“Big River” byThe Highwaymen is a track that carries the weight of history and the voices of legends. Released as part of their 1985 self-titled album, the song didn’t climb to the very top of the charts, but it holds a revered spot in the annals of country music. When Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—four of the most iconic figures in country music—came together to form The Highwaymen, it was a moment that resonated with fans of outlaw country and traditional country alike. “Big River”, originally penned and performed by Johnny Cash in 1958, became a symbol of the group’s ability to blend their distinct styles into a cohesive and powerful sound.
The song peaked modestly on the charts, but its significance is far greater than numbers can convey. The narrative of “Big River” is classic Cash: a tale of unrequited love and relentless pursuit down the Mississippi River. The mournful yet determined tone of the lyrics is amplified by the combined vocal prowess of the group, each artist adding their unique flavor to the mix.
When you listen to “Big River” performed by The Highwaymen, you’re not just hearing a song—you’re experiencing a piece of Americana. The raw emotion of Cash’s original composition is preserved and enhanced by the collective energy of the group. It’s a testament to the enduring power of traditional country music and the way it can tell stories that resonate across generations.
While the song didn’t dominate the charts, it remains a favorite among fans of the genre, a reminder of the deep roots and the rebellious spirit that The Highwaymen embodied. Listening to “Big River” today, you can still feel the soul of the Mississippi River flowing through the music, carrying with it the echoes of love, loss, and longing.
The Highwaymen may not have achieved chart-topping success with this track, but they created something far more lasting—a musical legacy that continues to inspire and move listeners, old and new.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I taught the weepin’ 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 went 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”
And I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
She 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 rainin’ so nobody saw me cry
Big river, why she doin’ 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 weepin’ 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