
No one dared to ask his business, no one dared to make a slip
For the stranger there among them had a big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip
It was early in the morning when he rode into the town
He came riding from the south side slowly lookin’ all around
He’s an outlaw loose and running, came the whisper from each lip
And he’s here to do some business with the big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip
In this town there lived an outlaw by the name of Texas Red
Many men had tried to take him and that many men were dead
He was vicious and a killer though a youth of 24
And the notches on his pistol numbered one and 19 more
One and 19 more
Now the stranger started talking, made it plain to folks around
Was an Arizona ranger, wouldn’t be too long in town
He came here to take an outlaw back alive or maybe dead
And he said it didn’t matter he was after Texas Red
After Texas Red
Wasn’t long before the story was relayed to Texas Red
But the outlaw didn’t worry men that tried before were dead
20 men had tried to take him, 20 men had made a slip
21 would be the ranger with the big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip
The morning passed so quickly, it was time for them to meet
It was 20 past 11 when they walked out in the street
Folks were watching from the windows, everybody held their breath
They knew this handsome ranger was about to meet his death
About to meet his death
There was 40 feet between them when they stopped to make their play
And the swiftness of the ranger is still talked about today
Texas Red had not cleared leather ‘fore a bullet fairly ripped
And the ranger’s aim was deadly with the big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip
It was over in a moment and the folks had gathered round
There before them lay the body of the outlaw on the ground
Oh, he might have went on living but he made one fatal slip
When he tried to match the ranger with the big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip
Big iron, big iron
When he tried to match the ranger with the big iron on his hip
Big iron on his hip