Big River

by Bill Monroe

William Smith Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American musician who created the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, in…

Year: 1991

Now I taught the weeping willow how to 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. 
Then 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 was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport, 
And I followed you, Big River, when you called. 

Then you 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. 
I found her trail in Memphis, 
But she just walked up the block. 
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone. 

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. 

Now I taught the weeping willow how to 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. 
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.