Bill
Peggy Lee Lyrics


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In the town of Louisville they got a man they call Big Bad Bill
I wants to tell ya, he sure was tough 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

Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Married life done changed him some how
He's the man the town used to fear
Now they all call him sweet pappa Willie dear
Stronger than Samson I declare
'Til the brown skinned woman
Bobbed his hair

Big Bad Bill don't fight any more (No, he don't)
Doing the dishes
Mopping up that floor (Yes, he is)
Well he used to go out drinking
Looking for a fight
Now he gotta see that woman
Everynight
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now

Ah, play it boys
I likes that jazz

Big Bad Bill don't fight any more (No, he don't)
Doing the dishes
Mopping up that floor (Yes, he is)
Well he used to go out drinking
Looking for a fight




Now he gotta see that woman
Everynight
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now (Doing the dishes)
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now (Mop up the floor)
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now

Overall Meaning

Peggy Lee's song "Big Bad Bill" is the story of a man who was once feared by the town of Louisville. In the first verse, Lee sings of how people used to be scared to even breathe around him, as he was a tough fighter who had everyone on edge. But then in the second verse, we learn that Bill has since gotten married and has become a changed man. He goes by Sweet William now and no longer goes out looking for fights. Instead, he does the dishes and mops the floors just like anyone else would.


The song, while seemingly lighthearted, can be seen as a commentary on the idea of settling down and the changes that come with it. Bill's character is one that was once wild and dangerous, but then chose to leave that life behind and start anew with his wife. It's a common theme in life where people are forced to choose between their former selves and their current circumstances.


Interestingly, the song was a cover of a 1924 hit by singer and jazz pianist Jack Yellen. Lee's version of the song was released in 1957 and became a hit in its own right. Among other things, Peggy Lee's "Big Bad Bill" showcased her impressive vocal range, which was coupled with the swinging, upbeat jazz style that defined much of her career.


Line by Line Meaning

In the town of Louisville they got a man they call Big Bad Bill
There's a man in Louisville who goes by the name Big Bad Bill


I wants to tell ya, he sure was tough tough, and he certainly did strut his stuff
Let me tell you, he was really tough and liked to show off


He had folks all scared to death, when he walked by they all held their breath
People were terrified of him, holding their breath as he passed by


He was a fighting man, sure enough
He was known to be a fighter, without a doubt


Now Bill got himself a wife, and he leads a different life
Now Bill is married and his life has changed


Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Bill's nickname has changed to Sweet William


Married life done changed him some how
Being married has changed him in some way


He's the man the town used to fear
Bill used to be feared by the town


Now they all call him sweet pappa Willie dear
Now they all call him Sweet Papa Willie, with affection


Stronger than Samson I declare
He was as strong as Samson, I declare


'Til the brown skinned woman bobbed his hair
Until a brown-skinned woman cut his hair short


Big Bad Bill don't fight any more (No, he don't)
Bill doesn't fight anymore


Doing the dishes, Mopping up that floor (Yes, he is)
Now he's doing chores like washing dishes and mopping the floor


Well he used to go out drinking, Looking for a fight
He used to go out drinking and looking for a fight


Now he gotta see that woman, Everynight
Now he has to spend every night with his wife


Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now (Doing the dishes)
Sweet William has taken over the household chores


Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now (Mop up the floor)
He's even mopping the floors now, Sweet William is here to stay


Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
The new and improved Sweet William




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jack Yellen, Milton Ager

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Anonymous


on Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)

Why Don't You Do Right - Casey Abrams - Lyrics
You had plenty money 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?

Get out of here and get me some money too?
You're sitting there wondering what it's all about
You ain't got no money, they will throw you out
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too?

Musical Interlude

You had plenty money 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too?
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?

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