Big Iron – Marty Robbins (1959)

Introduction

In the vast expanse of Western music, few songs evoke the rugged allure of the frontier quite like Marty Robbins’ “Big Iron.” Released in 1959, this timeless ballad transports listeners to a bygone era of cowboys and outlaws, where justice was swift and courage was revered. Join us as we saddle up and embark on a journey through the dusty trails of this iconic cowboy anthem and the legendary legacy of Marty Robbins.

Did You Know?

• Marty Robbins: Renowned as one of the pioneers of Western music, Marty Robbins left an indelible mark on the genre with his distinctive voice and storytelling prowess. A true cowboy crooner, Robbins’ songs captured the spirit of the Old West, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration.
• “Big Iron”: Penned by Marty Robbins himself, “Big Iron” is a riveting tale of a showdown between a fearless lawman and a notorious outlaw named Texas Red. With its catchy melody and vivid lyrics, the song immerses listeners in the drama and excitement of the Wild West, earning it a permanent place in the pantheon of Western classics.
• Legacy: “Big Iron” remains one of Marty Robbins’ most beloved hits, celebrated for its authenticity and cinematic quality. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of Western music and the enduring fascination with tales of frontier justice.

Video 

Lyrics: Big Iron

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 hipIt 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