About the song
## Bad Bad Leroy Brown: A Timeless Tale of Misfortune
Jim Croce’s “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” is a classic folk song that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1972 shortly before Croce’s tragic death, this song serves as a testament to his songwriting prowess and timeless appeal.
The song tells the tale of Leroy Brown, a notorious character who seems to be cursed with bad luck. The narrative unfolds in a lively, conversational style, inviting listeners to imagine the colorful scenes depicted in the lyrics. Croce’s storytelling ability is on full display as he paints a vivid picture of Leroy’s misfortunes.
From losing his job to being robbed at a pool hall, Leroy’s life seems to be a constant series of setbacks. Yet, amidst the hardships, there’s a certain charm to his character. Leroy is a relatable figure, someone who we can sympathize with and root for. His resilience in the face of adversity is admirable.
The song’s catchy melody and Croce’s soulful vocals contribute to its enduring popularity. The repetitive chorus, “Bad, bad Leroy Brown,” serves as a memorable hook that sticks with listeners long after the song has ended. Croce’s delivery is both heartfelt and energetic, capturing the essence of Leroy’s character and the story he tells.
“Bad Bad Leroy Brown” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a timeless tale of misfortune and resilience. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Croce’s music or discovering his work for the first time, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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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 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