About the song
Marty Robbins, a name synonymous with country music’s golden age, crafted a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. “Big Iron” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative, a Western saga that captures the essence of the American frontier.
Released in 1959, “Big Iron” paints a vivid picture of a showdown between a seasoned Arizona Ranger and a notorious outlaw named Texas Red. The setting is Agua Fria, a town gripped by anticipation and dread. Texas Red, with a reputation for ruthless violence, has a death toll that numbers in the twenties. The townsfolk, fearing for the Ranger’s life, anticipate a tragic outcome.
However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. The Ranger, armed with his titular “big iron,” proves to be a formidable adversary. His swiftness and deadly accuracy outmatch the outlaw’s reputation. In a tense duel, Texas Red falls victim to the Ranger’s superior skill, leaving the town in disbelief.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a bygone era. Robbins’ evocative lyrics and haunting melody create a sense of authenticity, immersing us in the rugged world of the American West. The image of the Ranger, standing tall against the backdrop of a dusty frontier town, is both iconic and timeless.
Beyond its artistic merits, “Big Iron” has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its popularity surged in the 21st century, thanks in part to its inclusion in the video game “Fallout: New Vegas.” The game’s success ignited a renewed interest in Robbins’ music, leading to a resurgence of “Big Iron” as an internet meme. Remixes, parodies, and countless covers have ensured that this classic song remains relevant to new generations of listeners.
“Big Iron” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Whether you’re a country music aficionado or simply looking for a captivating tale, this classic ballad 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