Bad Company

Album: Bad Company (1974)
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  • The 1972 movie Bad Company inspired both the name of the group and their title song - at least according to drummer Simon Kirke. Paul Rodgers later claimed that he saw the phrase in a book. In the song, the Western theme is evident. Many rock bands have likened themselves to Old West cowboys, but few British acts have done so, as the tumbleweeds and six-shooters are very American images.

Comments: 16

  • Robert Anderson from TrianaaMade up two stanzas, for those of us taking a longer shower.

    Kith and kin
    I betrayed them all
    My only friends powder, cap, and ball
    Now my time
    It will not be long
    The lonesome wind sings my gallows song
    I can hear it sighing

    Bad company
    And I’ll own it’s true
    Bad bad company
    Until it’s all through
    Till it’s all through

    Another town
    Will they stand and fight?
    Heaven knows what we do ain't right
    My life’s time
    Is what the devil lends
    Until a gun brings me to an end
    I can hear him laughing

    Bad company
    Fit but to die
    Bad bad company
    An eye for an eye
    Eye for an eye
  • Tuesdaywhistler from GranthamChose a gun and threw away the SUN
  • 5 from Palau, North Western PacificI really love Bad Company's songs, been a fan ever since they appear in the 70s & never get tired of listening to all their songs - long live the Group!!
  • Earle Cummings from Geyserville CaliforniaThis song is lie a biography of an ancestor, Jack Bishop. He lived in Missouri around the Civil War, fought with the “border ruffians” a pro-slavery group, then Quantrill’s Guerillas, made friends with the James Boys. After skirmishing with them awhile, he was captured by Union troopers and given the choice of enlisting or execution, so enlisted, served a little and deserted. After the war, robbed banks and trains with the James Gang. Finally left them, came to California, stayed with his brother, TC Bishop, who was running for County Sheriff. Brother gave him a horse and told him to get out of town and change his name. He did. Died as John Hall in Galice Creek Oregon, of old age.
  • Jax from Redwood, CaFive Finger Death Punch covered this song. It was used on the FX Original Series "Sons of Anarchy"
  • Dane from Green Cove Springs Fla., FlStephen King used this song in his book, The Dark Tower. I thought it was appropriate. Way cool song.
  • Jloost from Utrecht, NetherlandsI HIGHLY doubt that Paul Rodgers has said "I think because it had never really been done, as far as I knew." regarding the song and band name being the same... He had PROBABLY heard of Black Sabbath by the time Bad Company was founded!
  • Willie from Scottsdale, AzBad Company's first albums were produced by Swan Song Records, the vanity label that Atlantic set up for Led Zeppelin. Signing Bad Company was a real coup for such an unknown label.
  • Marlene from Montreal, QcIt was used as a Promo/theme song for "The Young Riders" Tv series...which starred near-unknowns Josh Brolin, Stephen Baldwin and Melissa Leo (pre-Homicide).
  • Ralp from Sedona, AzActually I believe Black Sabbath's First album and first song ("Black Sabbath") had the same name?
  • Nicole from Chicago, IlI've always loved this song. It's one of the band's best. I loved that it was featured in an episode of "Supernatural". It worked really well with the episode. That show has awesome music.
  • Allison from A Little Ol' Town In, MiThis song ROCKS! Bad Company is a very underrated group and should get more recognition. Paul Rodgers has an amazing voice on this song
  • Lester from New York City, NyWhat is missing from this song is a four minute guitar solo to end it. Mick Ralphs may be the most underappreciated lead guitar player in rock. I've been a fan since the first Mott the Hoople album (You Really Got Me......as an instrumental and Rock and Roll Queen).

    When Paul Rodgers left Bad Company, Mick went back to adding the ending guitar break in 'Ready for Love' the way he played it for Mott the Hoople.

    And Mick sang 80% of Mott's best songs, Rodgers never gave Mick the opportunity to sing. On Mott's 'Ready for Love', Mick is the lead singer.

    Bad Co. fans, check out Mott the Hoople's first 6 albums (excluding 'Wildlife), and you may appreciate the talents of Mick Ralphs.
  • Mark from Schererville, InThey didn't list any Bad Co songs because VH1 is a sham. How any list of the 100 greatest rock songs of all time could not include a single Bad Company song is beyond me.
    - Mark, Schererville, IN
  • Jay from Atlanta, GaThere's a lot of references to VH1's "lists" on this site. Why did they not mention any of Bad Company's songs on the "100 greatest rock songs"? A travesty.
  • Linda from San Diego, CaI totally agree!! I think it's their best, of course personal preference. The piano is directly lifted from the film it's named after. If you think the song rocks, watch the movie!! It kicks ass! Ths song is a total tribute to the film, and for me, BB.
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