Big River
Johnny Cash
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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, 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. Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Origin"Big River" is a song written and originally recorded by legendary American country singer, Johnny Cash.
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Released DateThe song was released as a single in February 1958.
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Song RankingOn its release, "Big River" reached the number 4 spot on the Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart.
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Recording StudioThe song was recorded at the famous Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, often referred to as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
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Album InclusionThough released initially as a single, "Big River" was later included in Johnny Cash's album "Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous."
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SongwritingThe song showcases Cash's unique songwriting skills, which often incorporate themes of love, loss, and travel.
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Cover VersionsMany artists have performed cover versions of "Big River," including Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson.
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Live PerformancesCash often performed "Big River" live in concert, making it a staple in his live show set lists.
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Song ThemeLike many of Cash's songs, "Big River" has a storytelling style focusing on the protagonist's pursuit of his elusive love down the Mississippi River.
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DurationThe original recording of "Big River" lasts 2 minutes and 31 seconds, typical for pop songs of that era.
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Country Rock Influence"Big River" is often revered as an example of how Cash could bring elements of rock and roll to country music.
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Grammy Hall of FameIn 2018, the song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have qualitative or historical significance.
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Citation
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"Big River Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2112125/Johnny+Cash/Big+River>.
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