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Big River

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Big River
Written by Johnny Cash
As performed by The Highwaymen

This is a live performance of Big River, recorded at Stagecoach Saloon in Franktown, Colorado on December 23, 2025.

When Johnny Cash wrote Big River, the song originally had four verses. During the recording session, Sam Phillips told him it was too long and asked him to cut a verse to get it under three minutes. Against his better judgment, Cash cut one of the verses.

There were only two places where you could hear all four verses: a Highwaymen recording or by attending one of my shows. Well, now you can hear it on my YouTube channel as well.

Released in 1958, Big River remains one of Cash’s most enduring songs. A runaway story driven by motion, geography, and heartbreak, it moves like the river itself. Direct, relentless, and unmistakably Cash.

Johnny had a way of making a simple chord progression feel like a freight train, and this song still carries that weight every time it’s played.

More songs from this night are coming over the next few weeks.

Thanks to everyone who came out and continues to support live country music.
Category
Highway Men
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