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.
I Just Can't Wait To Be King
Dr. John Lyrics
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So enemies, beware
Well, I've never seen a king of beasts
With quite so little hair
I'm gonna be the main event
Like no king was before
I'm brushin' up on lookin' down
Workin' on my roar
Oh I just can't wait to be king
You have a rather long way to go, young master, if you think
No one sayin' "Do this"
Now when I said that
No one sayin' "Be there"
What I meant was
No one sayin' "Stop that"
No one sayin' "See here"
Now see here
Free to run around all day
Well, that's definitely out
Free to do it all my way
I think it's time that you and I arranged a heart to heart
Kings don't need advice from little hornbills for a start
If this is where the monarchy is headed, count me out
Out of service, out of Africa, I wouldn't hang about
This child is getting wildly out of wing
Simba
Oh, I just can't wait to be king
Everybody look left
Everybody look right
Everywhere you look I'm
Standing in the spotlight
Not yet!
Let every creature go for broke and sing
Let's hear it in the herd, and on the wing
It's gonna be King Simba's finest fling
Oh, I just can't wait to be king
Oh, he just can't wait to be king
Oh, I just can't wait (he just can't wait)
To be king!
The lyrics of "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" from Dr. John's song convey the excitement and anticipation of a young and ambitious character who envisions himself becoming a powerful and respected king. The singer expresses his desire to ascend to the throne and imagines himself as a mighty ruler, warning potential enemies to beware. He humorously remarks on the lack of hair on traditional kings of beasts, implying his own uniqueness and deviation from the norm.
The character exudes confidence and determination as he envisions himself as the main event and the center of attention, aiming to outshine all previous kings. Through phrases like "brushin' up on lookin' down" and "workin' on my roar," he indicates his preparation for leadership and the responsibilities that come with it. Despite acknowledging that his progress so far may be uninspiring, he eagerly looks forward to the challenges and rewards of kingship.
As the song progresses, the singer faces skepticism and resistance from an older, more experienced individual, possibly a mentor figure or advisor. The lyrics highlight a back-and-forth exchange where the young character asserts his independence and desire for freedom, rejecting traditional expectations and restrictions. The conflict between generations and differing perspectives on leadership and authority are depicted through the dialogue between the characters.
Ultimately, the song crescendos with a sense of excitement and celebration as the singer envisions a grand spectacle where all creatures come together to acknowledge his reign. The chorus repeats the singer's eager anticipation to be king, underscoring his youthful exuberance and aspiration for greatness. The song captures themes of independence, ambition, and the complexities of leadership, ultimately culminating in a jubilant declaration of readiness to embrace the role of king with all its challenges and triumphs.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna be a mighty king
I will become a powerful and respected ruler
So enemies, beware
Those who oppose me should be cautious
Well, I've never seen a king of beasts with quite so little hair
I am confident in my abilities despite my young age and lack of experience
I'm gonna be the main event like no king was before
I will take center stage and surpass all previous rulers
I'm brushin' up on lookin' down workin' on my roar
I am sharpening my skills and preparing to assert my dominance
Thus far a rather uninspiring thing
My current position lacks excitement and fulfillment
Oh I just can't wait to be king
I am eager and impatient to ascend to the throne
You have a rather long way to go, young master, if you think
You still have much to learn and achieve
No one sayin' 'Do this' now when I said that
I want to make my own decisions and not have them dictated to me
No one sayin' 'Be there' what I meant was
I am seeking independence and autonomy
No one sayin' 'Stop that' no one sayin' 'See here'
I desire freedom from restrictions and orders
Free to run around all day well, that's definitely out
I crave the freedom to do as I please, which is currently restricted
Free to do it all my way
I want the liberty to make choices and live according to my own rules
I think it's time that you and I arranged a heart to heart
Let's have a serious and honest conversation about our feelings and intentions
Kings don't need advice from little hornbills for a start
Rulers should not take guidance from inexperienced or lesser beings
If this is where the monarchy is headed, count me out
I want no part in a future where the monarchy functions in this way
Out of service, out of Africa, I wouldn't hang about
I would choose to resign from my position and leave the region
This child is getting wildly out of wing Simba
This young one is becoming too bold and rebellious, Simba
Everybody look left everybody look right
Everyone should pay attention and be aware of their surroundings
Everywhere you look I'm Standing in the spotlight not yet!
I have not yet reached my full potential or achieved the recognition I desire
Let every creature go for broke and sing let's hear it in the herd
Encourage all beings to give their all and express themselves, especially within the group
It's gonna be King Simba's finest fling Oh, I just can't wait to be king
I anticipate that I will have a successful and exciting reign as King Simba
Oh, he just can't wait to be king Oh, I just can't wait (he just can't wait) To be king!
He is eagerly looking forward to ascending to the throne and becoming king
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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