Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.
Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.
May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.
Big Bad Handsome Man
Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he's got me his eye
When he looks at me, I go weak at the knees
He's got me going like no other guy
Cause he's my big, bad, handsome man
He's got me in the palm of his hand
He's the Devil Divine, I'm so glad that he's mine
Oh, the music he plays, the way he moves me and sways
Rocks me to the core
When he sings in my ear, he makes me shiver and leer
Leaves me wanting more and more
Cause he's my big, bad, handsome man
He's got me in the palm of his hand
He's the Devil Divine, I'm so glad that he's mine
'Cause he's my big, bad, handsome man
With his rugged good looks yeah he's got me hooked
Got me where he wants me to be
With his arms so wide, he pulls me in by his side
He's the kind of guy that does it for me
Cause he's my big bad handsome man yeah
He's got me in the palm of his hand
He's the devil divine, I'm so glad that he's mine
Cause he's my big bad handsome man
Ooh
My big bad handsome man, yea
He's got me in the palm of his hand
He's the devil divine, I'm so glad that he's mine
Cause he's my big bad
I'm so glad that he's my handsome man
Hm
Imelda May's song Big Bad Handsome Man is a song about a man who oozes charisma, who is irresistible to the singer, and who could be considered a bad boy. The song describes the physical appearance of the man, who is tall, mad, mean, and good-lookin', and the impact he has on the singer. When he looks at her, she goes weak at the knees and he's got her going like no other guy. The man is described as the Devil Divine, and the singer is glad that he's hers, despite his bad boy reputation.
The lyrics also describe the man's music and the way it affects the singer. He rocks her to the core and when he sings in her ear, he makes her shiver and leer. The man's rugged good looks have got her hooked, and she loves the way he pulls her in by his side. The song is all about the intense attraction and connection the singer feels towards this big bad handsome man.
Overall, the lyrics to Big Bad Handsome Man describe a powerful and irresistible attraction between two people. The song has a rockabilly sound that's perfect for the subject matter, and Imelda May's soulful voice highlights the passion in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
The man is tall, mad, mean, and good-lookin'
There's a man who's got a tough exterior and rugged good looks
And he's got me his eye
He's noticed the singer and has taken an interest in her
When he looks at me, I go weak at the knees
The singer is so attracted to the man that he makes her feel physically weak
He's got me going like no other guy
The man has a unique ability to make the singer feel a certain way that other guys can't
Cause he's my big, bad, handsome man
The singer is claiming the man as her own, highlighting his rough exterior and good looks
He's got me in the palm of his hand
The man has control over the singer and she's willing to do what he wants
He's the Devil Divine, I'm so glad that he's mine
Even though he may have some devilish qualities, the singer is happy to have him as her own
Oh, the music he plays, the way he moves me and sways
The man has a way of captivating the singer with his music and dancing
Rocks me to the core
The man's music and dancing have a strong effect on the singer
When he sings in my ear, he makes me shiver and leer
The man's voice has a sensual effect on the singer, making her feel shivery and lustful
Leaves me wanting more and more
The singer can't get enough of the man's music and attention
With his rugged good looks yeah he's got me hooked
The man's appearance is a big draw for the singer
Got me where he wants me to be
The man has control over the singer's actions and emotions
With his arms so wide, he pulls me in by his side
The man is physically possessive of the singer
He's the kind of guy that does it for me
The singer is attracted to the man's personality and appearance
My big bad handsome man yeah
The singer is emphasizing the man's rough exterior and good looks once again
I'm so glad that he's my handsome man
The singer is happy and grateful to have the man as her own
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IMELDA MAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolinemaynard8283
Anyone else “discovered” Imelda May in 2022!! How did I miss this amazing talent until now. She is a stunning and entertaining talented woman ❤
@jojoleragondin9380
yes it is quite unbelievable !!
@judypeterson5939
Yes, shortly after my husband passed. The a song was "Falling In Love Again". Then "Big Bad Handsome Man". Her voice is hauntingly beautiful.
@Bob-sb9nv
2023 for me
@filipasanovic5526
Me 2023 >i am from Serbia i love imelda may very culll song
@martinreeve3634
The big bad handsome man she is singing about, is the guitarist Darrel Higham, who is her husband. What a fabulous team they make.
@deborahdunn-davis463
they are no longer together, but still have affection for each other i heard.
@ciatangallaghe2485
Was
@JackinFlorida
Thank you.
@Scorpio069x
She’s absolutely gorgeous! Love her talent and aura