Introduction:
The Big One by Country music legend George Strait, released in 1994, is a chart-topping hit that solidified Strait’s position as a country music powerhouse. The song, the eighth track on Strait’s album Lead On, became a fan favorite and went on to become one of his most successful singles.
Composed by songwriting duo Gerry House and Devon O’Day, “The Big One” is a prime example of Strait’s signature sound – a blend of traditional country instrumentation and relatable storytelling. While the exact meaning of “The Big One” is left open to interpretation, the lyrics center around a powerful and uncontrollable event, with lines like “Without a warning, you’re outta control” and “The ground shakes and the oceans roll.” This imagery has led many to believe the song references a natural disaster, though it could also be a metaphor for a life-changing moment or a personal upheaval.
Released as the lead single from Lead On, “The Big One” helped propel the album to commercial success. The song achieved significant critical acclaim, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remaining there for several weeks. It also reached number four on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. This marked Strait’s 26th number-one hit in the United States, solidifying his place as one of the most successful country music artists of all time.
“The Big One” continues to be a popular choice for radio play and fan singalongs. It has also been featured on several of Strait’s compilation albums, further showcasing its enduring legacy. The song’s success is a testament to Strait’s ability to connect with listeners through his powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, making “The Big One” a cornerstone of his extensive discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
Without a warnin’ your out of controlThe ground shakes and the oceans rollThis is the big oneThere’s no where to run
On the Richter scale of a romanceYou hit 12 and you don’t stand a chanceThis is the big oneI’m fallin’ in love
Now it’s beep, beep, beepMy hearts sendin’ out a messagePlease, please, pleaseDon’t save me tonightSOS in this situation meansShe’s out of sight
No need to panicI tell myselfBut i’ve never felt this feelin’ with anybody elseSo, this is the big oneI’m fallin’ in love
Now it’s beep, beep, beepMy hearts sendin’ out a messagePlease, please, please
Don’t save me tonightSOS in this situation meansShe’s out of sight
No need to panicI tell myselfBut i’ve never felt this feelin’ with anybody elseSo, this is the big oneI’m fallin’ in love
Oh yeah, this is the big oneI’m fallin’ in love