Good Lovin'
DEAD DEAD Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So come on baby, squeeze me tight
Don't you want your daddy to be all right?
I said baby, now it's for sure,
I've got the fever, you got the cure

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'

Hey, got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Well, you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Come on now and give me good lovin' (good lovin')

Well, I was feelin' sort of bad now,
Asked my family doctor 'bout what I had,
I said, "doctor, doctor, mister M.D.,
Can you tell me, what's ailing me?"

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'

Come on now, everybody get right, (got to have lovin)
You may be weak or you may be blind (got to have lovin')
But even a blind man knows when the sun is shining (got to have lovin')
So turn it on now (got to have lovin')
Turn on, turn on your light (got to have lovin')

Gimme, gimme, gimme some lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
You need it, I need it, well you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Say it again now, good lovin'

Well turn on your light, you won't regret it (good lovin')
You got to go for the good and get it (good lovin')

Everybody, they got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Good Lovin'" by DEAD DEAD discuss the healing power of love. It starts with the singer feeling unwell and asking their doctor for help. The doctor tells them that all they need is good lovin'. The song then becomes a call to action for everyone to seek out love and affection. The singer says that even a blind person knows when the sun is shining, implying that everyone should be able to recognize the importance of love in their lives. The song comes to a close with a plea for everyone to turn on their lights and seek out good lovin'.

The lyrics of "Good Lovin'" are straightforward and focus on the theme of love as a healing force. The song's message is uplifting and encourages the listener to seek out love and affection. The repetition of the phrase "good lovin'" emphasizes the importance of this message and makes it easy to remember. The idea that love can heal is a common theme in music and is an important message that resonates with many people.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I was feelin' so bad, asked my family doctor 'bout what I had
The singer was feeling terrible and went to his doctor seeking a solution for his condition.

I said, "doctor, doctor, mister md, can you tell me, what's ailing me?"
The singer asked his doctor if he could give him a diagnosis for his illness.

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
The doctor responds enthusiastically, saying that he has the perfect solution.

All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
The doctor prescribes love as the remedy for the singer's ailments.

Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
The singer agrees that love is essential to one's well-being.

Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
The singer believes that everyone needs love in their life.

A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'
He implores that he needs love right now to feel better.

So come on baby, squeeze me tight
The singer requests physical affection from his lover.

Don't you want your daddy to be all right?
He asks his lover if they care about his well-being and want him to feel better.

I said baby, now it's for sure, I've got the fever, you got the cure
He tells his lover that he is certain he has a fever and that they are the remedy.

Hey, got to have lovin' (good lovin')
The singer reiterates that love is still necessary for happiness.

Come on now and give me good lovin' (good lovin')
He implores his lover to give him the love he needs to feel better.

You may be weak or you may be blind (got to have lovin')
The singer believes that even those who are weak or blind still need love to be happy.

But even a blind man knows when the sun is shining (got to have lovin')
He uses a metaphor to reinforce the idea that love is necessary for happiness and can be recognized even in difficult circumstances.

Gimme, gimme, gimme some lovin' (good lovin')
The singer pleads for his lover to give him more love.

Well turn on your light, you won't regret it (good lovin')
He asks his lover to open themselves up to love and promises that it will be worth it.

You got to go for the good and get it (good lovin')
The singer is telling his lover to strive for the best love and embrace it when they find it.

Everybody, they got to have lovin' (good lovin')
The singer believes that everyone needs love in their life.

Hey, now you got to have lovin'
The singer firmly believes that love is a fundamental aspect of happiness and fulfillment.

Lyrics © Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: ARTIE RESNICK, RUDY CLARK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Jagilsdorf

4y↑7

Well, I was feelin' so bad, asked my family doctor 'bout what I had,
I said, "doctor, doctor, mister md, can you tell me, what's ailing me?"
He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'
So come on baby, squeeze me tight
Don't you want your daddy to be all right?
I said baby, now it's for sure,
I've got the fever, you got the cure
He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'
Hey, got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Well, you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Come on now and give me good lovin' (good lovin')
Well, I was feelin' sort of bad now,
Asked my family doctor 'bout what I had,
I said, "doctor, doctor, mister M.D.,
Can you tell me, what's ailing me?"
He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'
Come on now, everybody get right, (got to have lovin)
You may be weak or you may be blind (got to have lovin')
But even a blind man knows when the sun is shining (got to have lovin')
So turn it on now (got to have lovin')
Turn on, turn on your light (got to have lovin')
Gimme, gimme, gimme some lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
You need it, I need it, well you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Say it again now, good lovin'
Well turn on your light, you won't regret it (good lovin')
You got to go for the good and get it (good lovin')
Everybody, they got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin'

All comments from YouTube:

@johnrush4153

7y↑114

Even a blind man knows when the sun is shining. Great phrase !

@steartfires3039

6y↑9

Reminds me of when Dylan said "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

@joero4610

6y↑3

@@steartfires3039 sorry but fuck Dylan

@kakstin

5y↑5

@@joero4610 - Why? He and the Dead were certainly mutual admirers of each other.

@TheOferwexenfeld

4y↑2

@@joero4610 sorry but fuck the world

@TheOferwexenfeld

yeap

2 More Replies...

@TheBigjohn527

12y↑21

This is how you fucking cover an already good 60`s tune and make it a 70`s version that still sounds good today!

@lawerencemarquez9595

5y↑2

Yru dat good lovin

@cluurinsebyrum6317

2y↑4

Never forget who you are and what made you have that soul that shines bright 🌞 💕

@Resplencemelodi

6y↑12

Feels good man. I don't need no wine or drugs :) Many blessings brothers and sisters.

@karenjoslyn4051

3y↑3

To you as well my brother! Be blessed!

@Msvag73

10y↑132

All these people in the comments complaining and thumbs downing just need some Good Lovin'.

@panlan1

10y↑2

yea yea yea..lol;)

@johnhenderson7094

5y↑2

All you, really need...

@gupsgups5228

4y↑2

Fuck em!

@abubomom2

4y↑1

All you really need

@abubomom2

4y↑2

Turn on your light you won’t regret it

1 More Replies...

@batmanforpresident9655

4y↑3

Absolutely incredible version of this great song!!

@user-qr9zb2vy2p

3w↑1

Radio is driving me crazy...just get here already

@georgehargrove6103

3y↑22

EPIC recording from “The worlds most interesting band”(As I like to call them)😁..This has it all-Incredible drums and percussion from the Rhythm Devils,A high energy Bobby whose voice has deepened and matured nicely by this point in his career,nailing all the screams and high notes perfectly,Phil’s rock solid yet somehow bouncy bass line throughout the whole number,The piano playing is just excellent and adds so much color,The chorus sounds pitch perfect with Donna added into the harmonies,And of course,The omnipotent Mr.Garcia ripping that “La Bamba” sounding solo in the middle and throwing in his beautiful notes in between Bobby’s unique chord arrangements during the entire song...If I had to pick something to play for someone who’s curious about the Dead and I want them to have a taste of them sounding their best,I’d have to play this one for them...Turn it up and hear it again for the first time...This Lowell George produced masterpiece is just pure ear candy❤️

@tundratunes

29w

I agree with most of this. However, if I had to pick something to play for someone new to the Dead I'd prefer to turn them on to something original to showcase the highly original songwriting skills of the Garcia-Hunter partnership. That said, I'd be hard pressed to choose which song, since so many of their covers of Americana, Motown and folk-pop (thing Dylan's It's all over now, baby blue) are - like this track - truly inspired, taking the original versions into uncharted territories. The Dead were just NOT a singles band, or known for inspiring dancing unless you were at a live show. They were an FM-style listen to the whole LP (preferably a live one) experience from the very beginning. That said, they did do some inspired studio efforts of some of their hardest hitting live songs, such as St. Stephen. I think the version on Live/Dead is the definitive recording of St. Stephen. However, if you are a neophyte, I would suggest to begin with the dual audio and visual assault of the Dead at their absolute peak with Pigpen and Tom Constanten on Playboy After Dark, filmed in New York in 1969 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsL3X6ARgVI). Man, they kick some serious butt here, folks. If you have not seen it, I recommend it for everyone from existing to future Deadheads. Eye-popping and ear-popping at the same time! And Jerry in a rainbow-coloured poncho - you can't go wrong!! And you can dance to it :) If you think you handle it, watch all 14.5 minutes of Playboy After Dark. Check out the audience dancing wildly to Pigpen's cover of Bobby "Blue" Bland's Lovelight over the closing credits (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF6uNLlNFUI&t=619s).

@onebadasslass

9y↑64

I have always adored this song. If you want all of the Dead's songs to be in their traditional style, of course you will be disappointed. But this song is a standalone, a brilliant adaptation of the original. Can't sit still.

@dwightnorris3296

7y↑5

hell yeah I am with you

@dwightnorris3296

7y↑5

I was fortunate enough to see them in 85 at Hampton VA

@karenkramer6616

6y↑4

Ditto Lisa!

@mikegrinder7539

5y↑3

I'm with you, Lisa. The Dead have a way of putting a "can't help but love it" vibe on all their covers, and this one is no exception.

@michaelconnors1301

4y↑2

Bingo. LOVE this version of this song.

2 More Replies...

@normie1948

5y↑4

By far the best version of this song.

@austinpetro5852

10y↑37

one of their better studio prefromances for sure

@juansalas3347

4y↑3

austin petro blues for allah and shakedown street are my fav studio efforts by them

@gregberry1812

3y↑1

Shakedown is in my top 3 with Workingmans and Go to Heaven

@tommulhall3865

The best!

@robertmarina5247

5y↑3

Loving this BEAUTIFUL DAY......SITTING IN THE SHADE....DIGGING ME SOME GRATEFIL DEAD!!!!! PERFECT!!!!!!

@BarryHart-xo1oy

32w

This is,without doubt,one of the most beautiful and uplifting rock songs I’ve ever heard.The Grateful Dead was a truly magnificent band.

@lisadc4681

8y↑34

Awesome version of an incredible song!!!!

@JACKSMITH-rg2vl

FANTASTIC

@marshamurphy766

I totally concur!

@michaelj.mcgowan1565

4y↑2

Superb Rendition of an equally superb tune!!!! from a superb band like the dead!!

@jameswalters1984

11y↑7

I have been playing this version out for years . Since 1986. Love the Great ful Dead !

@doubledutch3439

I lived right around the corner:)

@AW-pw8lx

4y↑2

Great version of Bob just hammering away to a toe tapping jam!!!

@michaelkennedy9688

8y↑9

This is the best recording of the Dead of this song, just saying...very well produced, total package.

@bartman4556

6y↑3

Thank Lowell George of Little Feat for producing the album. I could be wrong ,but im pretty sure im right

@elultimosonador3958

4y↑6

Am listening 2 this song as i work on a novel. I'm writing a road tripping book. I think im sick and i want to imagine places i never got to see. So damn it, here i am writing. Currently my characters are stopped in a small town in Texas outside Dallas. And i wrote that they're listening 2 this and drinking a bit in a motel. The ultimate destination is probably going to wind up Vegas, but they might catch a detour now, and ride to Omaha, Nebraska, for the fuck of it. GOOD LOVIN Y'ALL.

@TheOferwexenfeld

תהי בריאה

@TONY19021965

9y↑21

Thank you for uploading this way awesome album from way back there in my teen years! What a blast!!! 14 yrs. old & sharing a tre-bag with a couple of friends in an abandoned truck trailer under a traffic over-pass. Whoa!

@GACarey

Gdtrfb

@doc19541

5y↑8

Amazing that 41 years ago this song rocked my world. still sounds so good. makes me want to dance in the streets..

@davidglinka6759

5y↑4

Just seen dead and company at the bb&t pavilion in Camden on June 20th they played this what a show

@christinaoneill3535

51w

Ya got to have it!! ❤

@ralphkramden5979

11y↑3

Hell no, bro!! It's a HUGE compliment to them that the Dead re-did this one. LOVE IT!!

@chasekimball8296

11y↑7

I'm 11 and love the Grateful Dead!

@disillusioned165

7y↑9

dont do drugs, kid

@familyconnors3376

5y↑1

I'm 56, and I love them, too.

@gregberry1812

3y↑1

And they love you

@howyadern97

11y↑4

this is ohe of my most favorite all time grateful dead songs and i have been a deadhead my whole life

@ianvorrath1467

10y↑14

Love this song. And god damn Bobby's crazy haha :)

@nicolegiovenco6712

4y↑1

This is a lot of fun

@walterbrown4638

6y↑3

olla.i always liked the grateful dead but now i have a greter appreciation for them.gotta light up again

@bfischer2473

21w

This got me through chemotherapy and the Beatles!!!!!!

@jeffgervasi5546

3y↑5

Not gonna lie, I love this version so much more than the original. Brilliant!

@tommulhall3865

Yes!

@lionheart682

12y↑2

Saw Furthur do this one in Eugene, OR...was EPIC!!!

@MrRonnieG

11y↑14

The love of my life (Kathy) and I saw The Young Rascals (along with The Beach Boys and The Grass Roots) in concert during the summer of 1968 at the old Melodyland in Anaheim, California. I always thought it was a bit unique that The Dead decided to cover this Rascals' song but in their own style ~ it's fun music. That's what The Dead were all about, having fun and enjoying the company of their following. I saw them, for the 1st time, in June '67 up in SFO. Sadly, all things must pass........

@nonnahsaramat6001

6y↑2

I feel ya Ron, So happy you glad the experience, All is NOT lost.

@nonnahsaramat6001

6y↑1

'had'. fucking autocorrect

@benvoncannon4146

That was awesome.....comes around goes around........

@michaelmazzullo5653

9y↑5

Love this song....

@chrism8269

11y

All smiles over here in Tennessee !! : ) love ya Bobby

@AcidHead710

6y↑3

You got to have Love

@kevinmclaughlin2706

This always reminded of a street in Elgin, Il Favorite album, one of hundreds of dead albums, maybe even millions!

@Kapitainleutnant

12y↑2

GOD DAMN just listening to this fucking tune makes this worn out hippie rock on!

@notwastedinkansas

4y↑1

They need to smile, smile, smile 😃

@bennyjazzful

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.

@tommulhall3865

2y↑1

Bob weir such a great artist I am sure he misses Jerry like his brother died

@norm9908

2y↑1

GOOD LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@seattlejayde

7y↑1

Good Lovin! - what a song!

@CDouglasConlan

13y↑1

beautimous! always part of the Bobby Rock and Roll Cowboy Dance Party!

@cass57cass

9y↑7

Still all you need.
Gimme gimme gimme some love.....

@zeroenvy

13y↑1

I've got a fever, You've got the cure! Thanks for posting!

@laurenlawson2937

2y↑1

Love it

@stevesinger6531

8y↑2

IT's perfect. It's the tame version of a song that has been performed in so many permutations. Check out April 28, 1971. Bet birth of some folks reading this thread due to Pigpen's instructions to the audience that night

@paulandicot

7y↑5

great cover version! song written by Rudy Clark and Arthur Resnick; it was a number one hit single for The Young Rascals in 1966

@natymartin1455

graciassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

@matthewcaterson7957

7y↑5

DEAD HEAD FOREVER

@vincentdelisa1658

Best cover easy

@johnm3152

Front Street pie-eyed and Lowell George - what could go wrong

@TheEBKJ

12y↑2

Fuck, the vocals here are so good.

@patrickcharles1881

4y↑1

They played this on Fox's NFL game between the Saints and 49ers going into a commercial today.

@user-gk8gg1zt7l

Nice video, Like!!!!!

@JimmysRules

11y↑3

happy birthday Jerry

@arcadacomm

11y

shades and smiles all around

@angieiezzi5964

4y↑1

Greatful dead is the sound of summer !

@kschust1

12y

@pcburgh01 Furthur is epic in the way that they are still playing, still keeping the dream alive, solid truckin. You go to a show, and you are reminded of good times, and reminded of good times ahead.

@marilynmaniscalco9477

now I am really depressedvthinkingback to the 60"$when these songs and I were young.would really like to have been at concert I I just read about. thedeqd rock and always will.

@gregberry1812

Hope things got better for you Sister.

@45billyva

love it..

@greatbigconvoy

Pigpen sounds great here!

@nicolejayrogers214

6y↑1

Even a blind man knows when the Sun is shining

@dahock6243

5y↑1

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

@InquisitorOphiucus

just listen to the rhythm mmmMMmmmMM yeah

@elitewarrior0076

4y↑3

Does anyone know other songs that use the opening guitar riff? I love that riff

@rutrojan555

5y↑1

Turn on the lights you won’t regret it!

@Jagilsdorf

4y↑7

@jeffreylichvar9196

42w

Say yeah!

@ral316

10y

thanks

@hypnozpie4071

5y↑1

Everybody who originally listened to this song is older now, too bad they didn't have any ice.

@tonyhawk192

13y↑1

FUCKING AWESOME

@bartman4556

Lowell George produced this album full of tasty gems. God bless that fat man too.

@gregberry1812

That was no small feet.

@blackfinjrblackfinjr3555

23w

The fat man in the bathtub. Miss you Lowell

@robertcabrera1842

I miss Pat the Doctor from Highland... And M.L.K in Watts you all remember us Cabreras

@arkady714

7y↑4

Summer 1986 and I'm lead singer in an acoustic duet in Paris. My partner and I do this number and a preppie couple in the cafe get up and dance. I was really happy to see folks having fun on vacation. After the set, the chick comes up to us and asks us to play some more "Dead." I didn't have the heart to tell her that her favorite band didn't, in fact, write this song. LOL! Talk about ethnocentric!

@PatGarvey

LOL! Talk about smug!

@gregberry1812

You may have done her a dis service then. I try to educate those less informed as I hope those who've seen and heard more than me would. Knowledge is not only power but love as well.

@arkady714

@@gregberry1812 I just thought I’d do it. There are plenty of cover versions that become better known than the original. Best example is how many people think that The Beatles wrote Twist and Shout. Still, you’d have to be pretty misinformed to think that this Rascals classic was written by The Grateful Dead.

@arkady714

@@PatGarvey She wasn’t smug. She was sweet but ignorant.

@gregberry1812

@@arkady714 you should have played Not fade away or Stella blue. She would have gone berserk.

3 More Replies...

@ryanmcsurley9802

12y

DOCTOR!!!!!

@TheOferwexenfeld

6y↑1

godbless

@ihateheelflips

o yeah

@justinjacob2944

6y↑2

I ate some love and it was good L ove 😁

@barriesexton3693

7y↑2

True Garcia

@brianjacob8728

? Weir is singing this.

@mallguy8970

3y↑1

This was originally sung by the Young Rascals.

@reeltony441

Got to!

@aSmallGreenDot

Welcome bloomers. Keep shining :)

@erikc4055

This jam reminds me of lowrider by war dead head for life

@strictlynorton

5y↑2

No-one will ever top the Rascals version for me but the Dead get damn close!

@alec9billion

12y

ME to

@dedankabuga2599

41w

Reminds me of la bamba.

@alanhorowitz3796

Who in the world better to portray the working class urban look of a "Shakedown Street" better than Freak Brothers designer Gilbert Shelton? You could just imagine Phineas, Fat Freddie and Freewheelin' Franklin strutting down this street on their way to lord knows what.

@monicaapolloniaminton6933

Ahhh....

@roberthenderson1567

Need more cow bell 😁

@cjc66

12y↑1

Better than the original

@margo5919

Trying to dance away this migraine

@justanotherrandomcrit8115

Why is this the only piano driven Dead song I can think of? Did they not have any other ones?

@Kapitainleutnant

12y

@kschust1 Keep ON Truckin'!

@luisluna6294

8y↑4

BAAAD SONG - BITCHIN ALBUM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@tinafontes5820

5y↑1

The dead is sweet 😷🤒🤕

@TheOferwexenfeld

25w

the dead is the best

@TheEBKJ

12y↑1

Dude, fuckin' A!!!

@baker3BAKER

12y↑3

is it wrong that I like this version better than the origanal??

@gregberry1812

3y↑1

Greg, you've always been right except for that one time you thought you were wrong and it turned out you were actually right.

@rayeckert242

22w↑1

I call it a photo finish. Check out the Ed Sullivan Show performance by The Rascals and let me know if you can dig ‘em both on their own merits. You gotta have an original to get a cover… Rock on!

@stephenlangsl67

12y↑1

I can just imagine if Amy Winehouse did a cover version of this song.She would no doubt speed it up.And can You guys imagine Her sining it on stage?Her hair would have been "flying"all over!

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