About The Song
In the annals of country music, few names resonate with the same level of gravitas and recognition as Conway Twitty. With a career spanning over four decades, Twitty’s legacy is etched in the genre’s history as one of its most prolific and beloved figures. His resonant baritone voice, coupled with his masterful songwriting and captivating stage presence, earned him a devoted following that transcended generations. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Bad Man” stands out as a poignant ballad that delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of reputation, regret, and the pursuit of redemption.
Released in 1969 as part of Twitty’s album “Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie”, “Bad Man” chronicles the tale of a gunslinger grappling with the weight of his past transgressions. The song opens with a haunting melody, setting the stage for the narrator’s somber reflection. He paints a vivid picture of his reputation as a feared outlaw, a “bad man” whose notoriety precedes him. The lyrics reveal the deep-seated pain he carries, the burden of a life marked by violence and regret.
As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist delves into the tragic incident that cemented his reputation as a cold-blooded killer. A chance encounter in a saloon, a high-stakes poker game, and a moment of desperation lead to a fatal confrontation, forever altering the course of his life. The song captures the raw emotions that haunt the protagonist, the anguish of taking a life and the lingering guilt that consumes him.
Despite his fearsome reputation, “Bad Man” unveils a glimmer of hope for redemption. The protagonist yearns for an opportunity to prove his worth, to shed the shackles of his past and embrace a life of peace. He dreams of facing an adversary who could challenge his quick draw, a final showdown that could rewrite his story.
Twitty’s masterful delivery breathes life into the protagonist’s inner turmoil, his voice resonating with a blend of regret, desperation, and a flicker of hope. The song’s lyrics, crafted with poignant honesty, paint a vivid portrait of a man wrestling with his demons, seeking solace in the possibility of redemption.
“Bad Man” stands as a testament to Conway Twitty’s storytelling prowess, his ability to weave tales of human struggle and redemption that resonate with audiences on a profound level. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes, its exploration of the complexities of the human condition, and the power of music to touch the soul.
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Lyric
I have the reputation that’s known throughout the landThey say I’m master on the draw of any livin’ manThey call me a bad man, they say I kill for funThey say the only thing I know is how to use a gunBut they don’t know the reason they branded me as badIt started many years ago when I was just a ladI rode into a cattle town, a boy of twenty-threeSo young and yet that very day I carved my destinyI walked into the town saloon that sad and faithful dayThen I began to gamble to pass the time awayI thought I played a hand or two then hit the thrill againBut Lady Luck was with me and I began to winThe dealer kept on dealin’, the stakes were gettin’ highAnd pretty soon there was no one left but an old cowboy and IThe minutes seemed like hours, you couldn’t hear a soundWe’ve been in race until we’d lay all our money downThe cowboy smiled and showed his hands, three aces he did holdBut I laid down the royal flush and reached to claim my goldThe cowboy stood and faced me, his hands hung on his hipsA look of hate was in his eyes and the smile had left his lipsHe said, “Young man, slap leather, I’m known for miles aroundTo keep my reputation about I got to gun you down”White lightnin’ speeded through that fire, one life will be the costThe cowboy crumbled to the floor, his reputation lostNow years have come and years have gone and many men have diedHe’s tried his luck and hoped he’d be the fastest gun aliveAnd in my many fights to live, I wondered if I’d wonI’m known by all the bad men, they think I kill for funSomeday I’ll meet the cowboy who’s speed will meet the testAnd that will in the saga of the bad man of the west