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.

Hit The Road To Dreamland
Dr. John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bye bye baby
Time to hit the road to dreamland
You're mine baby
Dig you in the land of nod
Hold tight baby
We'll be swinging up in dreamland
All night baby
Where the little cherubs trot

Well look at that knocked out moon
You been a-blowing his top in the blue
Never saw the likes of you
Bye bye baby
Time to hit the road to dreamland
Don't cry baby
It was divine but the rooster has finally crowed
Time to hit the road

Look at that knocked out moon
He been a-blowing his top in the blue
Never saw the likes of you
Bye bye baby
Time to hit the road to dreamland
Don't cry baby
Well it was divine but the cuckoo has finally crowed
Time to hit the road

Time to hit the road
Time to hit the road

Overall Meaning

The opening lines "Bye bye baby, time to hit the road to dreamland" signify the end of an evening or night together and the beginning of sleep. The singer is addressing their partner as they prepare for bed and are wishing them goodnight. The lyrics continue with references to the land of nod which refers to a state of sleep, and swinging in dreamland which likely refers to the peaceful and comforting nature of sleep. The little cherubs mentioned in the lyrics may be a reference to the angels who are believed to watch over us as we sleep. The use of the moon also evokes a sense of peace and calmness, as it is often associated with the night and the solitude that comes with it.

The lyrics go on to say "Never saw the likes of you" which could be interpreted as the singer expressing their admiration and affection for their partner, suggesting that they are one of a kind. The singer also acknowledges that the evening or night spent together was divine but that it is now time to sleep as the rooster has finally crowed.

Overall, the lyrics of "Hit The Road To Dreamland" convey the feeling of winding down at the end of a long day and embracing the rejuvenating effects of sleep. It is a gentle and soothing song that encourages relaxation and peace.

Line by Line Meaning

Bye bye baby
Farewell, my beloved

Time to hit the road to dreamland
It's time to journey to the magical world of dreams

You're mine baby
You belong to me

Dig you in the land of nod
Let's indulge in slumber and enter the realm of dreams

Hold tight baby
Stay close to me

We'll be swinging up in dreamland
We'll be enjoying ourselves in the fantastical world of dreams

All night baby
We'll be there all night long

Where the little cherubs trot
In the place where angels and heavenly beings roam freely

Well look at that knocked out moon
Observe the exhausted moon

You been a-blowing his top in the blue
You've been exerting your influence on the moon, causing him to be overwhelmed

Never saw the likes of you
I've never seen anyone like you