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.

Watch Your Step
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You better take it easy baby
Before you go away
You keep me worried
And you get yours one day

Watch your step
Watch your step
Watch your step

Watch your step

Keep your eyes wide open
'Cause you'll be hurtin' down inside
You better leave me all your money
Before you go away
Don't think I'm falling for it
All I gotta say is

Watch your step
Watch your step
Watch your step
Watch your step

'Cause when you take your love from me
Be full of misery
I'm gonna miss your loving every night
Get myself together
I'm gonna be alright

Watch your step
Watch your step
Watch your step
Watch your step

When you sneak up by my side
I'm gonna say 'go somewhere and hide'

Overall Meaning

At first glance, “Watch Your Step” by Dr. Feelgood may appear to be a simple song about a lover’s warning. However, upon further analysis, the lyrics reveal a much deeper meaning. The singer is warning their lover to be careful and to take it easy, or they will end up regretting their actions in the end. The tone is stern and almost threatening, with the repetition of “watch your step” serving as a constant reminder of the consequences of not heeding this warning.

The lyrics also suggest that the lover may be manipulative or dishonest, with the line “you better leave me all your money before you go away” indicating that the singer has been taken advantage of in the past. The repeated lines of “I’m gonna miss your loving every night, get myself together I’m gonna be alright” convey a sense of sadness and longing, but also resilience.

Overall, “Watch Your Step” presents a cautionary tale about the importance of being mindful of one’s actions and their impact on others. It also highlights the importance of self-preservation and standing up for oneself in relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

You better take it easy baby
You need to calm down and take things slow.

Before you go away
Before you leave me and go.

You keep me worried
You make me anxious and stressed out.

And you get yours one day
The consequences of your actions will catch up to you eventually.

Watch your step
Be careful and mindful of what you're doing.

Keep your eyes wide open
Pay attention and don't miss anything important.

'Cause you'll be hurtin' down inside
If you're not careful, you'll end up hurting emotionally.

You better leave me all your money
You should pay your debts to me before leaving.

Don't think I'm falling for it
I'm not going to be deceived.

All I gotta say is
My message is simple.

Cause when you take your love from me
When you leave me.