Big River
Johnny Cash Lyrics

Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry
I've been through heartbreak and sadness, and I've shared that pain with nature

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
I've been through dark times that even the sunniest days couldn't shine through

And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River
The river that runs through my life will feel the effects of my heartbreak and pain

Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die
I'm not going to run away from my sorrows, I will face them and deal with them until the end of my days

I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota)
I didn't plan to fall in love with her, it happened unexpectedly

And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl
Her accent reminded me of something I couldn't have, and it hurt me deeply

Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport
When I learned that she was back in the area, my heart was reignited with hope

And I followed you, Big River, when you called
I let the river guide me towards her, in hopes of rekindling our love

Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river)
The river continued to guide me towards her, leading me to different parts of the country

A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone
I keep missing her by just a little bit, and it feels like my chances of getting her back are slipping away

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
I'm so close to finding her, but she's always one step ahead of me

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone
She's a fiercely independent woman, and she's not going to let anyone stop her from doing what she wants

Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on
I'm pleading with the river to keep moving and take me to her, even if it means knocking down obstacles in its path

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
I want her to go with the flow and explore new places, even if it's without me

Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf
I'm tired of chasing after her and being stuck in this painful cycle, I'm ready to let go and move on

She loves you, Big River, more than me
The river is her true love, and I can't compete with that