About the song
“Big Iron” by Marty Robbins is a classic western ballad that paints a vivid picture of the Old West. Released in 1959 as part of his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” the song quickly became one of Robbins’ most iconic hits.
Written by Marty Robbins himself, “Big Iron” tells the story of a deadly showdown between a lawman and an outlaw named Texas Red in the town of Agua Fria. Its dramatic narrative, accompanied by Robbins’ smooth vocals and the distinctive twang of the guitar, immerses listeners in the dusty streets and rugged landscapes of the frontier.
Upon its release, “Big Iron” enjoyed considerable success on the charts, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in the iconic video game “Fallout: New Vegas,” introducing the song to a new generation of fans.
Beyond its chart success, “Big Iron” has become a beloved classic in Marty Robbins’ repertoire, cherished for its storytelling prowess and evocative imagery. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Robbins’ ability to transport listeners to another time and place through his music.
“Big Iron” remains a timeless anthem of the Wild West, capturing the imagination of audiences with its tales of lawmen, outlaws, and frontier justice. With its memorable melody and captivating storytelling, the song continues to be a favorite among fans of country and western music, solidifying its place as one of Marty Robbins’ greatest hits.
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
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