Bad Bad Leroy Brown · Jim Croce

About the song

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is a quintessential hit from the early 1970s, embodying the storytelling charm of American folk rock singer Jim Croce. Released on July 23, 1973, as part of his album *Life and Times*, the song quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent two weeks at number one. Its success was a significant milestone in Croce’s career, marking his only number-one single before his untimely death later that year. Billboard ranked it as the second best song of 1973, a testament to its impact and popularity.

The song introduces listeners to Leroy Brown, a towering figure from the South Side of Chicago whose imposing presence and flashy lifestyle make him a local legend. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, Brown is described as both feared and admired, known for his expensive tastes, including a custom Lincoln Continental and a Cadillac Eldorado. His reputation for toughness is underscored by his readiness to carry a handgun and a razor. However, the song’s plot takes a turn when Brown makes a pass at a married woman named Doris, leading to a confrontation with her jealous husband. The altercation ends badly for Brown, leaving him battered and humiliated, likened to a “jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.”

The inspiration behind “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” comes from a colorful character Croce encountered during his brief stint in the U.S. Army. Croce described his experiences with this individual, who had a notorious reputation and a knack for trouble, and used these memories to craft the song’s narrative. The lyrics are imbued with humor and a touch of defiance, capturing the essence of a larger-than-life persona who ultimately meets his match.

The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, which boasts the memorable line “meaner than a junkyard dog,” contribute to its enduring appeal. Croce’s knack for blending humor with vivid storytelling shines through, making “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” a standout track in his discography. Critics praised the song for its engaging narrative and lively arrangement, comparing it to Croce’s earlier hit “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” Cash Box highlighted its “delightful” qualities, while Record World appreciated its similarity to Croce’s previous successes.

Live performances of “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” further cemented its place in Croce’s legacy, with the track appearing on various live albums and television shows. Its enduring popularity is reflected in its continued presence in popular culture, even years after Croce’s tragic death in a plane crash on September 20, 1973.

In summary, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” remains a classic example of Jim Croce’s storytelling prowess and musical talent. Its blend of humor, memorable characters, and catchy melodies ensures its place as a beloved piece of 1970s music history.

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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 mens just call him “sir”

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

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 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 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 ooh that girl looked nice
Well he cast his eyes upon her
And the trouble soon began
And leroy brown 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