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.
Just Like a Mirror
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dead hands – the ones that held you before
Dead eyes – just like two black holes
Who would have thought this is me?
Who would have thought this is me?
Dead words – the ones that you heard before
Dead lungs – can't breathe like they breathed before
Dead soul – seems like a terminal void
I came to bring you my petition
No longer want your recognition
Just like Judas – my eyes fixed to the floor
I'll step right through that door
To say my last goodbye
Just like Judas – I had been warned before
But blinded to the core
I cannot hear you cry
This world – I think I've said it before
This world – don't wanna face it no more
I'm pained – by what I've done to you
Who would have thought this is me?
I came to say that I desert you
This is the last time I will hurt you
Just like Judas – my eyes fixed to the floor
I'll step right through that door
To say my last goodbye
Just like Judas – I had been warned before
But blinded to the core
I cannot hear you cry
You're fine – you'll find a new refugee
You're fine – you'll be what you want to be
This time – I wanna please you no more
Who would have thought this is me?
I came to say that I desert you
This is the last time I will hurt you
Just like Judas my eyes fixed to the floor
I'll step right through that door
To say my last goodbye
Just ...
The lyrics to Dr. John's song "Just Like a Mirror" depict a person who has grown tired of who they have become. They describe their body parts as "dead," indicating that they have lost the ability to connect with others and possibly feel emotions. They also mention their regret for hurting those they care for, stating that they cannot face the pain they have caused anymore.
The imagery of Judas is used throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's feeling of betrayal and possibly self-loathing. The reference is also used to show their acceptance of their fate and willingness to leave behind what they once knew, even if it means leaving behind those they care for.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of defeat and resignation. The singer acknowledges their mistakes and limitations, and they seem to have accepted their fate as a lonely and disconnected individual. It is a raw and honest portrayal of a person who has lost themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Dead legs – don't wanna use 'em no more
I am tired and weak, and I no longer wish to continue using my legs to carry me forward.
Dead hands – the ones that held you before
My hands, which once held onto you with love, are now lifeless and incapable of providing you with the same tenderness.
Dead eyes – just like two black holes
My eyes, once bright and full of life, now resemble empty black voids, lacking any semblance of emotion.
Who would have thought this is me?
It is surprising to see how far I have fallen and how much I have changed from who I used to be.
Dead words – the ones that you heard before
My words, which have been repeated and heard before, are now without life or meaning, falling flat when spoken.
Dead lungs – can't breathe like they breathed before
My ability to breathe and speak has been diminished, and it is now difficult for me to express myself with the same vitality as before.
Dead soul – seems like a terminal void
My soul is hollow and empty, without any hope of being filled, leaving me feeling bored and unfulfilled.
I came to bring you my petition
I have come to offer you a request or plea, hoping that you might understand my perspective.
No longer want your recognition
I am no longer interested in seeking your approval or acknowledgement for my actions or behavior.
Just like Judas – my eyes fixed to the floor
Like Judas, I feel guilty and ashamed, my gaze fixed downward in a show of submission and remorse.
I'll step right through that door
I am ready to leave and move on, accepting the consequences of my actions and the mistakes I have made.
To say my last goodbye
This will be the final farewell between us, letting go of any lingering feelings or attachments between us.
But blinded to the core
Despite warnings and foreknowledge of the consequences of my actions, I was blinded by my own ego and could not see or understand the potential harm I was causing.
I cannot hear you cry
Even if you are upset or hurt by my leaving, I cannot allow my emotions to be swayed, as I know that leaving is the right thing to do for both of us.
This world – I think I've said it before
I have expressed my feelings about this world previously, and I do not want to face its hardships and difficulties any longer.
I'm pained – by what I've done to you
I am feeling emotional distress and sorrow over what I have put you through, understanding that my actions have caused harm and pain.
This is the last time I will hurt you
I want to make it clear that I am leaving now to prevent any further pain or hurt from being inflicted upon you by my actions or words.
You're fine – you'll find a new refugee
You will be okay, and you will be able to find a place where you feel safe and secure, even if it is without me.
You're fine – you'll be what you want to be
You are capable and strong enough to achieve your dreams and aspirations, even if I am not by your side.
This time – I wanna please you no more
I have realized that my desire to please you has caused me to make sacrifices and concessions that have been detrimental to my own well-being, and I can no longer do so.
I came to say that I desert you
I am here now to tell you that I am leaving and abandoning you, in the hopes that you will be able to move on and heal from the pain I have caused.
Just like Judas my eyes fixed to the floor
Once again, I draw a parallel to Judas, feeling ashamed and guilty for my actions, my eyes fixed on the ground in a sign of remorse and regret.
To say my last goodbye
This is the final farewell between us, and I am ready to say my goodbyes and move on with my life, leaving you behind in the process.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Klaus Bluetner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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