About the song
Introducing the iconic western ballad “Big Iron” by the legendary Marty Robbins! This timeless tune takes listeners on a journey through the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, weaving a tale of lawmen and outlaws that captivates the imagination. Originally released in 1959, “Big Iron” remains a cornerstone of Robbins’ illustrious career and a favorite among country music enthusiasts.
Marty Robbins, a prolific singer-songwriter known for his storytelling prowess, penned this classic track himself. His rich baritone voice and masterful storytelling ability bring the characters and landscapes of the Old West to life with vivid detail.
“Big Iron” was featured on Robbins’ album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” which received widespread acclaim upon its release. The album showcased Robbins’ versatility as an artist and solidified his reputation as one of the foremost figures in country music.
Upon its release, “Big Iron” quickly climbed the charts, reaching significant positions on both the country and pop music charts. Its cinematic storytelling and unforgettable melody resonated with audiences, making it a timeless favorite that continues to endure through the decades.
Notably, “Big Iron” has left a lasting impact on popular culture, with numerous covers and references in films, television shows, and video games over the years. Its legacy as a quintessential western ballad is firmly cemented in the annals of music history.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Marty Robbins or simply looking to experience the magic of the Old West through music, “Big Iron” is a must-listen. Let its evocative lyrics and haunting melody transport you to a time when the frontier was untamed and legends roamed the land.
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