Dr. John began making his own idiosyncratic music in the 1960s. Along with Professor Longhair, Dr. John is heir to the rich New Orleans tradition. He is perhaps best known for "Right Place, Wrong Time", an international hit in 1973, reissued and used on soundtracks many times since.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, his professional musical career began as a session musician in New Orleans in the 1950s. Early on he also played guitar and was often known as Mac Rebennack. He switched to the bass ("the lowest time of my life"), and then the piano after his index finger was nearly shot off protecting his bandmate and longtime friend Ronnie Barron. He gained fame beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with music that combined New Orleans-style rhythm and blues with psychedelic rock and stage shows that bordered on voodoo religious ceremonies, including elaborate costumes and headdress. For a time he was billed as Dr. John, The Night Tripper. The name "Dr. John" came from a legendary Louisiana voodoo practitioner from the start of the 19th century.
Dr. John has also done vocals for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' "Luv dat chicken..." jingle, as well as the theme song ("My Opinionation") for the early-1990s television sitcom Blossom. His movie credits include Martin Scorsese's documentary The Last Waltz (in which he joins The Band for a performance of his song "Such a Night") and Blues Brothers 2000 (in which he joins the fictional band The Louisiana Gator Boys to perform the song "New Orleans"). In the 2009 Disney film The Princess and the Frog, Dr. John sings the opening tune, "Down in New Orleans".
In January 2008 Mac Rebennack, Dr. John, was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
Babylon
Dr. John Lyrics
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It's all coming down now
Where's your god now
Merchants and money traders
Selling and collecting souls of men
Nowhere to hide now
It's all coming down
Where's your god now
No zip code
No bank account
Or weight on the scale
(Weigh it on the scales now)
Where's your god now
No incantation for protection
No force coercion or manipulation
No meditation. No tiger's eye now
Where's your god now
Idols will fail and time will run out. Babylon will fall
My Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ is coming soon
In Dr. John's song "Babylon," the lyrics address the state of society and the consequences of living a life consumed by materialism and hedonism. The opening line, "Slaves of comfort and pleasure," suggests that people are trapped in a relentless pursuit of personal comfort and momentary satisfaction. However, the following line, "It's all coming down now," indicates that this way of life is ultimately crumbling and losing its hold on individuals.
The question, "Where's your god now," challenges the listeners to examine their priorities and question the things they have placed above spiritual or moral values. The mention of "Merchants and money traders" refers to those who exploit others for their own financial gain, essentially selling and commodifying human lives. The line "Nowhere to hide now" implies that the repercussions of such actions are inevitable and inescapable.
The chorus repeats the question, "Where's your god now," highlighting the futility of relying on superficial indicators of success or protection. The lyrics suggest that wealth, status, and physical appearance hold no real importance in the face of impending consequences.
The latter part of the song brings a shift in tone and introduces a sense of hope. The lines, "Idols will fail and time will run out. Babylon will fall. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is coming soon," imply that all worldly pleasures and false gods will eventually crumble, making way for a higher power. The reference to Jesus Christ's imminent return presents an alternative and more meaningful path, urging individuals to refocus their values and seek salvation.
In summary, "Babylon" serves as a critique of a society consumed by materialism and instant gratification. It highlights the transience and emptiness of a life solely dedicated to personal comfort and pleasure. The lyrics encourage listeners to reassess their priorities and find solace in a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
Slaves of comfort and pleasure
Trapped in a life centered around material satisfaction and temporary enjoyment
It's all coming down now
The superficial and transient aspects of life are crumbling away
Where's your god now
In the face of destruction, the false idols people worship are powerless
Merchants and money traders
Those who prioritize wealth and profit above all else
Selling and collecting souls of men
Exploiting and manipulating others for personal gain and control
Nowhere to hide now
There is no escape or refuge from the impending consequences
Number won't save you
Your status, possessions, or social standing cannot protect you
No zip code
Your location or privilege holds no significance
No bank account
Material wealth and financial resources offer no salvation
Or weight on the scale
Physical appearance or societal judgments hold no importance
(Weigh it on the scales now)
(Evaluate what truly matters in life)
No incantation for protection
Magical spells or rituals cannot provide safety
No force coercion or manipulation
Attempting to control or influence through power or deceit will fail
No meditation. No tiger's eye now
Searching for inner peace or relying on spiritual symbolism is futile
Where's your god now
In the face of crumbling illusions, the true nature of divine faith is questioned
Idols will fail and time will run out. Babylon will fall
False gods and temporary human creations will ultimately collapse, as time moves forward
My Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ is coming soon
Emphasizing the imminent return of Jesus Christ as the true savior
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: John Roseboro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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