Jim Croce – Bad Bad, Leroy Brown | Have You Heard

About the song

Jim Croce, a beloved figure in the world of folk and rock music, has left an indelible mark on the genre with his timeless storytelling and heartfelt melodies. Among his most renowned works is the lively and memorable song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” This track, featured prominently in the album “Have You Heard: Jim Croce Live,” encapsulates Croce’s unique ability to blend humor with keen observations of human nature.

Released in 1973, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” quickly became a hit and has since remained a classic. The song tells the story of Leroy Brown, a boastful and wealthy man who lives large but is ultimately brought down by his own arrogance. Croce’s masterful songwriting shines through in this track, with its catchy chorus and vivid character sketches. The lyrics paint a picture of Leroy as a man who thinks he’s the king of the world, only to face a humbling downfall.

In the live performance captured in “Have You Heard: Jim Croce Live,” listeners are treated to an authentic and spirited rendition of this classic tune. The live recording adds a layer of excitement and immediacy, showcasing Croce’s engaging stage presence and the genuine connection he had with his audience. This performance not only highlights his musical talent but also his ability to captivate and entertain.

For those who cherish classic folk and rock music, Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” remains a testament to his skill as a storyteller and musician. This live version from the album “Have You Heard: Jim Croce Live” is a wonderful way to experience the charm and charisma that made Croce a legend in his time.

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 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