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.
My Indian Red
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got a Big Chief, Big Chief, Big Chief of the Nation
Wild, wild creation
He won't bow down, down on the ground
Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red
I will take only what I need
Just enough for me and my lover
I will take only what I need
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
The song "My Indian Red" by Dr. John is an ode to the Mardi Gras Indian culture, specifically celebrating the Big Chief of the tribe. The lyrics "I've got a Big Chief, Big Chief, Big Chief of the Nation, Wild, wild creation, He won't bow down, down on the ground" glorify the Big Chief, who is a respected and revered figure in the Mardi Gras Indian tradition. The opening lyrics "Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey" are a traditional Indian chant, widely used in Mardi Gras Indian music. The line "Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red" refers to the traditional Indian chant for calling out and identifying oneself as a member of a particular tribe.
The second half of the song is about the singer's connection to nature and the importance of taking only what is necessary. The lyrics "When I throw my net in the river, I will take only what I need, Just enough for me and my lover, I will take only what I need" express the idea of living in harmony with nature and respecting its resources. This can be seen as a reflection of the Mardi Gras Indian culture's connection to nature and the earth.
Line by Line Meaning
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Celebrating the tribal root of the music and its African American roots.
I've got a Big Chief, Big Chief, Big Chief of the Nation
Proudly proclaiming the singer's leadership status within the tribe.
Wild, wild creation
Describing the Big Chief's energy and untamable spirit.
He won't bow down, down on the ground
The Big Chief's refusal to submit to outside forces, and his perseverance in the face of adversity.
Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red
The singer's admiration and respect for the Big Chief's personal strength and his cultural identity.
When I throw my net in the river
The singer's connection to the land and to the traditions of his tribe.
I will take only what I need
Emphasizing the importance of harmony with the natural world.
Just enough for me and my lover
Expressing the idea that the singer desires a simple life, shared with someone special.
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Repeating the opening refrain, and blending the African and Native American musical traditions.
Mighty cooty fiyo, hey la hey, hey la hey
Repeating the opening refrain, and blending the African and Native American musical traditions.
Lyrics © MADISON LEISURE CORP.
Written by: DANIEL BARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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