About the song
Let’s take a journey back to the Wild West with Marty Robbins’ timeless classic, “Big Iron.”
Written and performed by Marty Robbins himself, “Big Iron” was released in 1959 as part of his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs.” The song tells the gripping tale of a mysterious and feared outlaw named Texas Red, who rides into the town of Agua Fria with a deadly reputation. As the story unfolds, we learn of the heroic lawman, known only as the Ranger, who arrives in town to confront Texas Red in a dramatic showdown.
“Big Iron” quickly became one of Marty Robbins’ most iconic songs, capturing the imagination of listeners with its vivid storytelling and memorable melody. The song’s cinematic lyrics and catchy tune transport listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Old West, where lawmen and outlaws clash in epic battles of good versus evil.
Upon its release, “Big Iron” climbed the charts, reaching significant positions on both the country and pop music charts. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as a classic of the country music genre, with its legacy continuing to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release.
With its evocative storytelling and infectious melody, “Big Iron” stands as a testament to Marty Robbins’ enduring talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to capture the spirit of the American frontier. Whether you’re a fan of country music or simply appreciate a captivating story set to music, “Big Iron” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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
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