Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)

Ry Cooder

About Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)

This article is about the 1924 Yellen / Ager song, not the "Big Bad Bill" song recorded by Spike Jones"Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)" is a song with music by Milton Ager and lyrics by Jack Yellen, written in 1924. The song became a vocal hit for Margaret Young accompanied by Rube Bloom, and an instrumental hit for the Don Clark Orchestra. The song has also been recorded by Ernest Hare (1924), Billy Murray (1924), Clementine Smith (1924), Emmett Miller (1929), Glen Gray & the Casa Loma Orchestra (1940), Peggy Lee (1962), Merle Haggard (1973), Ry Cooder (1978), Leon Redbone (1978), Van Halen (1982) and others and has been a popular song in barbershop quartet and chorus competitions. The lyrics describe a man "in the town of Louisville..." who was once a fearsome and rough character known for getting into fights, who, after getting married, becomes a peaceable person who devotes his time to domestic activities such as washing dishes and mopping the floor. 


Year:
1978
3:34
270 
#1

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In the town of Louisville
They got a man they call Big Bad Bill
I want to tell you, he sure was tough
And he certainly did strut his stuff

He had folks all scared to death
When he walked by they all held  their breath
He was a fighting man, sure enough
Now Bill got himself a wife and he leads a different life

'Cause Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Married life has changed him some how
Well, he's the man the town used to fear
But now the people call him sweet papa Willie dear
Stronger than Samson I declare
'Til the brown skinned woman bobbed his hair

Big Bad Bill don't fight anymore
Well, he wash his dishes and he might swob the floor
Well, he used to spend his evenings lookin' for a fight
Now he gotta see his mama every night
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now

Well, he used to spend his evenings lookin' for a fight
Now he gotta see his mama every night
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now

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Ry Cooder

Ryland Peter "Ry" Cooder (born March 15, 1947) is a guitarist, singer and composer. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries. more »

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Written by: Jack Yellen, Milton Ager

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

SONG
"Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)" is an American song written in 1924.
ARTISTS
It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Leon Redbone, Merle Haggard, Peggy Lee, Ry Cooder, and Van Halen.
VAN HALEN VERSION
This song on Van Halen’s album 'Diver Down' marked a unique distressed jazz style for the rock band, highlighting their versatility.
WEDDING BELLS
The song describes a rough, violent man whose character changes upon marrying and settling down.
BLUES STYLE
It is heavily influenced by the blues style of music, characterized by its mournful lyrics and distinctive chord progressions.
PEGGY LEE VERSION
Peggy Lee's version of the song has a distinctly 1950s jazz vibe, showing off her smooth, sultry vocals.
MERLE HAGGARD's ADAPTATION
Merle Haggard's cover adds a classic country twist to the song. Interestingly, this was quite different from the mainstream country at the time.
RY COODER RENDITION
Ry Cooder is known for his fusion of various styles of music, and his cover of 'Big Bad Bill' is no exception. His version combines elements of roots, world music, and folk.
EXCLUSIVITY
"Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)" is one of the fewer recordings in which Edward Van Halen plays the acoustic guitar and his brother Alex Van Halen plays the blocks.
LEON REDBONE
Leon Redbone is renowned for his unique style that blends jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics. His version of "Big Bad Bill" mirrors just that.
AUTHOR
The song was originally written by Milton Ager (music) and Jack Yellen (lyrics), who were very popular Tin Pan Alley songwriters in the early 20th century.
RENOWNED JAZZ SINGER
One of the earliest and famous versions of the song was recorded by 'Fats Waller', a renowned jazz pianist, and vocalist.
HARMONICA
Van Halen's rendition of the song also includes harmonica playing, which is unusual for them. It was played by their vocalist David Lee Roth.

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