Van Halen

Released: April 14, 1982

Songwriter: Milton Ager Jack Yellen

Producer: Ted Templeman

[Verse 1]
Well, way down yonder in Louisville
Lived a cat named Big Bad Bill
I wants ta tell ya
Ah, the cat was rough and tough, he would strut his stuff
Had the whole town scared to death
When he walked by, they all held their breath
He's a fightin' man, sure enough
And then Bill got himself a wife, now he leads a different life

[Verse 2]
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Married life done changed him somehow
He's the man the town used to fear
Now they all call him Sweet Papa Willy Dear
Stronger than Samson I declare
Till a brown-skinned woman's bobbed his hair

[Verse 3]
Big Bad Bill don't fight anymore, no, no, no
He's doin' the dishes, moppin' up that floor, yes he is
Well, he used to go out drinkin' lookin' for a fight
Now he gotta see that sweet woman every night
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Ah, play it boys

[Clarinet Solo]
Aw, yeah
Wooh
I likes that, yeah, yeah say I

[Outro]
Ah, well, Big Bad Bill don't fight anymore, no he don't
He's doin' the dishes, moppin' up that floor, yes he is
Well, he used to go out drinkin' lookin' for a fight
Now he gotta see that sweet woman every night
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now, doin' the dishes
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now, moppin' up that floor
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now
Cha, yeah

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

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