About the song
Big Iron” isn’t your typical love song. This classic country ballad, penned and performed by Marty Robbins in 1959, takes us on a thrilling journey to the dusty plains of the American West. Originally released as part of the album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” the song quickly transcended its album track status to become a chart-topping hit and a cornerstone of Western music.
The narrative unfolds in the fictional town of Agua Fria, where a tense silence hangs heavy in the air. An unnamed Arizona Ranger rides into town, a symbol of law and order. Whispers spread like wildfire amongst the townsfolk – a notorious outlaw named Texas Red, with a body count of twenty, is rumored to be lurking nearby. The townspeople fear for the Ranger’s life, for Texas Red’s reputation precedes him.
The song masterfully builds suspense through its lyrics and pacing. Robbins’ baritone voice narrates the story, painting a vivid picture of the dusty streets and the apprehensive townsfolk. The ominous presence of the “big iron,” the Ranger’s gun, hangs heavy throughout the song, foreshadowing the inevitable showdown.
The climax arrives in a heart-stopping duel. Despite the odds stacked against him, the Ranger’s swiftness and the power of his “big iron” prevail. The ballad doesn’t dwell on the violence; instead, it focuses on the restoration of order and the quiet heroism of the Ranger.
“Big Iron” achieved mainstream success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Country chart and breaking into the Billboard Hot 100. However, its legacy extends far beyond its initial popularity. The song’s inclusion in the 2010 video game “Fallout: New Vegas” introduced it to a whole new generation of fans, sparking renewed interest in Robbins’ music. The internet, with its love of remixes and parodies, further solidified “Big Iron” as a cultural phenomenon.
Today, “Big Iron” remains a beloved classic. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the allure of the Wild West. The ballad continues to captivate audiences with its suspenseful narrative, iconic imagery, and timeless themes of justice and courage.
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