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.

Killing Floor
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I should of quit you
A long time ago
I should of quit you baby
A long time ago
But you got me messin' round with you baby
You got me cryin' on a killin' floor, yeah
If I don't fallow, yeah
My first mind

If I don't fallow pretty baby
My first mind
I would have been gone since my second time
Yeah

Lord knows, right now
I should've been gone
Lord knows, I should've been gone
You got me messin' round with you baby
You got me cryin' on a killin' floor
Yeah, that's all

Ooh, you got me cryin' baby
Ohh, you got me cryin'...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dr. Feelgood's song "Killing Floor" are a classic expression of regret and frustration with a toxic relationship. The singer acknowledges that he should have left his partner a long time ago, but he is unable to resist the pull of the relationship. He is addicted to the passion and drama, even though it is harming him emotionally. The line "you got me messin' round with you baby, you got me cryin' on a killin' floor" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the singer feels like he is being slaughtered by his partner's emotional manipulation.

The second verse is a lamentation of missed opportunities. The singer knows that he should have listened to his instincts and walked away from the relationship the first time something didn't feel right. Instead, he kept coming back for more, even when he knew it would lead to heartache. The repetition of the phrase "Lord knows, I should've been gone" highlights the singer's sense of helplessness in the face of his own desires. In the end, all he can do is acknowledge that the relationship has brought him to tears, and hope that he can find a way to move on.

Line by Line Meaning

I should of quit you
I regret not leaving you

A long time ago
This feeling has been with me for a while

But you got me messin' round with you baby
You have led me on and got me involved

You got me cryin' on a killin' floor, yeah
You have caused me pain and sadness

If I don't follow, yeah
If I don't listen to my intuition

My first mind
My initial instincts

I would have been gone since my second time
I would have left after the second experience with you

Lord knows, right now
I acknowledge that even now

I should've been gone
I should have left by now

Yeah, that's all
There's nothing more to it

Ooh, you got me cryin' baby
I am still hurting because of you