Jim Croce – Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

About the song

Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a timeless folk rock classic that paints a vivid picture of a larger-than-life character. Released in 1973, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming Croce’s only number-one hit before his tragic passing. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and unforgettable protagonist.

Leroy Brown, the titular character, is a towering figure from Chicago’s South Side. With his intimidating stature, flashy wardrobe, and penchant for carrying weapons, he strikes fear into the hearts of men and admiration in the eyes of women. His reputation as a “bad guy” precedes him, and he’s known to own a luxury car and a hefty collection of diamonds.

Despite his tough exterior, Leroy’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a pretty married woman named Doris. His attempt to woo her leads to a confrontation with her jealous husband, and the outcome is unexpected. In a surprising twist, Leroy is soundly defeated in a fight, leaving him looking like “a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.”

The contrast between Leroy’s fearsome reputation and his ultimate defeat is a key element of the song’s appeal. It serves as a reminder that even the toughest individuals can be brought down to earth. Croce’s storytelling ability shines through as he weaves a tale that is both humorous and thought-provoking.

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a testament to Jim Croce’s songwriting talent. His ability to create memorable characters and catchy melodies has ensured that this song will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

Woah!

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