About the Song
Marty Robbins, the legendary country music artist, known for his captivating baritone voice and captivating narratives, has woven tales of the Wild West into American folklore with his iconic songs. Among his most enduring and beloved creations is “Big Iron”, a stirring ballad that paints a vivid picture of frontier justice and the clash between law and outlaw.
Released in 1959 as part of Robbins’s album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs”, “Big Iron” instantly captured the imaginations of listeners. Its captivating melody, coupled with Robbins’s masterful storytelling, transports us to the dusty streets of a frontier town, Agua Fria, where tension hangs heavy in the air.
The song opens with the arrival of a “stranger”, riding into town with a “big iron on his hip.” This cryptic figure, later revealed to be an “Arizona ranger”, immediately stirs whispers and speculation among the townsfolk. They fear his purpose, knowing he seeks “Texas Red”, a notorious outlaw whose “pistol numbered one and nineteen more.”
The narrative unfolds slowly, building suspense with each verse. The town holds its breath as the “handsome ranger” sets out to confront the deadly outlaw. The inevitable showdown, scheduled for “twenty past eleven”, looms large in the minds of the townspeople, who gather to witness the potential demise of the brave ranger.
“Big Iron” is more than just a thrilling tale of gunslingers. It delves into the moral complexities of the Wild West, where justice often takes on a brutal form. The song raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of order.
Robbins’s masterful performance elevates the song to a level of artistic brilliance. His rich baritone voice imbues the lyrics with a sense of authenticity and gravitas, drawing the listener deep into the heart of the story. The instrumental arrangement, featuring a driving rhythm and haunting guitar work, perfectly complements the song’s atmosphere of suspense and drama.
Over the decades, “Big Iron” has transcended its musical roots, becoming a cultural touchstone. It has been featured in countless films and television shows, and its catchy melody and unforgettable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. More importantly, the song stands as a testament to Marty Robbins’s enduring legacy as a master storyteller and a true legend of American music.
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 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 every-body 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 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