About the Song
Songs featuring town names have always captured imaginations, and Johnny Cash’s 1958 classic “Big River” stands out as a storytelling and songwriting triumph. While Cash’s later rapid-fire hit “I’ve Been Everywhere” rattled off countless cities, “Big River” takes a more poetic journey, following a heartbroken man chasing the trail of a woman from the Mississippi River’s headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its vivid narrative and Luther Perkins’ unmistakable guitar riff on the lower A and E strings. As a geography lesson set to music, “Big River” introduced listeners to major port cities along the Mississippi. Cash’s journey begins in St. Paul, Minnesota, near the river’s source, then flows downstream to Davenport, Iowa, a unique east-to-west stretch of the river. From there, the song moves through St. Louis, Memphis (nicknamed “The Bluff City”), Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and finally the Gulf of Mexico.
Interestingly, Cash omitted a verse about Natchez, Mississippi, from his original Sun Records recording. This lesser-known city appeared later when The Highwaymen—the country supergroup of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson—recorded a cover in 1985. Jennings sang the Natchez verse, which added depth to the song’s story. The Highwaymen’s version is more upbeat, embracing the “Outlaw Country” style, and showcased each member’s unique voice as they alternated verses during live performances.
“Big River” remains a testament to Cash’s skills as both a writer and storyteller, blending humor, heartbreak, and geography into one unforgettable journey. Its revival by The Highwaymen only enhanced its legacy, proving its timeless appeal in the world of country music.
Lyrics
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
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 was 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
An’ I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
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 raining, so nobody saw me crying
Big river, why she buried 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 weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big river
Then I’m gonna sit right here until I dieAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
