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.

Danger Zone
Dr. John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rocks on the road. Extraordinary load
Probably meant to make this journey last
Probably meant to hinder all this progress of man
While forgetting what was once a plaster caste

Plaster Caste around my legs and I can't move without my crutches
Plaster Caste around my wrist, I can't even write my name
Plaster Caste around this heart of mine, unfelt but working overtime

I'd give three nickels for a dime, to find out whose to blame

Prescriptions filled. Time just being killed
Well I guess this drugstore counter's not my style
I guess I shouldn't linger in this misty magic dome
Clay feet attached to square ceramic tile

Plaster Caste around my legs and I can't move without my crutches
Plaster Caste around my wrist, I can't even write my name
Plaster Caste around this heart of mine, unfelt but working overtime
I'd give three nickels for a dime, to find out whose to blame

Ah, but perhaps I don't believe this institution
With its bureaucratic schemes and precedent
Has an answer to this air and noise pollution
And the clever way that money gets misspent

So much to do. Catching the Asian flu
And wondering when the pages start to turn
Wondering when this scenery of dark maroon and gray
Gets colored here with something more to learn

Plaster Caste around my legs and I can't move without my crutches
Plaster Caste around my wrist, I can't even write my name
Plaster Caste around this heart of mine, unfelt but working overtime
I'd give three nickels for a dime, to find out whose to blame

I've seen rocks on the road. Extraordinary load
Probably meant to make this journey last

Probably meant to hinder all this progress of man
While forgetting what was once a plaster caste

Overall Meaning

"Danger Zone" by Dr. John is a song that expresses a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the current state of society and the obstacles that hinder progress. The lyrics use the metaphor of a "plaster caste" to represent the limitations and restrictions imposed upon individuals, preventing them from fully living their lives and finding their true potential.

The first verse suggests that there are rocks on the road, symbolizing obstacles deliberately placed to prolong the journey and impede progress. These obstacles are designed to hinder human advancement and prevent society from moving forward. The reference to a "plaster caste" alludes to a restrictive environment where the singer feels trapped, unable to move or act without support. This could signify a lack of personal freedom or the stifling effect of societal norms.

The second verse emphasizes the singer's frustration with the status quo, expressed through prescriptions being filled and time being wasted. The drugstore counter serves as a symbol of the mundane and unfulfilling aspects of life. The mention of "clay feet attached to square ceramic tile" suggests being stuck in a routine or conforming to societal expectations. The plaster caste around different body parts represents the various ways in which the singer feels confined and unable to fully express themselves.

In the final verse, the song touches on issues such as pollution, corruption, and the deceptive nature of money. The lyrics convey a skepticism towards institutions and their inability to provide solutions for societal problems. There is a sense of urgency and a desire for change, as the singer contemplates the need for something more meaningful and substantial in their life.

Overall, "Danger Zone" portrays a feeling of disillusionment and a yearning for freedom from the restrictions and obstacles that hinder personal growth and societal progress.

Line by Line Meaning

Rocks on the road. Extraordinary load
Obstacles and challenges that come along the journey of life, intentionally placed to prolong the journey and impede progress

Probably meant to make this journey last
It is likely that these obstacles are intended to prolong the journey and make it more difficult

Probably meant to hinder all this progress of man
The purpose of these obstacles is to obstruct and impede the advancement and development of humanity

While forgetting what was once a plaster caste
While disregarding the sense of constraint and limitations that used to hold me back

Plaster Caste around my legs and I can't move without my crutches
Feeling trapped and unable to move forward without relying on support and assistance

Plaster Caste around my wrist, I can't even write my name
Feeling restricted and unable to express oneself or make any meaningful contribution

Plaster Caste around this heart of mine, unfelt but working overtime
A sense of emotional confinement and burden that goes unnoticed but still impacts deeply

I'd give three nickels for a dime, to find out whose to blame
Willing to pay a significant price to uncover the responsible parties behind these limitations and hurdles

Prescriptions filled. Time just being killed
Filling up on mundane tasks and mundane distractions that waste time

Well I guess this drugstore counter's not my style
Realizing that engaging in mundane activities and distractions does not align with one's true nature or preferences

I guess I shouldn't linger in this misty magic dome
Recognizing the need to break free from the illusions and traps that hold one back

Clay feet attached to square ceramic tile
Feeling anchored and restricted to a mundane and confining existence

Ah, but perhaps I don't believe this institution
Expressing doubt and skepticism towards the established systems and institutions

With its bureaucratic schemes and precedent
Referring to the manipulative and complex nature of the institutional structures and their reliance on past actions

Has an answer to this air and noise pollution
Questioning whether these institutions have the solutions to the problems of environmental pollution and excessive noise

And the clever way that money gets misspent
Recognizing the deceitful and manipulative ways in which money is often misused and misallocated

So much to do. Catching the Asian flu
Feeling overwhelmed by the numerous tasks and responsibilities, while also being affected by external challenges

And wondering when the pages start to turn
Contemplating when significant changes and progress will occur

Wondering when this scenery of dark maroon and gray
Questioning when the dull and monotonous surroundings will be transformed into something more vibrant and engaging

Gets colored here with something more to learn
Anticipating the arrival of valuable and enlightening experiences that will enhance personal growth

I've seen rocks on the road. Extraordinary load
Having personally witnessed the existence of obstacles and burdens along life's journey

Probably meant to make this journey last
It is likely that these obstacles are intended to prolong the journey and make it more challenging

Probably meant to hinder all this progress of man
The purpose of these obstacles is to obstruct and impede the advancement and development of humanity

While forgetting what was once a plaster caste
While disregarding the sense of constraint and limitations that used to hold me back

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: John Wurzer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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