“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Big Iron” is a classic country and western song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Marty Robbins. Released in 1959, the song quickly became a staple of Robbins’ repertoire and has retained its popularity over the decades. The narrative-driven song tells the story of a lawman with a “big iron on his hip” who comes to town to take down an outlaw. Its vivid storytelling and memorable melody have made “Big Iron” a standout track in Robbins’ career and a beloved piece in the country music genre.
Marty Robbins was known for his ability to weave captivating stories into his music, and “Big Iron” is a perfect example of this talent. The song is part of Robbins’ album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” which further solidified his reputation for creating vivid, Western-themed music that resonates with listeners even today.
About The Composition
- Title: Big Iron
- Composer: Marty Robbins
- Premiere Date: 1959
- Album/Opus/Collection: Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs
- Genre: Country, Western
Background
“Big Iron” is a part of Marty Robbins’ 1959 album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” which was a commercial success and is considered a landmark in the Western music genre. The song tells the tale of a ranger who comes to town to confront an outlaw named Texas Red. Its narrative style and engaging storyline exemplify Robbins’ skill in storytelling through music. The album itself was recorded in one day, showcasing Robbins’ efficiency and talent in creating such iconic tracks.
Musical Style
Musically, “Big Iron” features a traditional Western sound, characterized by its steady, galloping rhythm that mirrors the movement of a horse. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, with guitar and percussion complementing Robbins’ smooth, deep vocals. The song’s structure supports its storytelling nature, with verses unfolding the plot and the chorus emphasizing the legendary nature of the “big iron.”
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Big Iron” focus on themes of justice, bravery, and the mythic nature of the American West. The narrative follows a lawman’s quest to bring an outlaw to justice, emphasizing the tension and drama of their impending confrontation. Robbins’ ability to paint a vivid picture through his words invites listeners into a cinematic experience, evoking images of dusty towns and heroic duels.
Performance History
“Big Iron” has been covered by various artists over the years, highlighting its lasting appeal. Notably, it has been performed by contemporary musicians in tribute to Robbins’ influence on the genre. Its inclusion in live performances and tribute albums underscores the song’s enduring popularity and its importance in the canon of Western music.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “Big Iron” extends beyond its initial release, as it has been featured in various media, including video games like “Fallout: New Vegas,” which introduced the song to a new generation. Its presence in pop culture underscores the song’s timeless nature and its ability to transcend its original context, appealing to diverse audiences across different media.
Legacy
Today, “Big Iron” is regarded as a classic of the country and Western genre, continuing to inspire artists and audiences alike. Its storytelling, musicality, and iconic status ensure that it remains a celebrated piece of American music history. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to Marty Robbins’ talent and his contribution to the world of music.
Conclusion
“Big Iron” is more than just a song; it is a piece of storytelling that captures the imagination and transports listeners to the Wild West. Its timeless appeal lies in its engaging narrative and musical simplicity, making it a must-listen for fans of country and Western music. I encourage you to explore Marty Robbins’ discography further and experience the magic of his storytelling for yourself.
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 amongst 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 twenty-four
And the notches on his pistol numbered one and nineteen more
One and nineteen 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
Twenty men had tried to take him, twenty men had made a slip
Twenty-one 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 twenty past eleven 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 forty 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 for 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 gone 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