About the song
Jim Croce, a folk singer renowned for his storytelling abilities and socially conscious lyrics, penned “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” as a humorous and energetic anthem of self-confidence and resilience. This upbeat track, released in 1972, became a hit single and a staple on Croce’s live performances.
With his distinctive raspy voice and heartfelt delivery, Croce paints a picture of a man who is not afraid to stand up for himself and defend his honor. The song explores themes of courage, self-reliance, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Through introspective lyrics and Croce’s emotive vocals, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and find inspiration in the face of adversity.
The opening lines, “I’m a man of few words, but I’m a man of action,” set the stage for a song that celebrates the power of individual agency and the importance of standing up for oneself. Croce acknowledges the challenges and injustices that exist in the world, but he remains steadfast in his belief that individuals can make a difference. The song’s refrain, “You don’t mess around with Jim,” conveys a sense of confidence and determination.
Throughout the song, Croce uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his message. He references the “tough guys” who have tried to challenge him and the “hard times” he has faced. The lyrics evoke a sense of resilience and a refusal to be pushed around.
“You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” is more than just a humorous song; it is a testament to the human spirit and the power of individual agency. Croce’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in and never backing down. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift listeners, serving as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
Video
Lyrics
Uptown got it’s hustlers
The bowery got it’s bums
42nd street got big Jim Walker
He’s a pool shootin’ son of a gun
Yeah, he’s big and dumb as a man can come
But he’s stronger than a country hoss
And when the bad folks all get together at night
You know they all call big Jim boss, just because
And they say
You don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off that old lone ranger
And you don’t mess around with Jim
Well, outta south Alabama came a country boy
He said I’m lookin’ for a man named Jim
I am a pool shootin’ boy
My name’s Willie McCoy
But down home, they call me Slim
Yeah, I’m lookin’ for the king of 42nd street
He drivin’ a drop top cadillac
Last week, he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
And everybody say, Jack uh, don’t you know
And you don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off that old lone ranger
And you don’t mess around with Jim
Well, a hush fell over the pool room
Jimmy come boppin’ in off the street
And when the cuttin’ were done
The only part that wasn’t bloody
Was the soles of the big man’s feet
Yeah, he was cut in in ’bout a hundred places
And he was shot in a couple more
And you better believe
They sung a different kind of story
When big Jim hit the floor
Now they say
You don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off that old lone ranger
And you don’t mess around with Slim
Yeah, big Jim got his hat
Find out where it’s at
And it’s not hustlin’ people strange to you
Even if you do got a two-piece custom made pool cue
Yeah, you don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off the old lone ranger
And you don’t mess around with Slim