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.
Help Me
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta help me, I can't do it all by myself
You know, you don't help me darlin', I'll have to find me somebody else
I may have to wash, I may have to sew
I may have to cook, I might mop the floor
But you help me, ooh help me darlin'
You know, you don't help me darlin', I'll have to find myself somebody else
Help me baby, help me
Now when I walk, you walk with me
And when I talk, oh you talk to me
Help me darling, ooh help me baby
You know, you don't help me darlin', I'll have to find myself somebody else
Bring my night shirt, put on your morning gown
Bring my night shirt, put on your morning gown
You know there's no way I feel sleepy, but I feel like lying down
Mhmh, mhmh, mhmh
The song "You Gotta Help Me" by Dr. Feelgood is a plea for assistance from a partner in a relationship. The lyrics relay the message that the singer can't handle everything on their own and needs help from their lover. The repetition of the phrase "You gotta help me, I can't do it all by myself" emphasizes the urgency of the situation, conveying that the singer is at a breaking point in their relationship. Furthermore, the lyrics suggest that if the lover doesn't provide the necessary support, the singer will be forced to find someone else who will.
The subsequent verses illustrate the specific ways in which the singer needs help. The lyrics state that the singer may have to do chores such as washing, cooking, and cleaning, but they need their lover's help to do so. They're essentially stating that they can handle the workload as long as the partner helps them in some way. The line "Now when I walk, you walk with me, and when I talk, oh you talk to me" highlights the importance of emotional support in the relationship, and how it's as crucial as practical help. The last verse "Bring my night shirt, put on your morning gown, You know there's no way I feel sleepy, but I feel like lying down" paints a picture of a night-time setting, implying that the singer wants to rest, but the partner's actions may interfere.
Overall, the song is a straightforward plea for assistance between two romantic partners. It suggests that both practical and emotional support is vital in a relationship, and if the partner doesn't provide it, the relationship may end.
Line by Line Meaning
You gotta help me, I can't do it all by myself
I need your help, I cannot accomplish everything alone
You know, you don't help me darlin', I'll have to find me somebody else
If you don't assist me, I may have to seek support elsewhere
I may have to wash, I may have to sew
I may have to do household chores
I may have to cook, I might mop the floor
I may have to prepare meals and clean the house
But you help me, ooh help me darlin'
Please assist me, my love
Help me baby, help me
I need your assistance, my dear
Now when I walk, you walk with me
Please accompany me when I move
And when I talk, oh you talk to me
And please communicate with me when I speak
Bring my night shirt, put on your morning gown
Please fetch my night shirt while you wear your morning outfit
You know there's no way I feel sleepy, but I feel like lying down
I'm not tired, but I would like to rest nonetheless
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SONNY BOY WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind