About the song
Remember those carefree days of the early 70s? A time of bell-bottoms, peace signs, and unforgettable tunes? If you do, then the name Jim Croce is probably familiar. And if you’re a fan of his heartfelt folk-rock sound, then you’ve undoubtedly heard the catchy and compelling tale of “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.”
Released in 1973 as part of his album Life and Times, this song quickly became a sensation. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks straight and was even nominated for a Grammy. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal that it’s still considered one of Croce’s most iconic works.
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is more than just a song; it’s a vivid snapshot of a bygone era. Croce paints a picture of a tough, street-smart character who’s always one step ahead of the law. The lyrics are filled with colorful imagery and memorable lines that have stuck with listeners for decades. It’s a story song in the classic sense, with a clear narrative arc and well-developed characters.
But what makes this song so special? Perhaps it’s the combination of Croce’s distinctive vocals and the upbeat, driving rhythm. Or maybe it’s the relatable characters and the universal themes of love, loss, and the challenges of life. Whatever the reason, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
One of the things that makes this song so enjoyable is its sense of humor. Croce manages to balance the serious and the silly, creating a narrative that is both engaging and entertaining. The character of Leroy Brown is a classic anti-hero, a figure who is both feared and admired.
And let’s not forget the song’s cultural impact. “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” has been covered by countless artists over the years, and it has even been referenced in popular culture. It’s a song that has truly stood the test of time.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling nostalgic for the good old days, put on “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and let the music transport you back to a simpler time. You’ll be glad you did.
Video
Lyrics
Well the South side of Chicago
Is the baddest part of town
And if you go down there
You better just beware
Of a man named Leroy Brown
Now Leroy more than trouble
You see he stand ’bout six foot four
All the downtown ladies call him “Treetop Lover”
All the men just call him “Sir”
And it’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damned town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog
Now Leroy he a gambler
And he like his fancy clothes
And he like to wave his diamond rings
In front of everybody’s nose
He got a custom Continental
He got an Eldorado too
He got a thirty two gun in his pocket for fun
He got a razor in his shoe
And it’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damned town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog
Well Friday ’bout a week ago
Leroy shootin’ dice
And at the edge of the bar
Sat a girl named a Doris
And ooh that girl looked nice
Well he cast his eyes upon her
And the trouble soon began
And Leroy Brown he learned a lesson
‘Bout messin’ with the wife of a jealous man
And it’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damned town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog
Well the two men took to fighting
And when they pulled them from the floor
Leroy looked like a jigsaw puzzle
With a couple of pieces gone
And it’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damned town
Badder than old King Kong
Meaner than a junkyard dog
And he’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damned town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog
Yeah, he was badder than old King Kong
Meaner than a junkyard dog
