Bad 'n' Ruin
Rod Stewart · Other Songs - Rod Stewart
Mother don't you recognize your son, ooh hoo
Coming home, yeah yeah
Getting home, 'cause I failed you mother, hmm-mmm
I'll be there in the mornin'
If you have me back
The rent up here is much too high
For a room without a tap
A room without a tap, hoo
I'll be early in the morning
And I'll find my way back home
Back home bad 'n' ruin
With my tail between my legs
Tail between my legs
And I'll be so tired
I'll be so tired, now listen
I'll be early tomorrow morning
And I'll fall down off my plane
Don't be embarrassed mother
By your ugly worn-out son, hmm
Your ugly worn-out son.
So just let me warn you
Mother, you won't recognize me now
Mother, you won't recognize me now
Mother, you won't recognize me now, hoo
And I'll be down on cannon[? ] street
Passport in my hand
Should you could not recognize me
I've heavily made-up eyes
Momma, you won't recognize me now
Brother, you won't recognize me now
Hello there
Sister, you won't recognize me now
Mother, you won't recognize me now
Ooh, hoo
So mother when you've seen me
Don't forget I'm your boy too
I know my brother has done you proud
He's one foot in the grave
Mother don't you recognize me now ?
I'm a burglar in the first degree
But it don't seem to worry me
I'll be so tired, so tired
I'll be so tired, so tired
So tired
Bad 'n' Ruin
Rod Stewart's "Bad 'n' Ruin" stands as a quintessential example of his late 1970s rock and roll revival, blending raw energy with his signature storytelling prowess. Released during a period where Stewart solidified his status as a leading figure in the British rock scene, the track captures the gritty, unpolished aesthetic that defined his work in the Atlantic Crossing era. The song reflects Stewart's ability to fuse classic rock structures with a modern, slightly cynical edge, characteristic of his approach to adult contemporary rock. It serves as a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, showcasing a vocal delivery that balances power with a distinct, raspy texture. As part of his extensive discography, the recording exemplifies the transition from his earlier folk-rock roots to a more mature, blues-inflected rock sound that would continue to define his career for decades.

