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.
Suzie Q
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Suzie Q., oh Suzie Q.
Oh Suzie Q., baby I love you
Suzie Q.
I like the way you walk
I like the way you talk
My Suzie Q.
Oh Suzie Q., oh Suzie Q.
Oh Suzie Q., baby I love you
My Suzie Q.
Well say that you will be true
Say that you will be true
Say that you will be true and never leave me blue
My Suzie Q.
Oh Suzie Q., oh Suzie Q.
Oh Suzie Q., baby I love you
My Suzie Q
The song "Suzie Q" by Dr. Feelgood is a cover of the 1957 hit by Dale Hawkins, which was inspired by a girlfriend of one of the songwriters, Eleanor Broadwater. In the song, the singer expresses his love for Suzie Q, admiring the way she walks and talks, and asking her to promise that she will always be true and never leave him feeling blue. The repetition of the phrase "Suzie Q" throughout the song reinforces the singer's affection for her and creates a catchy, memorable hook.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Suzie Q., oh Suzie Q.
The singer sings the name of his beloved in a repetitive manner to emphasize her importance in his life.
Oh Suzie Q., baby I love you
The singer professes his love for Suzie Q and shows his affection towards her through his music.
Suzie Q.
The singer mentions Suzie Q's name again, reaffirming his love for her.
I like the way you walk
The singer appreciates the way Suzie Q walks and finds it attractive.
I like the way you talk
The singer likes the way Suzie Q talks and it fascinates him.
I like the way you walk, I like the way you talk
The singer repeats his fondness for Suzie Q's walking and talking, further emphasizing his attraction towards her.
My Suzie Q.
The singer claims Suzie Q as his own and reinforces his love for her.
Well say that you will be true
The singer asks Suzie Q to promise him that she will stay true to him in their relationship.
Say that you will be true and never leave me blue
The singer wants Suzie Q to reassure him that she will not make him feel sad by cheating on him, and always stay truthful in their relationship.
My Suzie Q.
The singer concludes the song by calling Suzie Q his own and expressing his love for her again.
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.