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Introduction
When you hear “Big River,” it’s like taking a ride down the Mississippi alongside a crew of legends. Originally penned by Johnny Cash, this song holds the rugged, rebellious energy that defined him. But when The Highwaymen — Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson — joined forces to sing it, it became something more than just a classic country tune. It turned into a powerful anthem about heartache, perseverance, and the relentless flow of life, much like the river itself.
The beauty of “Big River” lies in its storytelling. The narrator’s journey, chasing love along the banks of the Mississippi, is more than just a tale of lost romance. It’s about chasing dreams, feeling the sting of disappointment, but never giving up. And when you’ve got four distinct voices like Cash’s gravelly tone, Nelson’s smooth twang, Jennings’ outlaw grit, and Kristofferson’s poetic soul all coming together, it’s like hearing the river speak in different tones — each bringing their unique flavor to the song.
But it’s not just the story or the star power that makes “Big River” so captivating. It’s the emotion each singer pours into the performance. They don’t just sing the lyrics; they live them, sharing a sense of camaraderie that feels like they’re trading tales around a campfire. The song feels timeless, and whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just letting life’s troubles wash over you, “Big River” offers a moment of connection — reminding you that, like the river, life flows on.
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Lyrics
I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear, blue sky
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big river
And I’m gonna sit right here until I die
I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, southern drawl
Then I heard my dream went back downstream cavortin’ in Davenport
And I followed you, big river, when she called
Oh, she took me to St. Louis later on, down the river
A freighter said, “She’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone”
And I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
She raised a few eyebrows, and went on down alone
Well, I pulled into Natchez, next day down the river
But there wasn’t much there to make the rounders stay very long
When I left, it was rainin’ so nobody saw me cry
Big river, why she doin’ me this way?
Now won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge? River Queen, roll it on
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf
She loves you, big river, more than me
I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear, blue sky
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big river
And I’m gonna sit right here until I die