Big Iron

Chords
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15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Intro]
Am
E Am
[Verse 1]
To the tCown of Agua Fria rode a Amstranger one fine day
Hardly sCpoke to folks around him, didn't have too much to sAmay
No one dFared to ask his business, no one dCared to make a slip
for the stranger there amongst them had a bAmig iron on his hip
BFig iron on his hCip
[Verse 2]
It was eCarly in the morning when he Amrode into the town
He came rCidin' from the south side slowly lookin' all aAmround
He's an oFutlaw loose and runnin' came the wChisper from each lip
And he's here to do some business with the bAmig iron on his hip
bFig iron on his hCip
[Verse 3]
In this tCown there lived an outlaw by the Amname of Texas Red
Many mCen had tried to take him and that many men were dAmead
He was vFicious and a killer though a yCouth of twenty four
And the notches on his pistol numbered oAmne and nineteen more
OFne and nineteen mCore
[Verse 4]
Now the sCtranger started talking, made it Amplain to folks around
Was an ACrizona ranger, wouldn't be too long in tAmown
He came hFere to take an outlaw back aClive or maybe dead
And he said it didn't matter, he was aAmfter Texas Red
AFfter Texas RCed
[Verse 5]
Wasn't loCng before the story was reAmlayed to Texas Red
But the oCutlaw didn't worry, men that tried before were dAmead
Twenty mFen had tried to take him, twenty mCen had made a slip
Twenty one would be the ranger with the bAmig iron on his hip
BFig iron on his hCip
[Verse 6]
The mCorning passed so quickly, it was Amtime for them to meet
It was tCwenty past eleven when they walked out in the sAmtreet
Folks were wFatching from their windows, everybCody held their breath
They knew this handsome ranger was aAmbout to meet his death
AFbout to meet his dCeath
[Verse 7]
There was fCorty feet between them when they Amstopped to make their play
And the sCwiftness of the ranger is still talked about todAmay
Texas RFed had not cleared leather 'fore a bCullet fairly ripped
And the ranger's aim was deadly with the bAmig iron on his hip
BFig iron on his hCip
[Verse 8]
It was oCver in a moment and the Amfolks had gathered round
There bCefore them lay the body of the outlaw on the gAmround
Oh, he mFight have gone on living but he mCade one fatal slip
When he tried to match the ranger with the bAmig iron on his hip
BFig iron on his hCip
[Outro]
Big iFron, big Ciron
When he tCried to match the ranger with the bAmig iron on his hip
BFig iron on his hCip
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Big Iron" tells the classic Western tale of an Arizona Ranger confronting a notorious outlaw named Texas Red. The song builds tension as the townspeople doubt the Ranger's chances against a man who has already killed twenty, but the Ranger ultimately prevails with his powerful "big iron" gun. This ballad, released on the album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, became a signature piece for Marty Robbins, who was known for his Western balladry. Playing this song channels the quiet determination and stark drama of a frontier showdown.

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About Big Iron Chords by Marty Robbins

Learn how to play Big Iron by Marty Robbins with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Big Iron chords”, “Big Iron guitar chords”, or “Marty Robbins Big Iron chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Big Iron chords and for experienced players who want accurate Big Iron lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, E, C, F.

FAQ — Big Iron by Marty Robbins

How do I play "Big Iron" by Marty Robbins on guitar?

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Is "Big Iron" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Big Iron" in?

The chords for "Big Iron" show the original chord names (including Am, E, C, F). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.