Jim Croce – Bad Bad Leroy Brown (1973)

About the song

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a classic song by the talented American singer-songwriter Jim Croce. Released in 1973, this song quickly became one of Croce’s signature hits, showcasing his storytelling prowess and knack for creating memorable characters through his music. The track was written by Jim Croce himself and appeared on his album “Life and Times.”

Jim Croce was known for his ability to weave vivid narratives into his songs, and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is no exception. The song tells the tale of Leroy Brown, the “baddest man in the whole damn town,” who meets his match in a humorous and ironic twist. The catchy melody and engaging lyrics contributed to its widespread appeal, resonating with audiences across the globe.

Upon its release, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” achieved significant commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, securing the number one spot in July 1973. This achievement marked a milestone in Croce’s career, further establishing him as a prominent figure in the music industry of the early 1970s. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus made it a favorite on radio stations, ensuring its presence on the airwaves for years to come.

Sadly, Jim Croce’s rising career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash later in 1973, just a few months after “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” reached its peak success. Despite his untimely passing, Croce’s music continues to live on, with “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” remaining a beloved classic that captures the spirit of an era and the timeless appeal of well-crafted storytelling in music. This song not only highlights Croce’s unique musical talent but also his ability to connect with listeners through relatable and entertaining narratives.

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