Jim Croce – Bad Bad Leroy Brown (1973)

About the song

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by Jim Croce is a quintessential example of the singer-songwriter’s ability to craft vivid narratives set to catchy, memorable tunes. Released in 1973 as the lead single from his album “Life and Times,” the song quickly became one of Croce’s most iconic hits. Written by Croce himself, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” showcases his knack for storytelling and his talent for blending humor with a touch of pathos.

The song tells the tale of Leroy Brown, a larger-than-life character described as “the baddest man in the whole damn town.” Set in the rough-and-tumble streets of Chicago’s South Side, the lyrics paint a picture of a brash, confident man whose bravado ultimately leads to his downfall. With its infectious chorus and upbeat rhythm, the song captures the listener’s imagination from the first line.

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” was Croce’s second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, following “Time in a Bottle.” It topped the charts in July 1973 and remained there for two weeks. The song also enjoyed international success, reaching the top ten in Canada and the top twenty in Australia. Its popularity helped cement Jim Croce’s reputation as one of the leading singer-songwriters of the early 1970s.

The musical arrangement of “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is as engaging as its lyrics. The song features a lively piano riff, complemented by a robust brass section that adds to the swaggering feel of the tune. Croce’s warm, expressive voice brings Leroy Brown to life, making the character’s misadventures both entertaining and relatable. The playful melody and upbeat tempo make it easy to see why the song became a favorite on the radio and among Croce’s fans.

The album “Life and Times,” which includes “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” was also a commercial success. It reached number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and showcased Croce’s versatility as a musician and songwriter. The album’s mix of ballads and up-tempo numbers demonstrated his ability to convey a wide range of emotions and stories, further establishing his legacy in the music industry.

Jim Croce’s untimely death in a plane crash in September 1973 cut short a promising career, but his music continues to resonate with audiences today. “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” remains one of his most enduring songs, a testament to his storytelling prowess and his ability to craft songs that are both fun and meaningful. Its timeless appeal lies in its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the universal themes of bravado and comeuppance.

In summary, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by Jim Croce is a classic song that combines humor, vivid storytelling, and a catchy musical arrangement. Its success on the charts and lasting popularity are a testament to Croce’s talent and his unique ability to connect with listeners through his music. This song stands as a shining example of his enduring legacy in the world of popular music.

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’s a gambler
And he likes his fancy clothes
And he likes to wave his diamond rings
In front of everybody’s nose

He got a custom Continental
He got an Eldorado too
He got a 32 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
Meaner than a junkyard dog

Now Friday bout a week ago
Leroy shootin’ dice
And at the edge of the bar
Sat a girl named Doris
And ooh that girl looked nice

Well he cast his eyes upon her
And the trouble soon began
Cause 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 fightin’
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 damn town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog

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
Yeah, badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog