Big Bad Bill (is Sweet William Now)

Description

First introduced in vaudeville by Healy and Cross, the novelty song Big Bad Bill (is Sweet William Now) became a vocal hit in 1924 for Margaret Young, accompanied by Rube Bloom.

“Big Bad Bill” enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1980s thanks to a cover version by the rock band Van Halen. Their rendition appeared on their 1982 album “Diver Down” and featured a guest appearance by Eddie Van Halen’s father, Jan, on clarinet.

The lyrics describe a man living in Louisville (presumably Kentucky), who was once a fearsome and rough character known for getting into fights, who, after getting married, becomes a peaceable person who devotes his time to domestic activities such as washing dishes and mopping the floor.

This arrangement from the 1924 sheet music includes a verse seldom heard in recordings.

Key: F major

Mood: fun, humorous

Pedagogy: hand position changes, syncopation, ragtime patterns, repeats, D.S., “vamp” opening