Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a contemporary swing band from Southern California.… Read Full Bio ↴Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a contemporary swing band from Southern California. Their notable singles include "Go Daddy-O" and "You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three Tonight". The band went from a regular Wednesday night gig at the Derby in Hollywood, playing for a few hundred people, to playing the Super Bowl XXXIII half-time show in 1999.

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.

It's Lonely At The Top
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been around the world
Had my pick of any girl
So you'd think I'd be happy
But I'm not
Everybody knows my name
But it's just a crazy game
Oh, it's lonely at the top

Listen to the band playing just for me
Listen to the people paying just for me
Oh, all the applause and all the parades

And all the money that I made
Oh, it's lonely at the top

Listen, all you fools out there
Go on and love me
I don't care
It's lonely, oh, it's lonely

Ah einsam
It's lonely at the top

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's song "It's Lonely At The Top" reflect a theme of emptiness and isolation that can accompany success and fame. The singer is someone who has experienced worldly success and has had the opportunity to have any romantic partner they desire. However, despite these achievements, there is a feeling of discontentment and unhappiness that persists.

The lyrics suggest that although everybody knows the singer's name, it feels superficial and like a game rather than genuine recognition. The imagery of loneliness is emphasized through the repetition of the phrase "it's lonely at the top." This phrase indicates that reaching the pinnacle of success does not necessarily equate to true happiness or fulfillment.

The singer then refers to the applause, parades, and money they have received. These external markers of success are ultimately hollow and fail to provide the emotional connection and satisfaction the singer longs for. The lyrics imply that despite the fame and adoration from others, there is a deep sense of loneliness that is difficult to escape.

In the final lines, the singer calls out to the audience, dismissing their love and admiration. The repetition of the phrase "it's lonely" and the inclusion of the word "einsam," which means lonely in German, reinforce the central theme. The lyrics express a melancholic sentiment, revealing the inner struggles that can accompany success and fame.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been around the world
I have traveled extensively

Had my pick of any girl
I had numerous romantic options

So you'd think I'd be happy
One might assume that I am content

But I'm not
However, that is not the case

Everybody knows my name
My fame is widely recognized

But it's just a crazy game
Yet it is merely a chaotic endeavor

Oh, it's lonely at the top
Oh, the solitude experienced in a position of authority

Listen to the band playing just for me
Hear the musical ensemble performing exclusively for my enjoyment

Listen to the people paying just for me
Hear the individuals eagerly giving their attention solely to me

Oh, all the applause and all the parades
Oh, the endless praise and ceremonial processions

And all the money that I made
And the vast wealth that I have accumulated