Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Genesis
Canonical path: /genesis/ballad-of-big
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
Ballad Of Big
Read Ballad Of Big lyrics by Genesis on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
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Curated by Ethan Walker
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Lyrics
Ballad Of Big
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Big Jim Cooley commanded respect, whatever he wanted he could get
The badge on his waistcoat shone in the Sun
It ain't no lie that Big Jim was feared by everyone
In the saloon one evening Big took a bet
With a rancher whose name I forget
He wanted a herd taken over the plain
And he called Jim 'yellow', he'll never do that again
He got mad!
He threw his badge on the floor and walked out
He's gonna give it a try, he left no doubt
Must be mad, he must be mad!
The people wished him well, and good luck
Well I don't need it! He laughed
Got on his horse and rode away
Out on the trail, Jim 'n' his crew of five
Were trying their best to keep the cattle alive
The weather was hard, but so were the men
Though I don't think even Big will try this trip again
His horses were edgy, sensing trouble ahead
But the trouble didn't start until the men were in bed
A-whooping and a-hollering, flashing their knives
Big and his men were jumped by an all-star Indian tribe
He was scared, Big Jim was scared
Alive, they called him lucky, but not today
Cos he died like all good cowboys with his boots on next to his men
Big Jim, he still won't lie down
For him the bet is still on
Some say he rides there, cursing still
Some say they've seen him
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Who performs "Ballad Of Big"?
Genesis performs "Ballad Of Big", and this lyric page sits inside the Genesis catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Ballad Of Big"?
Yes. The related section below points to Mad Man Moon and Mama with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Genesis?
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