About the song
Jimmy Dean‘s “Big Bad John” is an iconic country ballad that tells the story of a larger-than-life coal miner hero. Released in 1961, the song became a major hit and is remembered for its narrative style and memorable chorus, solidifying Dean’s place in the annals of American country music.
Jimmy Dean was not only a country singer but also a television host and businessman, known for his charismatic personality and deep baritone voice. “Big Bad John” stands out as one of his most successful songs, showcasing his storytelling prowess and distinctive vocal delivery.
The song was written by Jimmy Dean himself, along with Roy Acuff, though Dean is often credited as the primary writer. “Big Bad John” narrates the story of a mysterious and imposing figure named John, described as “a big man,” standing 6’6″ and weighing 245 pounds. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of John as a quiet, strong, and somewhat enigmatic character who worked in the mines. Despite his tough exterior, the song reveals a compassionate side when John heroically sacrifices himself to save fellow miners during a mine collapse.
Musically, “Big Bad John” is characterized by its simple, yet effective arrangement, which includes a minimalistic backdrop of guitars and percussion that support Dean’s vocal performance. The song’s structure includes spoken verses and a sung chorus, creating a dramatic and engaging narrative experience. The chorus, “Big John, Big John,” is particularly catchy and has become iconic in its own right.
The song’s narrative style and storytelling quality are key elements of its appeal. It presents a vivid and dramatic tale that captures the listener’s imagination, much like a folk ballad. The character of Big John embodies the archetypal American hero—strong, silent, and self-sacrificing. This story resonated deeply with audiences, making it a crossover hit.
“Big Bad John” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Country charts. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. The song’s success was not just limited to the United States; it became popular internationally, further establishing Jimmy Dean as a prominent figure in the music industry.
The song’s legacy continues, as it has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and in various forms of media. “Big Bad John” is celebrated not only for its catchy chorus and memorable story but also for its place in the tradition of American storytelling through music.
In summary, Jimmy Dean‘s “Big Bad John” is a classic country ballad that combines compelling storytelling with a memorable musical arrangement. Its success and enduring popularity are a testament to Dean’s skill as a songwriter and performer, and the song remains a beloved piece of Americana.
Video
Lyrics
“Big Bad John”
(Big John)
Every morning at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six-foot-six and weighed two-forty-five
King of broad at the shoulder at narrow at the hip
And everybody knew you didn’t give no lip to Big John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Nobody seemed to know where John called home
He just drifted into town and stayed all alone
He didn’t say much a kind a quiet and shy
And if you spoke at all you just said “hi” to Big John
Somebody said he came from New Orleans
Where he got in a fight over a Cajun Queen
And a crashing blow from a huge right hand
Sent a Louisiana fellow to the promised land. Big John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Then came the day at the bottom of the mine
When a timber cracked and the men started crying
Miners were praying and hearts beat fast
And everybody thought that they’d breathed their last ‘cept John
Through the dust and smoke of this man made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a sagging timber and gave out with a groan
And like a giant oak tree just stood there alone
Big John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John
(Big John)
And with all of his strength he gave a mighty shove
Then a miner yelled out there’s a light up above
And twenty men scrambled from a would be grave
And now there’s only one left down there to save
Big John
With jacks and timbers they started back down
Then came that rumble way down in the ground
And smoke and gas belched out of that mine
Everybody knew it was the end of the line for Big John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Now they never reopened that worthless pit
They just placed a marble stand in front of it
These few words are written on that stand
At the bottom of this mine lies a big, big man
Big John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John
(Big John)…