Big River
Big River's Heartache: Love Lost and Lonely Waters
Lyrics
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry
Expressing the speaker's influence on nature, teaching a weeping willow to cry symbolizes imparting sorrow or emotional depth.
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
Continuing the metaphor, the speaker claims to have shown clouds how to conceal a clear blue sky, suggesting a metaphorical covering of happiness or clarity.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River
Referring to tears shed for a woman, the speaker anticipates that these emotions will overflow the Big River, emphasizing the intensity of the emotional experience.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die
Committing to remain in a state of emotional distress until death, indicating the enduring impact of the woman's actions.
I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota)
Recalling an accidental meeting in St. Paul, the speaker introduces the origin of the emotional turmoil caused by the woman.
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl
Expressing the emotional impact of the woman's Southern drawl on the speaker.
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport
Learning that the woman is downstream in Davenport, the speaker is motivated to follow the Big River.
And I followed you, Big River, when you called
Acting on the call of the Big River, the speaker follows its course to find the woman.
Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river)
Continuing the journey, the speaker reaches St. Louis but discovers that the woman has moved on.
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone
Learning from a freighter that the woman has left St. Louis, emphasizing the challenges of tracking her down.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
Discovering the woman's trail in Memphis but realizing she has moved ahead, creating a sense of pursuit and longing.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone
Noticing the woman's unconventional behavior in Memphis, generating curiosity and intrigue about her actions.
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on
Asking the River Queen to pass by Baton Rouge, implying a desire for the woman to move on, and roll down to New Orleans.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
Suggesting that the woman should go to New Orleans, possibly indicating a wish for a new beginning or resolution.
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf
Expressing frustration and a desire to rid oneself of blues by dumping them into the gulf, indicating a need for emotional release.
She loves you, Big River, more than me
Acknowledging that the woman loves the Big River more than the speaker, highlighting a sense of unrequited love or loss.
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
Repeating the teaching metaphor, emphasizing the ongoing emotional struggle and the speaker's influence on nature.
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
Reiterating the metaphorical act of covering up a clear blue sky, suggesting a persistent effort to hide or suppress happiness.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River
Re-emphasizing the intensity of the speaker's tears and their potential to flood the Big River, underscoring the profound emotional impact.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die
Reaffirming the commitment to remain in a state of emotional distress until death, concluding the song with a sense of enduring sorrow.
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