Doctor Bob is a project of Bob Marsh (whose mother always wanted him to be a doctor) and David Michalak (whose favorite TV show was Mr. Wzard). Bob Marsh sings, rants and yowls whilst committing unnatural acts with his cello and other electronic devices creating a unique chemistry with the equally unnatural lap steel guitar style of David Michalak.
Bob Marsh - voice, electronics, cello
David Michalak - lap steel guitar
David Michalak plays a Fender lap steel guitar and an assortment of odd percussion instruments. While he is more commonly known as a filmmaker (50 films with original soundtracks since 1971), the visual art side of him seeps inherently into his solo performances and group compositions, which are characterized by shimmering passages, abstract snapshots and haunting representations of natural elements.
Bob Marsh is a well seasoned improviser whose work has involved shaping sounds words images ideas. Originally from Detroit, Marsh arrived in the Bay Area in 2000 after ten years in Chicago where he played with most of the avant improvisers in that rich and varied scene. Since his arrival on the west coast, multi-instrumentalist and composer Marsh has been busy with several projects.
http://www.edgetonerecords.com/dr_bob.html
Dark Times
Dr. Bob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know which part of my life I should call right
Some people came in my life as a lesson
But others always came as a blessing
I'm out of words but I gotta say
Some dark times take the sun away
I wanna leave, no I wanna stay
I can't believe I ain't the same guy I used to be
Some new people in my life are not yet used to me
But I ain't gonna let them down
Even though some people let me down
I ain't gonna scream and shout and ask someone to help me out
Just take me out
Of this mess
All I'm asking for is a little love and peace
Tired of being leash, yeah
I don't know which side of the fence I reside
I don't know which part of my life I should call right
Some people came in my life as a lesson
But others always came as a blessing
I'm out of words but I gotta say
Some dark times take the sun away
Yeah
My brain is dead and my soul is in heaven
Just a body with some strings attached and controlled by the Devil
He got a bad vision for my life
But I guess that's why it's so hard to come alive
It's not a fight it's war
With no one else but myself
Gotta put my relationships on a shelf
And let it go with a gun
Pointing straight to my head
I've had a lot of thoughts about death
Hope I make it out the mess
I don't know which side of the fence I reside
I don't know which part of my life I should call right
Some people came in my life as a lesson
But others always came as a blessing
I'm out of words but I gotta say
Some dark times take the sun away
The lyrics of Dr. Bob's song "Dark Times" delve into the internal conflict and turmoil the artist is experiencing in his life. He begins by expressing uncertainty about his own identity and the different aspects of his life that he is unsure whether to embrace or reject. The dichotomy between lessons learned and blessings received from people in his life adds complexity to his emotions. The artist acknowledges that some experiences have overshadowed the brightness in his life, symbolized by the dark times that have clouded his sun.
As the lyrics progress, the artist reveals a desire to escape from his current state, torn between wanting to leave and stay. He reflects on the changes within himself and the struggle to adapt to the presence of new individuals who are unfamiliar with his true self. Despite feeling let down by some, he resolves not to fall into despair or seek external help but to strive for reconciliation and understanding. The plea for love and peace amidst the chaos reflects his yearning for solace and stability, tired of being constrained and burdened.
The theme of confusion and inner turmoil repeats as the artist continues to grapple with his sense of self and purpose. He metaphorically describes his mind as numb and disconnected from his spiritual essence, feeling like a mere vessel controlled by negative influences. The metaphorical battle within himself and the struggle to break free from destructive patterns signify the internal strife he faces as he navigates through adversity. The contemplation of death as an escape from the chaos underscores the depth of his emotional struggle and the urgency to find resolution.
Ultimately, the artist reiterates his uncertainty about his place in the world and the conflicting aspects of his life. The juxtaposition of lessons learned and blessings received resonates as he grapples with the shadows cast by challenging times. The song captures a poignant and introspective exploration of the artist's journey through darkness, seeking light amidst the struggles and uncertainty that cloud his path. Through evocative imagery and raw emotions, Dr. Bob crafts a compelling narrative of resilience and hope amidst the darkness that threatens to engulf him.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know which side of the fence I reside
Uncertain about where I belong or what decisions to make
I don't know which part of my life I should call right
Confusion about which direction to take in life
Some people came in my life as a lesson
Certain individuals brought experiences that taught me valuable lessons
But others always came as a blessing
Others have been a source of positivity and support in my life
I'm out of words but I gotta say
Struggling to find the right words to express my feelings
Some dark times take the sun away
Difficult moments overshadow the brightness in my life
I wanna leave, no I wanna stay
Conflicted between staying in a situation or walking away from it
Part of me wants to run away
Feeling the urge to escape from challenges or hardships
I can't believe I ain't the same guy I used to be
Not recognizing the person I have become due to life changes
Some new people in my life are not yet used to me
Struggling to connect with individuals who are unfamiliar with my true self
But I ain't gonna let them down
Determined not to disappoint or fail those who have faith in me
Even though some people let me down
Despite facing betrayal or disappointment from others
I ain't gonna scream and shout and ask someone to help me out
Choosing to remain composed and handle challenges independently
Just take me out
Desiring relief or release from difficulties
Of this mess
Seeking escape from a chaotic or tumultuous situation
All I'm asking for is a little love and peace
Simply seeking solace and harmony in a time of turmoil
Tired of being leash, yeah
Feeling restricted or controlled, yearning for freedom
My brain is dead and my soul is in heaven
Mentally drained but spiritually uplifted
Just a body with some strings attached and controlled by the Devil
Feeling manipulated or influenced by negative forces
He got a bad vision for my life
Recognizing the negative intentions that impact personal growth
But I guess that's why it's so hard to come alive
Struggling to find motivation or purpose in the face of adversity
It's not a fight it's war
Realizing that battles within oneself are ongoing and challenging
With no one else but myself
Acknowledging that internal struggles are personal and individual
Gotta put my relationships on a shelf
Choosing to prioritize personal growth over external connections
And let it go with a gun
Metaphorically releasing toxic influences or attachments
Pointing straight to my head
Feeling the weight of difficult decisions and self-examination
I've had a lot of thoughts about death
Contemplating mortality and the fragility of life
Hope I make it out the mess
Holding onto optimism and the desire to overcome challenges
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Dev Jothady
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind