Big River
Big River's Tale: Love's Current and Lost Trails
Lyrics
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry,
Expresses teaching someone/something to exhibit emotion, indicating personal influence.
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
Illustrates altering nature's usual state, implying a sense of control or manipulation.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Emphasizes the emotional turmoil experienced for a woman, projecting its impact on the river metaphorically.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.
Resignation to remain in a state of emotional distress or attachment.
I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota).
Describes an accidental encounter in St. Paul, Minnesota, introducing the woman.
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl.
Highlights the emotional effect of the woman's Southern accent on the narrator.
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport,
Refers to a dream or hope about the woman being elsewhere, leading the narrator to follow the river's path.
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.
Indicates the narrator's commitment to following the river's course in pursuit of the woman.
Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river).
Describes a visit to St. Louis along the river, where the woman had been but has departed.
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone.
Confirmation from a freighter that the woman had been present but has moved on.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block.
Discovery of the woman's path in Memphis, although she has already moved further.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone.
Her actions in Memphis drew attention before continuing her journey alone.
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
Requests the river to carry on towards Baton Rouge, suggesting an emotional request or plea.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
Directs the river to take the woman to New Orleans, expressing a desire to let her go.
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf.
Expresses a desire to rid oneself of emotional pain by releasing it into the gulf.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.
Recognizes the woman's attachment to the river, acknowledging her preference over the narrator.
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
Repeats the metaphorical teaching of emotions to nature, intensifying the emotional impact.
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
Reiterates altering nature's state, emphasizing emotional manipulation.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Reiterates the impending overflow of emotions affecting the river due to the woman.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.
Repeats resignation to remain in emotional distress or attachment.
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