About the song
Have you ever heard a song that paints such a vivid picture in your mind? Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is one of those timeless tunes that transports you straight to the heart of a small-town tale. Released in 1973 as part of his album Life and Times, this catchy and upbeat track quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number-one hit and cementing Croce’s place in music history.
What makes “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” so enduring? It’s a perfect blend of storytelling, catchy melody, and Croce’s distinctive vocals. The song is essentially a character study, focusing on the larger-than-life figure of Leroy Brown, a local tough guy who seems to have it all. Croce’s lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and a touch of humor, create a memorable portrait of Leroy and his world.
One of the reasons this song continues to resonate with listeners is its universal themes. The idea of the local hero, the underdog, and the inevitable clash between good and evil are concepts that have been explored in countless stories throughout history. Croce’s ability to encapsulate these themes within a three-minute song is a testament to his songwriting prowess.
Musically, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a prime example of Croce’s folk-rock style. The driving rhythm, combined with the bluesy undertones, creates a feel-good atmosphere that is both infectious and nostalgic. Croce’s vocals are warm and inviting, making it easy for listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
Beyond its commercial success, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” has also had a significant cultural impact. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and has been covered by countless artists. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and relevance.
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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