Doctor Ross (October 21, 1925 – May 28, 1993), aka Doctor Ross, the harmoni… Read Full Bio ↴Doctor Ross (October 21, 1925 – May 28, 1993), aka Doctor Ross, the harmonica boss, was an American blues singer, guitarist, harmonica player and drummer — a one-man band — who was born Charles Isaiah Ross, in Tunica, Mississippi.

Ross played various forms of the blues that have seen him compared to John Lee Hooker and Sonny Boy Williamson I, and is perhaps best known for the recordings he made for Sun Records in the 1950s, notably "The Boogie Disease" and "Chicago Breakdown". Ross won a Grammy for his 1981 LP Rare Blues, and subsequently enjoyed a resurgence and much critical acclaim towards the end of his career.

In 1951 he began to be heard on Mississippi and Arkansas radio stations, now nicknamed Doctor because of his habit of carrying his harmonicas in a black bag that resembled a doctor's bag, and over the next three years recorded in Memphis, Tennessee for both Chess Records and Sun Records, creating exhilarating harmonica or guitar boogies made disctinctive by his sidemen playing washboard (with a spoon and fork) and broom.

In 1954 he took a job with General Motors in Flint, Michigan, and played less. Some singles, among them his first true one-man band effort, "Industrial Boogie", filtered into blues circles, leading to a Testament Records album and a 1965 AFBF booking. While in London he recorded what would be the first LP on Blue Horizon Records. Europe loved Ross and gave him work and recording opportunities; he was never as popular at home, and in the 1980s his performing profile was barely visible.

He died in 1993, at the age of 67, and was buried in Flint, Michigan.

From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Ross

Sitting On Top of the World
Dr. Isaiah Ross Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you don't like what you do
Why not change?
If you don't do what you like
Why not change?
It's like standing on top of the world
O'er again it's in your hands

If you don't like who you're with

Why not change?
If you're not with whom you like
Why not change?
It's like standing on top of the world
O'er again it's in your hands

If you don't like who you're with
Why not change?
If you're not with whom you like
Why not change?

It's like standing on top of the world
O'er again it's in your hands

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dr. Isaiah Ross's song "Sitting On Top of the World" convey a powerful message about taking control of one's life and making the necessary changes to find happiness and fulfillment. The repetition of the lines "If you don't like what you do, why not change? If you don't do what you like, why not change?" emphasizes the importance of being proactive in altering one's circumstances if they are not satisfying. The idea that change is within one's grasp is symbolized by the imagery of standing on top of the world, suggesting a position of power and agency.

The repeated stanza about not liking who you're with and the encouragement to change if you're not with someone you like speaks to the importance of surrounding oneself with people who bring positivity and joy into their lives. This could refer to personal relationships, friendships, or even professional associations. The theme of empowerment runs through these lines as well, reinforcing the idea that individuals have the autonomy to shape their social circles and connections to align with their values and desires.

The lyrics circle back to the same message in the final stanza, reiterating the call to action for change if one is not content with their current situation. The repetition of these sentiments underscores the urgency and significance of taking charge of one's own happiness. The notion that the power for transformation lies "in your hands" reinforces the idea that individuals have the ability to make the necessary changes to create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Overall, the lyrics of "Sitting On Top of the World" by Dr. Isaiah Ross serve as a poignant reminder of the agency and control individuals have over their own lives. The song encourages listeners to be introspective about their circumstances, identifying areas that may be causing dissatisfaction, and to take proactive steps to instigate change. By urging individuals to reevaluate their choices, relationships, and situations, the lyrics champion a message of empowerment, self-determination, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

If you don't like what you do
If you are unhappy with your job or occupation

Why not change?
Why not make a change if you are not satisfied?

If you don't do what you like
If you are not pursuing your true passions

Why not change?
Why not make a change to follow your dreams?

It's like standing on top of the world
It feels empowering and liberating

O'er again it's in your hands
Once again, the power to change is in your control

If you don't like who you're with
If you are unhappy in your relationships

Why not change?
Why not seek out better connections and companionships?

If you're not with whom you like
If you are not surrounded by those who uplift and support you

Why not change?
Why not make a change to be with people who bring positivity into your life?

It's like standing on top of the world
It feels like you have the world at your feet