About the song
Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a classic folk rock song that tells the story of a larger-than-life character who meets his match. Released in 1973, the song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Croce’s most popular songs, and its catchy melody and humorous lyrics continue to appeal to audiences of all ages.
The song’s titular character, Leroy Brown, is a 6-foot-4-inch tough guy from the South Side of Chicago. He is known for his intimidating size, his aggressive attitude, and his tendency to carry weapons. Leroy is also said to be quite wealthy, and he is often seen driving around in expensive cars and wearing flashy jewelry. Despite his tough exterior, Leroy is actually quite charming, and he is said to be adored by women.
One day, Leroy walks into a bar and makes a pass at a pretty married woman named Doris. Doris’s jealous husband, however, is not amused. He challenges Leroy to a fight, and Leroy quickly finds himself outmatched. The fight ends with Leroy looking “like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.”
The story of a widely feared man being bested in a fight is similar to that of Croce’s earlier song “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” Both songs feature tough-talking protagonists who ultimately get their comeuppance.
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a humorous and catchy song that has stood the test of time. Its lyrics are filled with colorful characters and memorable lines, and its upbeat melody is sure to get your feet tapping. The song is also a testament to Croce’s songwriting ability. He was able to create a believable and relatable character who is both intimidating and sympathetic.
In addition to its commercial success, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” has also been praised for its musical quality. The song features a simple but effective arrangement, with Croce’s acoustic guitar providing the backbone of the melody. The song also features a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a classic song that continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages. Its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and relatable characters make it a timeless piece of music.
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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