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.
Let's Make a Better
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scheduled just after four
Don't forget your photo I.D.
They'll know you're you, they'll know I'm me
Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate
Your mom don't want some bastard born
It's getting tough and I'm getting scared
But my dad told me "you're never really prepared"
Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate
No one's going to throw rice at us
They say the road that lies ahead is really rough
But I love my baby
And I love you baby
Got a date at the city hall
Scheduled just after four
Don't forget your photo I.D.
They'll know you're you
They'll know I'm me
Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate
In Dr. John's song "Let's Make It Better," the lyrics tell a story of a couple who have decided to get married and are going through the process of making their relationship official. The singer mentions having a date at the city hall, indicating that they are going to get married there. They remind their partner not to forget their photo I.D., hinting at the bureaucratic requirements of the process. The repetition of the phrase "Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate" highlights the desire of the couple to solidify their commitment and make their relationship recognized by society.
The lyrics also touch upon the societal pressure to have a conventional marriage. The line "Your mom don't want some bastard born" suggests that the couple may also be dealing with judgment or disapproval from their families due to being unmarried before this point. The singer expresses their fears and uncertainties about the future, but also references their father's advice that one can never truly be prepared for the challenges that come with marriage.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of determination and love as the couple faces the obstacles ahead. The mention of not receiving rice showers and the belief that the road ahead will be tough point to the idea that the couple may not have the conventional, celebratory wedding experience but are committed to each other nevertheless. The concluding lines affirm the love shared between the couple, emphasizing their willingness to go through the process and make their relationship legitimate.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a date at the city hall
We have an appointment to get married at the city hall
Scheduled just after four
The appointment is set for a time just after four o'clock
Don't forget your photo I.D.
Remember to bring your identification document with a photo
They'll know you're you, they'll know I'm me
The officials will recognize and verify our identities
Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate
We have achieved this milestone, now let's make our relationship official and legal
Your mom don't want some bastard born
Your mother doesn't want us to have a child out of wedlock
Now I'm waking up in the early morn
Now I am waking up early in the morning
It's getting tough and I'm getting scared
The situation is becoming difficult and I am becoming afraid
But my dad told me "you're never really prepared"
But my father advised me that you can never truly be ready for everything
No one's going to throw rice at us
There won't be any traditional celebrations or well-wishes for us
They say the road that lies ahead is really rough
People say that the path we are about to embark on is challenging
But I love my baby
But I deeply love my partner
And I love you baby
And I truly love you, my dear
Got a date at the city hall
We have an appointment to get married at the city hall
Scheduled just after four
The appointment is set for a time just after four o'clock
Don't forget your photo I.D.
Remember to bring your identification document with a photo
They'll know you're you
The officials will recognize and verify your identity
They'll know I'm me
The officials will recognize and verify my identity
Yeah we made it, now let's make it legitimate
We have achieved this milestone, now let's make our relationship official and legal
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Drew Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrThang
Lina, I wish I knew! Here's my best stab so far, a little clearer on 20 Feet from Fame soundtrack:
You pull the fish from the bottom
To the people on the water
To the river
To the levee
To the happy
To the sad
To the first
To the last
From the
To the sky
To the mountain
To the sea
To the left
To the left
To the sky up in the fountain
To the sky
Frederick Aiese
This is what I hear. They all seem to be Biblical references.
Pull the fish from the water
to the people
in the water.
To the river,
To the bank,
To the happy,
To the sad,
Through the first
To the last,
To the fields
From the weeds,
To the flowers
From the seeds,
To the levee
To the fountain
To the sky
To the fountain
in the sky.
It's a great song. My chorus is going to perform it.
mslexii001
You know a good song when you here it in a movie and spend your day 20 minutes trying to find it. Glad I did:)
atty garland
What was the movie?
stephen brown
atty garland holes
Carl Kilpatrick
Yes all the time
wormtownpaul
The brilliant Allen Toussaint producing the arranging. R&B three part counterpoint! This whole album is Toussaint at his very best. RIP you beautiful man.
atty garland
AT is dead??? when? and of what?
Brian Bullard
RIP Dr. John. Your 🎶 made it a beautiful 🌎.
retrogeek994 wholocked
Love this song
Dena Thibodaux
Always relevant, always will be ❤
bananafruitsmoothie
Oh my gosh thank you so much! Ever since I've watched Holes, I have searched and searched for this song! Thanks so much for the upload! This song is great! :D