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.
Styrofoam
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
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Made entirely of styrofoam
Styrofoam fireplace, styrofoam logs
Styrofoam cats and styrofoam dogs
Styrofoam people, styrofoam mags
Styrofoam pens and styrofoam bags
I got a lady in a styrofoam home
I got a lady lives in a home
Made entirely of styrofoam
Styrofoam fireplace, styrofoam logs
Styrofoam cats and styrofoam dogs
Is here a genuine... ???
(undefinable murmour by Lee)
The lyrics of Dr. Feelgood's 'Styrofoam' might seem absurd on the surface, but it is actually a commentary on consumer culture and the impact it has on the environment. The song describes a woman who lives in a house made completely out of styrofoam, a material that is notorious for its non-biodegradable nature and its contribution to the growing problem of plastic pollution. The lyrics mention details such as a styrofoam fireplace, logs, cats, dogs, people, magazines, pens, and bags, emphasizing the ubiquity of this material in our daily lives.
The repetition of the phrase "Styrofoam cats and styrofoam dogs" highlights the absurdity of using non-biodegradable materials to create objects that are supposed to mimic the beauty of living things. The last line of the chorus - "Every damned thing's made of styrofoam" - serves as a warning about the danger of our dependence on plastic products and how it might eventually lead to a world where everything is synthetic and devoid of any natural elements.
Overall, 'Styrofoam' is a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions, especially those that involve the widespread use of plastic materials that harm the environment.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a lady lives in a home
I personally know a woman who resides in a place of dwelling
Made entirely of styrofoam
The entire abode is constructed using styrofoam material
Styrofoam fireplace, styrofoam logs
Even the fireplace and logs stored inside it are made of styrofoam
Styrofoam cats and styrofoam dogs
Artificial cats and dogs made of styrofoam as decorative items are also present
Styrofoam people, styrofoam mags
Fake people made of styrofoam along with useless magazines made of the same material are present in the house
Styrofoam pens and styrofoam bags
Even the writing instruments and bags used in the household are made of styrofoam
I got a lady in a styrofoam home
The same lady I mentioned earlier is indeed a resident of a residence made entirely of styrofoam
Every damned thing's made of styrofoam
Literally everything present in the house is made of this lightweight, synthetic material called styrofoam
Is here a genuine... ???
This line is indecipherable and does not hold any meaning
Contributed by Tyler G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.