Johnny Cash’s “Big River” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It was released in 1958, and since then, it has been covered by countless artists. The song tells the story of a man who is trying to find his way back to the woman he loves, who is living in Baton Rouge. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of “Big River” and what they mean.
Verse 1
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.
The first verse of “Big River” sets the tone for the rest of the song. The narrator is in a state of despair, having lost the woman he loves. He is so heartbroken that he has taught the weeping willow how to cry and shown the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky. The tears that he has shed for this woman are going to flood the Big River, and he is going to sit there until he dies.
Chorus
Big River, Big River,
I can’t seem to get her off of my mind.
Big River, Big River,
And I’m gonna keep on roamin’ till I find.
The chorus of “Big River” is catchy and memorable. The narrator is still thinking about the woman he loves, and he can’t seem to get her off of his mind. He is going to keep roaming until he finds her.
Verse 2
She was the best thing I’ve ever seen,
Her eyes looked like diamonds,
They were blue like the sky.
And when I think of her it makes me lonesome and I want to die.
The second verse of “Big River” describes how the narrator feels about the woman he loves. She was the best thing he had ever seen, and her eyes looked like diamonds. When he thinks about her, he feels lonesome and wants to die.
Chorus
Big River, Big River,
I can’t seem to get her off of my mind.
Big River, Big River,
And I’m gonna keep on roamin’ till I find.
The chorus is repeated after the second verse.
Verse 3
I’m goin’ to Jackson, I’m gonna mess around,
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson, look out Jackson town.
Well, go on down to Jackson; go ahead and wreck your health.
Go play your hand you big-talkin’ man, make a big fool of yourself.
The third verse of “Big River” takes a different turn. The narrator is going to Jackson to mess around, and he tells others to do the same. He encourages them to go ahead and wreck their health and make a big fool of themselves.
Chorus
Big River, Big River,
I can’t seem to get her off of my mind.
Big River, Big River,
And I’m gonna keep on roamin’ till I find.
The chorus is repeated after the third verse.
Verse 4
Well, I’m a goin’ to Baton Rouge, my race is almost run,
I’m a goin’ to Baton Rouge, my race is almost run.
Well, I’m a goin’ to the city where the squares can’t have no fun.
Well, there’s one thing that you can say about Johnny Cash,
He’s a never been a slave to nothin’ or nobody.
The fourth verse of “Big River” finds the narrator heading to Baton Rouge, where the woman he loves is living. His race is almost run, and he is going to the city where the squares can’t have any fun. The final lines of the song are a testament to Johnny Cash’s independent spirit.
Conclusion
“Big River” is a classic country song that tells a story of lost love and heartbreak. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they have resonated with audiences for over six decades. Johnny Cash’s unique voice and charismatic presence have made the song even more iconic. If you haven’t listened to “Big River,” give it a listen and see why it is considered one of Johnny Cash’s greatest hits.
