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.

Lights Out
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics

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Standin' on my front porch
Grabbed her and I kissed her
Boy I was surprised when I saw her little sister

Lights out, lights out
I'm glad now the lights were out
Sister knows more about
What to do when the lights go out

Mother looked at me
She was a-peepin' through the window
The way she looked at me
Boy, I thought I was a sinner

Lights out, lights out
I'm glad now the lights were out
Sister knows more about
What to do when the lights go out

Lovin' on the front porch sittin' on the swing
I can almost hear those weddin' bells ring

Lights out, lights out
I'm glad now the lights were out
Sister knows more about
What to do when the lights go out

Lovin' on the front porch sittin' on the swing
I can almost hear those weddin' bells ring

Lights out, lights out
I'm glad now the lights were out
Sister knows more about
What to do when the lights go out

Now we're married and we bought a little house
Would have married little sister, but the lights went out

Lights out, lights out
I'm glad now the lights were out

Sister knows more about
What to do when the lights go out

Overall Meaning

The song "Lights Out" by Dr. Feelgood is a classic tale of young love, lust, and the unexpected consequences of temptation. The singer is standing on his front porch, passionately kissing his girlfriend, when he realizes that her younger sister is watching them. He is shocked and surprised, but it quickly becomes clear that the younger sister knows more about what to do when the lights go out than he does. The mother catches them in the act and glares disapprovingly, making him feel like a sinner.

The chorus repeats throughout the song, expressing relief that the lights were out because it allowed them to engage in their passionate activities without being caught. The singer dreams of a future with the girlfriend, even hearing wedding bells, but fate has other plans. He ends up marrying her instead of her younger sister, who he would have preferred if not for being caught in the act by the mother.

Overall, the song shows the consequences of giving in to temptation and the unexpected paths that life can take as a result. The playful lyrics and catchy tune helped make "Lights Out" a hit for Dr. Feelgood, and it remains a favorite among classic rock fans to this day.

Line by Line Meaning

Standin' on my front porch
I was standing on my front porch.

Grabbed her and I kissed her
I kissed my girlfriend suddenly.

Boy I was surprised when I saw her little sister
I was shocked to see my girlfriend's younger sister.

Lights out, lights out
The lights were turned off.

I'm glad now the lights were out
I am relieved that the lights were off.

Sister knows more about
My girlfriend's sister knows better about

What to do when the lights go out
what to do when in the dark.

Mother looked at me
My girlfriend's mother noticed me.

She was a-peepin' through the window
She was looking at us through the window.

The way she looked at me
Her gaze made me feel bad.

Boy, I thought I was a sinner
I felt guilty and shameful.