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.

Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
Dr. John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Woman, don't you give me no crocodile tears
I'll never take you back in a million years

Don't let the sun catch you cryin'
Cryin' at my front door
You done daddy dirty
He sure don't want you no more
Don't let the sun catch you lyin'

Lyin' at my front door
Daddy's done turned salty
And baby, you made him so sore
You can cry, cry, cry
Yes baby, you can wail
Beat your little head on the pavement
Till the man comes and throws you in jail
Don't let the sun catch you cryin'
Cryin' at my front door
You done your daddy dirty
I tell you, he just don't want you no more

Don't let the sun catch you lyin'
Lyin' at my front door
Daddy's done turned salty
Baby, you made him so sore

Whoa, you know you done me dirty now
And I just don't want you no more

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" by Dr. John is a jealousy-fueled tale of a woman who has wronged her lover and now faces the consequences of her actions. The singer of the song is angry and bitter towards the woman who betrayed him and left him feeling salty. He warns her not to let the sun catch her crying or lying at his front door, implying that her attempts at remorse will not be successful in winning him back. He wishes her the pain that she has caused him and even suggests that she cry her heart out until the police throw her in jail.

The lyrics are filled with metaphorical language, like "crocodile tears" and "turning salty," which add to the overall dark tone of the song. The repetition of the phrase "don't let the sun catch you crying" creates a haunting effect and emphasizes the consequences that the woman will face if she does not heed the singer's warning. The song's blues-inspired melody and Dr. John's raw, soulful vocals add to the intensity of the lyrics and make for a powerful performance.

Overall, "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of dishonesty and betrayal in a relationship, and serves as a warning to anyone who may be inclined to cheat or deceive their partner.

Line by Line Meaning

Woman, don't you give me no crocodile tears
Do not pretend to cry in order to gain sympathy or forgiveness from me

I'll never take you back in a million years
I will never forgive you, no matter how much time passes

Don't let the sun catch you cryin'
Do not allow anyone to see you crying

Cryin' at my front door
Especially not at my home

You done daddy dirty
You have betrayed me, your father figure

He sure don't want you no more
You have lost any chance of being accepted or loved by me

Don't let the sun catch you lyin'
Do not let anyone catch you lying

Lyin' at my front door
Especially not at my home

Daddy's done turned salty
I am very upset and bitter towards you

And baby, you made him so sore
Your actions have caused me significant pain and hurt

You can cry, cry, cry
You are allowed to cry and express your emotions