About the song
Marty Robbins, a name synonymous with country music, crafted an enduring classic with “Big Iron.” This timeless ballad transports listeners to the rugged frontier of the American West, painting a vivid picture of a showdown between a lawman and a notorious outlaw.
Released in 1960, “Big Iron” quickly became a chart-topping hit, capturing the hearts of country music fans with its catchy melody and evocative lyrics. Robbins’ distinctive baritone voice, combined with the song’s atmospheric arrangement, creates a sense of tension and anticipation that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a straightforward yet compelling plot. A lawman, armed with a formidable .45 caliber revolver known as “Big Iron,” confronts a dangerous outlaw who has terrorized a small town. The tension is palpable as the two men face off, their destinies hanging in the balance.
Robbins’ lyrics skillfully convey the raw emotions and stark realities of life on the frontier. He paints a vivid portrait of the rugged landscape, the harsh conditions, and the constant threat of violence. The song’s imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of both awe and fear.
The chorus of “Big Iron” is a memorable and iconic refrain that encapsulates the song’s central theme. The lines “He drew his big iron, a-shinin’ so bright/The outlaw’s eyes widened with fear and delight” perfectly capture the intensity of the confrontation.
With its timeless appeal, “Big Iron” has become a staple of country music and a beloved classic for generations of fans. It continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling through music.
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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