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 'Em In
Dr. John Lyrics
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Somebody's ringin' the bell
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in, let 'em in
Sister Suzie, Brother John
Martin Luther, Phil and Don
Brother Michael, Auntie Gin
Open the door, let 'em in
Sister Suzie, brother John
Martin Luther, Phil and Don
Uncle Ernie, Auntie Gin
Open the door, let 'em in
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in, let 'em in
Sister Suzi, Brother John
Martin Luther, Phil and Don
Uncle Ernie, Uncle Lin
Open the door, let 'em in
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in
The lyrics of "Let 'Em In" by Dr. John are a call to open up and welcome people into one's life. The repeated phrases "Someone's knockin' at the door, Somebody's ringin' the bell" are a metaphor for opportunities, potential relationships, or even personal growth that are waiting to be let into one's life. Dr. John invites the listener to "do [him] a favor" and open the door to whomever or whatever is calling. The list of names that follows - Sister Suzie, Brother John, Martin Luther, Phil and Don, Brother Michael, Auntie Gin, Uncle Ernie, Auntie Gin and Uncle Lin - is a diverse group that includes family members, civil rights leaders, and probably some personal friends of Dr. John. Together, this list represents the kind of community that Dr. John is calling for the listener to build and maintain.
What makes this song particularly poignant is that it was released in 1974 during a time of social and political upheaval in the United States. The civil rights movement was at its peak, and there was widespread distrust and fear of people who were different. By inviting a diverse group of people to come in, Dr. John was making a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity and diversity. The repetition of the lyrics and the cheerful upbeat melody seem to convey a sense of urgency - the listener needs to open up and let people in before it's too late.
Overall, "Let 'Em In" is a song about personal growth, relationships, and the importance of opening up to others. Dr. John's lyrics are both inspiring and relevant to this day, reminding us that we are all part of a larger community and that we need to be open to new experiences and new people.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone's knockin' at the door
There is someone at the door who is trying to get our attention
Somebody's ringin' the bell
They are using the doorbell to announce their presence
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in
Please be kind enough to let them come in
Sister Suzie, Brother John
Specifically referring to these two people, possibly friends or family members
Martin Luther, Phil and Don
The names of other people who are welcome to come in
Brother Michael, Auntie Gin
More people who the singer would like to invite inside
Uncle Ernie, Auntie Gin
A variation of the previous line, with a different uncle and the same aunt
Someone's knockin' at the door
Repeating that there is someone waiting outside
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Repeating that the individual is using the doorbell to announce their presence
Uncle Ernie, Uncle Lin
Changing the uncle from before to another one, who is also welcome
Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in
Repeating the request for the listener to let the visitors come in
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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