I love this song, though I couldn't say why.

I can't remember if I first heard Leon Redbone or Ry Cooder's version, both obviously very contemporary, and had been aware of the Emmet Miller version, but not the (I believe) earlier Bill Murray version which has much more extensive lyrics.

I'll link to both the Murray and Miller recordings on youtube below.

Murray's Big Bad Bill


Emmett Miller Big Bad Bill

More info at wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bad_Bill_%28is_Sweet_William_Now%29

It really is interesting to see how truncated the lyrics become after Murray's recording.    I understand why Miller's recording is so popular - the reeds are really unsurpassed on any other recordings I have heard. Would be very interested in links to other really good arrangements.