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.
I Can Tell
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can tell the way you look at me
The way that you smile when you hold my hand
I know pretty baby cause I understand
[Chorus]
I can tell
I can tell
Gonna tell your mama
Gonna tell your papa too
Just what more can a good man do
You been running round with joey brown
I know pretty baby that you put me down
[Chorus]
I called you up on the phone
Strange voice tells me you're not at home
Your mama told me you know you can wait
When you show up you know your draggin' real late
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Dr. Feelgood's song "I Can Tell" tell the story of a man who is feeling rejected by his lover. Through his observations, he has come to the realization that his partner no longer loves him. He knows this because he can see it in the way she looks at him and the way she smiles when she holds his hand. The title of the song becomes a refrain, repeating the statement "I can tell," emphasizing the singer's perception of his lover's hidden feelings.
In the chorus, he admits that he knows she doesn't love him anymore. He feels hurt and betrayed by her apparent infidelity with Joey Brown. In his desperation to salvage the relationship, he even considers turning to her family, stating that he'll tell her mama and her papa about her secret lover. However, in the end, he accepts his fate and admits defeat with a resigned, "What more can a good man do?"
The tone of the song is sad and melancholic, and the lyrics reveal the singer's vulnerability as he navigates the complexities of love and relationships. The repetition of "I can tell" underscores his certainty that his lover's feelings have changed, and he must come to terms with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I can tell cause it's plain to see
I know what's going on and it's obvious to me
I can tell the way you look at me
I can see in your eyes that something has changed
The way that you smile when you hold my hand
Your smile feels forced and insincere
I know pretty baby cause I understand
I know you well enough to see that you're not happy
I can tell
I'm sure of what I'm saying
I know you don't love me no more
I realize that your feelings have changed
Gonna tell your mama
I'm going to talk to your family about this
Gonna tell your papa too
I'm not just going to let this go
Just what more can a good man do
I'm doing everything I can to make this right
You been running round with joey brown
I know you've been spending time with someone else
I know pretty baby that you put me down
I understand that you've ended our relationship
I called you up on the phone
I tried to contact you
Strange voice tells me you're not at home
Someone else answered the phone and said you're not there
Your mama told me you know you can wait
Your mother said you'll call me back eventually
When you show up you know your draggin' real late
When you do come around, it's always after a long delay
I can tell
I'm still sure of what I'm saying
I know you don't love me no more
I'm certain that you've fallen out of love with me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Samuel Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noel Majers
Wilko's rhythm guitar on this is truly mesmerising. Apparently simple but fiendishly difficult to reproduce with a Pete Townsend like mastery over simple power chords and their dynamics. With Lee Brilleaux's vocals and with the solid underpinning of John B Sparks and The Big Figure provides an overall sound that represents Dr. Feelgood at their very best.
Техно Дом
Сильнейшие рокеры суперская группа рок 🎸 навсегда здорово 👍
Kathryn Ramsay
what a fabulous voice , nothing compares, he was incredible for his era
Dontbakdown60
One of the truly great rhythm and blues bands ever..Malpractice and Down by the Jetty are timeless albums.
folginator
Totally amazing performance. Wish I had seen them live.
colin campbell
Amazing band live.
What Is Left
Unique rhythm guitar sound. One of a kind.
Gustavo Rial
Los escuché en 1975 en su lp "malrecetado" pero nunca los ví hasta hoy
Son increibles!!!
Dotdot Dotdotdot
@folginator: I was fortunate to see them live, with this line-up, several times during my misspent youth and they were incredible live. The pure energy and stage presence of all 4 guys, the throbbing music, talents of all of them and the contained fury and passion of Brilleaux melded into an intoxicating mix when seen up close. Even now after nearly 4 decades hearing these great songs takes me right back to being in a jam packed pub hearing great music by great performers.
Catherine Cook
america here, i wouid kill for that. i show shows in 1975 but i would kill for this