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.
Blue Monk
Dr. John Lyrics
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Got to work like a slave all day
Here come Tuesday, oh, hard Tuesday
Got no time, got no time to play
Here come Wednesday, I'm beat to my socks
My girl calls, got to tell her that I'm out
But Thursday is a hard workin' day
Saturday mornin', Saturday mornin'
All my tiredness have gone away
Got my money and my honey
And I'm out on the stand to play
Sunday mornin' my head is bad
But it's worth it for the time I had
But I've got to get my rest
'Cause Monday is a mess
Saturday mornin', Saturday mornin'
All my tiredness have gone away
Got my money and my honey
And I'm out on the stand to play
Sunday mornin' my head is bad
But it's worth it for the time I had
But I've got to get my rest
'Cause Monday is a mess
The song Blue Monk by Dr. John is a classic blues tune that tells the tale of a man going through the weekly grind. The lyrics are relatable to most people who have jobs and need to work hard to make ends meet, but also yearn for some rest and fun. The opening verse sets the tone for the song, where the singer expresses his hatred towards Mondays, as they require him to work like a slave all day long. Tuesdays are no better, as he has no time to play, followed by Wednesdays on which he is completely exhausted. On Thursday he has to work harder than ever, but the end of the week, Friday, brings his much-awaited paycheck.
The second half of the song describes the weekends, where the singer finally gets time to rest and have fun. Saturdays are described as the best days of the week as he is out on the street to play with his money and honey. Sunday mornings may bring a bad hangover, but it is all worth it for the time he had. The song ends with the singer's longing to rest before another week of hard work starts.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue Monday, how I hate Blue Monday
I despise Monday because I have to start my work week.
Got to work like a slave all day
I work excessively hard for long hours like a slave.
Here come Tuesday, oh, hard Tuesday
Tuesday is just as tough as Monday.
Got no time, got no time to play
I have no time to relax or have fun because of work.
Here come Wednesday, I'm beat to my socks
By Wednesday, I am completely exhausted.
My girl calls, got to tell her that I'm out
I have to cancel plans with my girlfriend because of work.
But Thursday is a hard workin' day
Thursday is another demanding day at work.
Friday, I get my pay
Finally, on Friday, I receive my hard-earned paycheck.
Saturday mornin', Saturday mornin'
On Saturday morning, I wake up refreshed and ready to relax.
All my tiredness have gone away
I feel rejuvenated after a much-needed break from work.
Got my money and my honey
I have both my paycheck and my girlfriend for company.
And I'm out on the stand to play
I go out to have fun and play some music.
Sunday mornin' my head is bad
On Sunday morning, I am hungover and not feeling well.
But it's worth it for the time I had
But the fun I had the night before was worth it.
But I've got to get my rest
I need to get some sleep to recover from the weekend's activities.
'Cause Monday is a mess
Because Monday marks the start of another grueling work week.
Writer(s): Thelonious Monk, Monk Thelonious
Contributed by Liam A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Krzysztof Falkowski
This was beautiful! Loved it.
2quundar
Thanks so much for this jewel ( not easy to find, btw).
Tom van Bogget
Great surprise! THNXS a lot