Jim Croce – Bad Bad Leroy Brown

About the song

Jim Croce’s iconic song, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” is a timeless tale of bravado, comeuppance, and the enduring allure of a larger-than-life character. Released in 1973 as part of his acclaimed album Life and Times, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Croce’s songwriting prowess and the song’s universal appeal.

At the heart of “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is its titular character, a formidable figure from the South Side of Chicago. Leroy is a man of legend, known for his imposing stature, intimidating demeanor, and penchant for carrying concealed weapons. His reputation precedes him, inspiring both fear and admiration. Yet, beneath the tough exterior lies a man with a weakness: his vulnerability to love.

The song unfolds as a narrative, painting a vivid picture of Leroy’s lifestyle and interactions. He is a man of means, sporting fancy clothes, diamond rings, and luxurious vehicles. His reputation as a dangerous individual is further cemented by his habit of carrying a .32 caliber handgun and a razor. However, Leroy’s bravado is put to the test when he makes a pass at a married woman in a bar. The woman’s jealous husband confronts Leroy, leading to a physical altercation that ends in Leroy’s humiliating defeat.

The story of Leroy’s downfall is a familiar one, echoing the theme of “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” another of Croce’s popular songs. Yet, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” stands out for its infectious melody and humorous lyrics. The song’s catchy chorus and Croce’s energetic delivery make it a joy to listen to, while the underlying story provides a sense of depth and resonance.

Croce’s inspiration for the song came from a friend he met during his brief stint in the US Army. This real-life character, with his own tales of bravado and misfortune, provided the seed for Leroy Brown. Croce’s ability to transform personal experiences into relatable and entertaining narratives is a hallmark of his songwriting.

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 name of Leroy Brown

Now Leroy more than trouble
You see he stand ’bout six foot four
All those downtown ladies call him “Treetop Lover”
All the men just call him “Sir”

And he’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damn 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
Under everybody’s nose

He got a custom Continental
He got an El Dorado too
He got a 32 gun in his pocket full a fun
He got a razor in his shoe

And he’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damn 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 Doris
And oh that girl looked nice

Well, he cast his eyes upon her
And the trouble soon began
And Leroy Brown had learned a lesson
‘Bout a-messin’ with the wife of a jealous man

And he’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damn town
Badder than a-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 damn town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog

And he’s bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole damn town
Badder than old King Kong
And meaner than a junkyard dog

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