Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
Ry Cooder
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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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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.
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ARTISTSIt has since been covered by numerous artists, including Leon Redbone, Merle Haggard, Peggy Lee, Ry Cooder, and Van Halen.
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VAN HALEN VERSIONThis song on Van Halen’s album 'Diver Down' marked a unique distressed jazz style for the rock band, highlighting their versatility.
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WEDDING BELLSThe song describes a rough, violent man whose character changes upon marrying and settling down.
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BLUES STYLEIt is heavily influenced by the blues style of music, characterized by its mournful lyrics and distinctive chord progressions.
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PEGGY LEE VERSIONPeggy Lee's version of the song has a distinctly 1950s jazz vibe, showing off her smooth, sultry vocals.
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MERLE HAGGARD's ADAPTATIONMerle Haggard's cover adds a classic country twist to the song. Interestingly, this was quite different from the mainstream country at the time.
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RY COODER RENDITIONRy 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.
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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.
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LEON REDBONELeon 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.
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AUTHORThe 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.
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RENOWNED JAZZ SINGEROne of the earliest and famous versions of the song was recorded by 'Fats Waller', a renowned jazz pianist, and vocalist.
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HARMONICAVan 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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"Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2705898/Ry+Cooder/Big+Bad+Bill+%28Is+Sweet+William+Now%29>.
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