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.
Rock Me Baby
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stop what you're doing and come on home
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
I get a real good feeling
Talking to you on the phone
She said daddy, don't you worry, don't you cry
You know I love you baby, said you're my heart's desire
I can't hold on
I get a real good feeling
Talking to you on the phone
[Guitar solo]
She said, daddy don't you worry, don't you cry
You know I love you baby, said you're my heart's desire
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
I get a real good feeling
Talking to you on the phone
Talk to me baby
Talk to me baby
Talk to me baby
Talk to me baby
I get a real good feeling
Talking to you on the phone
[Guitar solo]
The lyrics of "Talk to Me Baby" by Dr. Feelgood center around a phone conversation between the singer and their lover, in which the singer is urged to come home. The phone conversation seems to take on a romantic and emotional tone for the singer who says "I get a real good feeling/Talking to you on the phone." The singer's lover reassures them, saying "You know I love you baby, said you're my heart's desire," a sentiment which seems to comfort and console the singer. The repeated refrain "Talk to me baby" reinforces the idea of the importance of communication in a relationship, even if it's just through the phone.
The simple structure and lyrics of the song emphasize the importance of communication and emotional connection in a relationship, echoing the somewhat naive sentiments of early rock n' roll. The song was released in 1975, and it's nostalgic rock n' roll sound harkens back to an earlier time. The guitar solo, which is repeated twice in the song, adds a touch of melancholic nostalgia and heightens the emotional intensity of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Talked to my baby on the telephone, she said
I had a conversation on the phone with my loved one, and she told me...
Stop what you're doing and come on home
...that I should drop everything and return home.
I can't hold on
She can't wait any longer for me to come back.
I get a real good feeling
Talking to her on the phone gives me a positive and comforting feeling.
She said daddy, don't you worry, don't you cry
My loved one assured me that I have nothing to worry about, and not to cry.
You know I love you baby, said you're my heart's desire
She expressed her love towards me and confirmed that I am the one she desires.
Talk to me baby
She wants me to keep communicating with her.
I get a real good feeling
I feel happy and satisfied when I talk to her.
Talking to you on the phone
Communicating with her via the telephone is an enjoyable experience.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ELMORE JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind