Dr. John (born Malcolm John Rebennack on 20 November 1941; died 6 June 2019… Read Full Bio ↴Dr. John (born Malcolm John Rebennack on 20 November 1941; died 6 June 2019) was an American singer, pianist, guitarist, and songwriter whose music combined blues, boogie woogie and rock and roll. The winner of six Grammy awards, Rebennack was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by singer John Legend on Monday, March 14, 2011. He was variously known as Mac Rebennack, Dr. John Creaux, Dr. John, the Night Tripper.

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.

Big Chief
Dr. John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Me got fire can't put it out
Heap fire water gonna make me shout
I'm goin' down and get my squaw
Me might buy me a great big car
Me doin every thing me should
Me big chief me feelin good

Me big chief I got em tribe

Got my squaw right by my side
My spyboy he just went by
My flagboy he full of fire

Me whole tribe is havin fun
We gonna dance till mornin come

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dr. John's song, "Big Chief", may seem ambiguous to some listeners unfamiliar with the cultural and musical influences that shaped the original Mardi Gras Indian tradition in New Orleans. The lyrics actually refer to the Mardi Gras Indians as well as the cultural customs and traditions of this sub-culture. The song is essentially about a "Big Chief" who leads his tribe through the streets of the city during the parade, and the lyrics convey the celebratory and joyful spirit of this cultural festival.

The first stanza of the song, "Me got fire can't put it out, Heap fire water gonna make me shout, I'm goin' down and get my squaw, Me might buy me a great big car, Me doin every thing me should, Me big chief me feelin good" depicts the excitement and anticipation of the Big Chief and his tribe as they prepare for the parade. The "fire" in the lyrics is symbolic of the passion and energy that the Big Chief feels as he leads his tribe through the city. The term "squaw" refers to the Big Chief's wife, and the reference to buying a car is a representation of the Big Chief's status and prestige within his community. The second stanza, "Me big chief I got em tribe, Got my squaw right by my side, My spyboy he just went by, My flagboy he full of fire, Me whole tribe is havin fun, We gonna dance till mornin come" continues to convey the Big Chief's pride about his leadership and his tribe's exuberant spirit. The "spyboy" and "flagboy" mentioned in the lyrics refer to members of the Mardi Gras Indian tribe who perform specific roles during the parade. The tribe dancing until morning conveys the idea of a non-stop celebration, which is a key component of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition.

Line by Line Meaning

Me got fire can't put it out
I am so passionate that it cannot be contained.

Heap fire water gonna make me shout
Drinking alcohol will enhance my celebration and make me enthusiastically shout.

I'm goin' down and get my squaw
I am heading towards my wife or girlfriend.

Me might buy me a great big car
Having a lot of money, I could afford to buy myself a luxurious car.

Me doin every thing me should
I am performing all the necessary acts to keep my status high.

Me big chief me feelin good
Being the leader of my tribe, I am feeling great and worthy.

Me big chief I got em tribe
Being the chief of the tribe, the members are under my control.

Got my squaw right by my side
My wife is accompanying me to the event.

My spyboy he just went by
My friend assigned to spot trouble is passing through.

My flagboy he full of fire
My friend assigned to carry the flag is highly energetic and ready to go.

Me whole tribe is havin fun
The entire tribe is enjoying the festivity.