The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Well I taught the weeping willow how to 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 die
Oh 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 you called
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 went on down alone
Now won't you batter down by Boton 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
Oh she loves you Big River more than me
Yeah 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 die
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 die
Oh 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 you called
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 went on down alone
Now won't you batter down by Boton 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
Oh she loves you Big River more than me
Yeah 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 die
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Big River Lyrics as written by Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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