The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
Beggars' Blues
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't got no time to get a job
I drink my whiskey, I drink my wine
I left my worries far behind
I'm feeling hungry, I'm feeling broke
If you could spare one, I could surely use a smoke
I got no history, I got no past
I got to get more time
To drink a bit more wine
I've got to the perfect crime
Brother can you spare a dime?
You see me standing on your street
My hand are open I got nothing there to eat
I drink my whiskey, I drink my wine
I want the band to play when I die
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
I got to get more time
To drink a bit more wine
I've got to the perfect crime
Brother can you spare a dime?
The lyrics to the song "Beggars' Blues" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy tells the tale of a down-on-his-luck man who has no money and no employment prospects. He is resorting to drinking whiskey and wine to forget his troubles and escape reality. The lyrics strongly suggest that he is addicted to alcohol and asks for help from others by asking for a smoke and requesting spare change from those passing by.
The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes the need for the man to have more time to drink and enjoy his alcohol. He idealizes the idea of committing the perfect crime, perhaps symbolic of his desperation and need for escape. The man admits to having no history, no past, suggesting that he has lost everything including his identity. In the end, he hopes to die in a grand manner, with the band playing for him.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the struggles of poverty and the desperation and hopelessness that can result from it. The man's addiction to alcohol and his reliance on others for help are also themes explored in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't got no money, ain't it a shame
I don't have any money, which is quite unfortunate
Ain't got no time to get a job
I'm too busy to go and find employment
I drink my whiskey, I drink my wine
I indulge in drinking whiskey and wine
I left my worries far behind
I have escaped from my troubles and concerns
I'm feeling hungry, I'm feeling broke
I am experiencing hunger and financial distress
If you could spare one, I could surely use a smoke
If you have a cigarette to share, I would appreciate it
I got no history, I got no past
I don't have a rich previous experience
If you don't help me, don't think I'll last
If I don't receive any assistance, I may not survive
I got to get more time
I need more time to fulfill my desires
To drink a bit more wine
Especially to drink more wine
I've got to the perfect crime
Finding a way to live without conforming to societal norms may seem like a perfect crime
Brother can you spare a dime?
May I request a monetary donation from you, my brother?
You see me standing on your street
Standing on this street, I am visible to you
My hand are open I got nothing there to eat
My hands are empty; I don't have any food to consume
I want the band to play when I die
When I pass away, I would like there to be a musical performance
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Vocal sounds with indeterminate meaning
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Vocal sounds with indeterminate meaning
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Vocal sounds with indeterminate meaning
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Vocal sounds with indeterminate meaning
Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LadyPain
I'm literally loving it. I think it's more sexy than a leather dress or black lace on a woman.
Yesika Narvaez
Or latex lips
eBRUH
This song makes me want to act like a mafia boss, lol :D
Tammie
:) good song, I like it, as always, they rule
Vladimir Dimitrov
Finally in youtube! I love this song!
Olivier Jacques
j'adore ce groupe !
tod4y
Olivier Jacques To mě těší...
Thiago Lehn
I Was listen this song and close my eyes,i open then and i'm in a caddilac with suits and a gun in my pocket
Jack is Best Boy
If you were teleported away from your computer, how did you type this comment? :thinking:
The Dylans' Burbage
...make that plural~