Travel with us back to 1972, to find out why one of the best storytellers in American folk music got his first big hit. Jim Croce used his experiences in Country and Western bars and pool halls, a unique strophic structure and unforgettable characters to create this week’s iconic track: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.

Why This Song? is a curious new video series about pop music and pop culture. Join us as we explore some of the biggest pop hits of all time and discover WHY they have become beloved for generations.