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.
So Long
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Honey, let go of my hand and show me the door
So long, you got me wrong
You ain't got me going, baby
You got me gone
Somewhere there's a fellow that's waiting for you
So long, you got me wrong
You ain't got me going, baby
You got me gone
There's a man for the money
There's a man for the show
Listen to what I tell you, honey
I'm a man for the road
I'm not the man you're looking for
Honey, let go of my hand and show me the door
So long, you got me wrong
You ain't got me going, baby
You got me gone
There's a man for the money
There's a man for the show
Listen to what I tell you, honey
I'm a man for the road
Gone, gone, gone
Gone, gone, gone
Gone, gone, gone
Gone, gone, gone
'cause you ain't got me going, honey
You got me gone
Gone, gone, gone...
The lyrics of Dr. Feelgood's "So Long" speak of a man who is trying to leave a relationship because he knows he is not the man his partner is looking for. He asks her to let go of his hand and show him the door. The singer keeps repeating the phrase "so long" which is a way to say farewell. He clearly states that his partner got him wrong. She hasn't managed to keep him interested and as a result he is gone. The man is aware that there are other men out there that are better suited for his partner, and suggests she might want to look for them instead.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not the man you're looking for
I am not the person who can fulfill your needs, desires, or expectations.
Honey, let go of my hand and show me the door
Please release my hand and guide me to the exit because I cannot offer you what you need.
So long, you got me wrong
Goodbye, but you have misunderstood or misjudged me.
You ain't got me going, baby
You have not motivated or inspired me to take action or continue this relationship.
You got me gone
However, you have pushed me away or caused me to feel disconnected, disengaged, or uninterested.
Somewhere there's a fellow that's waiting for you
There is someone who will appreciate you and offer you what you need or want.
Somewhere there's a man with nothing better to do
There is someone who has free time or is not busy enough to give you attention or affection.
There's a man for the money
Some individuals are only interested in financial gain or material possessions.
There's a man for the show
Some people enjoy being the center of attention, and only engage in relationships for public display or social status.
Listen to what I tell you, honey
Pay attention to my words because they are a reflection of my thoughts and feelings.
I'm a man for the road
In particular, I am a person who prefers to move forward, explore new territory, and avoid stagnation.
Gone
Departed or left.
Contributed by Sarah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.