About the song
Marty Robbins’s “Big Iron” is a classic western ballad that resonates with storytelling prowess and musical charm. Written by Robbins himself, the song was released as part of his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs” in 1959.
Born in 1925, Marty Robbins was not only a gifted singer but also a prolific songwriter and accomplished musician. His deep baritone voice and ability to weave narratives through his music set him apart in the country and western genre. “Big Iron” stands out as one of his most iconic compositions, showcasing Robbins’s knack for crafting vivid tales of the Old West.
“Big Iron” tells the gripping story of a showdown between a fearless Arizona Ranger and an outlaw named Texas Red. The song’s compelling narrative, accompanied by Robbins’s evocative vocals and the twang of a guitar, transports listeners to the dusty trails and lawless towns of the frontier era.
Upon its release, “Big Iron” garnered significant acclaim and popularity. It reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidified Marty Robbins’s reputation as a master storyteller through song. The album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs” itself achieved immense success, becoming a landmark in the country music genre and earning Robbins a devoted fan base.
Throughout his career, Marty Robbins continued to blend traditional country music with storytelling elements, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of the western music genre. His ability to capture the essence of American folklore and history through songs like “Big Iron” remains unmatched.
Decades after its initial release, “Big Iron” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its narrative depth, memorable melody, and Marty Robbins’s enduring influence on country and western music. It stands as a testament to Robbins’s talent and his lasting impact on the musical landscape of America.
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