About the song
Marty Robbins’ “Big Iron” is more than just a country ballad; it’s a timeless tale of the Wild West, a classic narrative that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. The song, originally released in 1959, paints a vivid picture of a showdown between an Arizona Ranger and a notorious outlaw named Texas Red.
Set in the dusty, sun-baked town of Agua Fria, the story unfolds with a sense of foreboding. The townspeople, well-acquainted with Texas Red’s deadly reputation, predict the Ranger’s doom. After all, the outlaw has already claimed the lives of 20 men. But the Ranger, armed with his trusty “big iron,” is a force to be reckoned with.
The climactic duel is a tense, heart-pounding affair. Texas Red, known for his quick draw, is outmatched by the Ranger’s speed and precision. The outcome is swift and decisive, a testament to the Ranger’s skill and the power of his weapon.
“Big Iron” resonated with audiences from the moment it was released, climbing the charts and becoming a country music staple. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless themes of courage, bravery, and the enduring spirit of the American West.
In recent years, the song has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to its inclusion in the video game Fallout: New Vegas. The game’s success helped introduce a new generation of listeners to Robbins’ music, and “Big Iron” quickly became an internet meme, spawning countless remixes and parodies.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a great story, “Big Iron” is a must-listen. It’s a classic tale of the Wild West, a testament to the enduring power of music, and a reminder of the timeless appeal of a well-crafted narrative.
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