Dr. Feelgood is a British pub rock band, formed in 1971. The classic line-u… Read Full Bio ↴Dr. Feelgood is a British pub rock band, formed in 1971. The classic line-up included Lee Brilleaux (b. 1953, d. 7 April 1994; vocals/harmonica), Wilko Johnson (b. John Wilkinson, 1947, d. 21 November 2022; guitar), John B. Sparks (b. 1953; bass) and John 'The Big Figure' Martin (drums).

Initially based in Canvey Island, Essex, on the Thames estuary, Dr. Feelgood broke into the London circuit in 1974. Brilleaux's menacing personality complemented Johnson's propulsive, jerky stage manner, while the guitarist's staccato style dominated the group's idiosyncratic brand of angular rhythm and blues.

Their debut album, Down By The Jetty, was released in 1974, but despite critical approbation, it was not until the following year that the quartet secured due commercial success with Stupidity. Recorded live in concert, this raw, compulsive set topped the UK charts and the group's status seemed assured. However, internal friction led to Johnson's departure during sessions for a projected fourth album and although his replacement, John 'Gypie' Mayo, was an accomplished guitarist, he lacked the striking visual image of his predecessor. Dr. Feelgood then embarked on a more mainstream direction which was only intermittently successful. 'Milk And Alcohol' (1978) gave them their sole UK Top 10 hit. After the punk explosion their raw, jerky sound and clean-cut image provided inspiration to the post-punk generation (John Lydon being a big fan).

Mayo left the band in 1981. Despite this, and various subsequent line-up changes, Dr. Feelgood continued touring and recording, although the band then suffered an almost career-finishing blow, when their frontman, Brilleaux, died of cancer on 7 April 1994. But, as Brilleaux had insisted prior to his demise, Dr. Feelgood reunited, initially with vocalist Pete Gage, and recommenced touring in 1996. Gage was replaced by Robert Kane who, celebrated his 1000th gig as the frontman of Dr. Feelgood in April 2007.

Following Brilleaux's death in 1994, a special concert known as the Lee Brilleaux Birthday Memorial was held on Canvey Island, where former and current Feelgoods celebrated the music of Dr. Feelgood, and raised money for The Fair Havens Hospice in Westcliff-on-Sea. Fans attended from all over the globe, and the 20th and final event was held on 9 May 2014.

Because You're Mine
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics

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Ever since the day I met you baby
I'll believe I had a hold on you
Any where you go
I'll be watching over everything that you do
I ain't lying I say you can't leave me

'Cause you're mine

Know it's gonna last forever baby
I'll believe that we will never part
Everything I said
You can't forget because it's written on your heart
Each and every time your heart beats you remember

That you're mine

[Guitar solo]

Doesn't matter where you run to baby
Doesn't matter where you try and hide
Sooner or later loneliness is gonna drag you back to my side
There ain't no use in trying
Might as well give up

Because you're mine

[Guitar outro]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Because You're Mine" by Dr. Feelgood describe a possessive and obsessive love. The singer confesses that he has a hold on the person he is addressing, who he believes cannot leave him because they belong to him. The intensity of his feelings is such that he promises to watch over and follow his beloved wherever they go, suggesting a lack of trust and control issues. The singer believes that their relationship is meant to last forever and that every word he has said is written on his partner's heart. The chorus repeats the phrase "Because you're mine," which can be interpreted as both a declaration of love and a warning of ownership.

The lyrics of "Because You're Mine" could be seen as problematic in today's context, as they portray a possessive and controlling attitude in a romantic relationship. However, they are also reflective of a time when such attitudes were more commonly accepted, particularly in the rock and roll genre. The song is driven by a bluesy guitar riff, which along with the singer's raw vocals, captures the essence of the band's gritty sound.

Line by Line Meaning

Ever since the day I met you baby
Since the day I first met you, I knew you were mine

I'll believe I had a hold on you
I feel like I have a strong grip on you

Any where you go
No matter where you go

I'll be watching over everything that you do
I'll be keeping a close eye on all your actions and movements

I ain't lying I say you can't leave me
I'm being completely honest when I say you can't leave me

'Cause you're mine
Because you belong to me

Know it's gonna last forever baby
I believe our love will never end

I'll believe that we will never part
I have faith that we'll always be together

Everything I said
Every word I've spoken

You can't forget because it's written on your heart
You can't forget what I've said because it's deeply ingrained in your heart

Each and every time your heart beats you remember
Every time your heart beats, you recall