About The Song
In the realm of country music, few songs have achieved the iconic status of “Big River”. This hauntingly beautiful ballad, penned by Johnny Cash, has been covered by countless artists over the years, but none have quite captured the raw emotion and enduring power of The Highwaymen’s rendition.
Released in 1985 as part of their self-titled debut album, “Big River” marked the culmination of a musical summit between four country music legends: Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Each of these men brought their own unique voice and style to the song, creating a harmonious blend that perfectly complemented the song’s melancholic narrative.
The song opens with Nelson’s gentle vocals, setting the stage for a tale of love, loss, and the relentless power of nature. Cash’s deep baritone then takes over, imbuing the lyrics with a world-weary gravitas that resonates deeply with the listener. Jennings’ soaring tenor adds a touch of hopefulness, while Kristofferson’s gravelly voice provides a poignant counterpoint to the overall sentiment.
“Big River” is a song about heartbreak and despair, but it is also a song about resilience and the enduring spirit of humanity. The narrator, devastated by the loss of his love, finds solace in the vastness of the river, which becomes a symbol of both his pain and his own strength.
As the song progresses, the vocals intertwine and blend, creating a rich tapestry of sound that mirrors the complexities of human emotion. The lyrics, though simple, are imbued with profound meaning, speaking to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
The Highwaymen’s rendition of “Big River” is more than just a cover; it is a reinterpretation, a reinvention of the song that elevates it to new heights of artistry. The interplay between the four vocalists is nothing short of magical, and their collective passion for the music shines through in every note.
“Big River” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of millions of listeners around the world. It is a song that speaks to the human condition, capturing the depths of our emotions and reminding us of the power of music to heal and inspire.
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Lyric
I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cryAnd I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear, blue skyAnd the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big riverAnd I’m gonna sit right here until I dieI met her accidentally in St. Paul, MinnesotaAnd it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, southern drawlThen I heard my dream went back downstream cavortin’ in DavenportAnd I followed you, big river, when she calledOh, she took me to St. Louis later on, down the riverA 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 blockShe raised a few eyebrows, and went on down aloneWell, I pulled into Natchez, next day down the riverBut there wasn’t much there to make the rounders stay very longWhen I left, it was rainin’ so nobody saw me cryBig river, why she doin’ me this way?Now won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge? River Queen, roll it onTake that woman on down to New Orleans, New OrleansGo on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulfShe loves you, big river, more than meI taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cryAnd I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear, blue skyAnd the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big riverAnd I’m gonna sit right here until I die