Big River
Cash Nelson Jennings Kristofferson Lyrics
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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,
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.
The song "Big River" is a classic country ballad that tells a story about a man's journey down the Mississippi River in pursuit of a woman who has captured his heart. The singer describes teaching the willow tree to cry and the clouds to obscure the sky, which symbolizes his sadness and despair over losing the woman he loves. He vows to flood the river with his tears and remain where he is until his dying day.
The story continues with the singer recalling how he met the woman in St. Paul, and how her southern drawl tore him up inside every time he heard it. He followed her downstream to Davenport, where he heard she had gone, and then to St. Louis where he was told she had already left. He tracks her down to Memphis, but she just walks by and leaves him behind. The song ends with the singer telling the river queen to take the woman all the way to New Orleans, as he's had enough of his blues and knows she loves the river more than him.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry,
I have experienced so much pain and sadness that I have even taught nature how to weep and mourn with me.
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
My heartache has even affected the natural beauty of the world around me, causing the sky to become cloudy and gray.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
My sorrow and despair will eventually overwhelm the mighty Big River, which has always been a symbol of strength and resilience in my life.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.
I have resigned myself to my fate and will wait until death claims me, unable to move past my lost love and the pain she has caused me.
I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota).
I first encountered the woman who would break my heart by chance in St. Paul, Minnesota.
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl.
Despite knowing that pursuing her would only lead to heartache, I couldn't resist the sound of her charming Southern accent.
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport,
I learned that the woman I loved was Downstream in Davenport, and I couldn't resist following her even though I knew it would only bring more pain.
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.
I followed the call of the river, hoping that it would lead me to my love and give me some sense of direction in my life.
Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river).
The river eventually led me to St. Louis, but my love had already left.
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone.
Despite my hopes, I learned that my love had already moved on from St. Louis, leaving me feeling even more lost and alone.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block.
I finally found her in Memphis, but she was on her way out and gave me little attention.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone.
My love's behavior caused a stir, but she was too focused on her own goals and desires to notice or care.
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
I urge the River Queen to press on to Baton Rouge, determined to chase down my love and win her back.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
I want nothing more than to see my love in the vibrant and exciting city of New Orleans, hoping that it will be enough to rekindle our romance.
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf.
Finally realizing that my love is lost to me, I ask the River Queen to carry my sorrows and heartbreak away from me and deposit them in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.
Despite my best efforts and deepest affections, the river itself has taken my love's heart and loyalty, leaving me with nothing but heartache and regret.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@veldagreen4325
And the harmonica player should be given several awards!
@23Josilee
Mikey Raphael, with Willie's band for many years ( or so I've read).
@Gripenace
He is awesome with the train whistle sound â€
@matias79
Don't forget Reggie Young! the great guitarist in the back, is one of the stars in this concert.
@mikewitcombe6507
Reggie was an absolute legend!! đ€
@henrymalama9810
His skills can never be appreciated enough
@swaangreen9188
He never has missed a note.
@josephvanover1157
I was hoping I wasn't the only one familiar with Reggie. Got his start with Buddy Holly. So did Waylon really.
@qjudge959
Reggie probably played on more great recordings than any man alive.
@FireBallZ24Gaming
Being 32 and finding Mr. Cash then following his lead to this group, I missed out on the best era of music. 1960âs - 1990âs.