About the song
Jim Croce and the Enduring Appeal of “Roller Derby Queen”
In the realm of folk and rock music, few names evoke the same level of nostalgia and heartfelt connection as Jim Croce. His music, infused with a blend of catchy melodies, insightful lyrics, and a captivating stage presence, resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a true icon of the 1970s. Among his most beloved and enduring songs is the upbeat and infectious “Roller Derby Queen,” a celebration of love, passion, and the thrill of the roller derby track.
A Song of Love and Admiration
“Roller Derby Queen” is a tribute to Croce’s wife, Ingrid Croce, whom he met and fell in love with during his time at Villanova University. The song captures the excitement and energy of roller derby, a sport that Ingrid excelled in, while also painting a vivid portrait of their love and admiration for one another.
Croce’s Signature Style Shines Through
The song opens with a lively guitar riff, setting the stage for Croce’s signature storytelling style. His vocals are warm and engaging, conveying the joy and admiration he felt for his roller derby queen. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of Ingrid gliding around the track, her “wheels on fire,” while Croce cheers her on from the crowd.
A Timeless Classic
“Roller Derby Queen” quickly became a fan favorite, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. The song’s popularity has endured over the decades, thanks to its infectious energy, relatable lyrics, and Croce’s undeniable charisma. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio stations.
A Legacy of Music and Love
“Roller Derby Queen” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a testament to the power of love, the thrill of passion, and the enduring appeal of Jim Croce’s music. His ability to capture the essence of everyday life in his songs, infused with humor, heart, and a touch of rock and roll swagger, made him a true original. While his life was tragically cut short in 1973, his music continues to inspire and entertain generations of listeners, and “Roller Derby Queen” remains a shining example of his enduring legacy.
Video
Lyrics
“Roller Derby Queen”
Gonna tell you a story, that you won’t believe
But I fell in love last Friday evening
With the girl I saw on a bar room TV screen
Well I was just getting ready to get my hat
When she caught my eye, and I put it back
And I ordered myself couple of more shots and beersThe night that I fell in love with a roller derby queen
Around and round, a round and round
The meanest hunk of woman that anybody ever seen
Down in the arenaShe was 5 foot 6, two fifteen
A beach blonde mama with a streak of mean
She knew how to knuckle and she knew how to scuffle and fight
And the roller derby program said
That she was built like a ‘fridgerator with a head
Her fans called her Tuffy, but all her buddies called her SpikeThe night that I fell in love with a roller derby queen
Around and round, a round and round
The meanest hunk of woman that anybody ever seen
Down in the arenaWell I could not help it, but to fall in love
With this heavy duty woman I’ve been speaking of
Things were kinda bad, untill the day she skated into my life
Well she might be nasty, she might be fat
But I never met a person who would tell her that
She’s my bleach blonde bomber, my heavy handed Hackensack mamaThe night that I fell in love with a roller derby queen
Around and round, a round and round
The meanest hunk of woman that anybody ever seen
Down in the arena