About the song
**Marty Robbins**, a name synonymous with country music, crafted a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today: “Big Iron.” Released in 1959, this song paints a vivid picture of the rugged American frontier, where survival often hinged on quick wit, courage, and a little bit of luck.
“Big Iron” is a narrative ballad set in a dusty Western town, where a mysterious stranger arrives, seeking a showdown with the town’s notorious outlaw. The stranger, equipped with a formidable “big iron” (a large-caliber revolver), is more than a match for the local ruffians. As the tension builds, the song captures the essence of the Wild West, with its lawless atmosphere, dangerous characters, and the ever-present threat of violence.
Robbins’ distinctive baritone voice delivers the song with a sense of urgency and drama, perfectly complementing the narrative. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, painting a picture of the town’s saloon, the desolate landscape, and the confrontation between the stranger and the outlaw. The song’s simple yet effective melody is a testament to Robbins’ songwriting ability, creating a timeless tune that has been covered by countless artists over the years.
“Big Iron” is more than just a country song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has captured the imagination of audiences for generations. The song’s themes of courage, justice, and the American frontier continue to resonate with listeners today, reminding us of a time when life was simpler, yet far more dangerous. Whether you’re a fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted story, “Big Iron” is a classic that deserves a place in your music collection.
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