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.
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans
Dr. John Lyrics
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And miss it each night and day
I know I'm not wrong, the feeling's getting stronger
The longer I stay away
Miss the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines
Where mockingbirds used to sing
I'd love to see that old lazy Mississippi
The moonlight on the bayou
A Creole tune that fills the air
I dream about magnolias in bloom
And I'm wishin' I was there
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
When that's where you left your heart
And there's one thing more, I miss the one I care for
More than I miss New Orleans
The lyrics of "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" by Dr. John evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for the vibrant city of New Orleans. The singer begins by asking if the listener understands the feeling of missing New Orleans intensely, both during the day and at night, reflecting on how the absence seems to make the connection to the city even stronger as time goes by. This sets the tone for a heartfelt reflection on the memories and emotions tied to the city.
The lyrics paint vivid images of the natural beauty that is synonymous with New Orleans, such as the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines, and the melodic songs of mockingbirds. These descriptions create a sense of longing for the familiar sights and sounds of the city, emphasizing the unique charm and character that make New Orleans so special. The mention of the lazy Mississippi River hurrying into Spring adds a touch of seasonal nostalgia and a longing for the cycle of nature in that particular setting.
The verses also reflect on the cultural and musical heritage of New Orleans, referencing the moonlight on the bayou and a Creole tune in the air. These elements highlight the rich tapestry of music and traditions that define the city, showcasing a yearning for the unique ambiance and atmosphere that New Orleans is known for. The mention of magnolias in bloom further emphasizes the desire to be immersed in the beauty and essence of the city, suggesting a deep yearning to be physically present in that environment once again.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into a more personal aspect of missing New Orleans, as the singer expresses missing not just the city itself but also someone they deeply care for who is associated with New Orleans. This adds a poignant layer to the emotional tapestry of the song, conveying a sense of heartache and longing for both a place and a person that hold significant meaning in the singer's life. The final lines encapsulate this sentiment, highlighting the dual sense of loss and yearning for both New Orleans and a loved one, intertwining personal and geographical longing in a poignant and heartfelt manner.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
Have you ever experienced the deep longing and nostalgia for New Orleans?
And miss it each night and day
Feeling the absence of New Orleans constantly, whether it's day or night
I know I'm not wrong, the feeling's getting stronger
I am certain of my emotions as the longing for New Orleans intensifies
The longer I stay away
The more time I spend away from New Orleans, the stronger the yearning becomes
Miss the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines
Longing for the familiar sights of moss-covered vines and tall sugar pines in New Orleans
Where mockingbirds used to sing
Recalling the sound of mockingbirds singing in the area
I'd love to see that old lazy Mississippi
Yearning to witness the slow-moving Mississippi River once again
Hurrying into Spring
The anticipation of Spring approaching in New Orleans
The moonlight on the bayou
Thinking back on the romantic moonlit nights along the bayou
A Creole tune that fills the air
Reminiscing about the traditional Creole music that used to surround me
I dream about magnolias in bloom
Having vivid dreams of the beautiful magnolia flowers blooming
And I'm wishin' I was there
Wishing I could be present in New Orleans once again
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
Understanding the deep sense of longing for New Orleans, where my heart truly lies
When that's where you left your heart
Realizing that New Orleans is where I have left my heart and soul
And there's one thing more, I miss the one I care for
In addition to New Orleans, missing the loved one I hold close to my heart
More than I miss New Orleans
Feeling the absence of my loved one even more than I miss the city of New Orleans
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie De Lange, Louis Alter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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