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.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I'm king they'll treat me with respect
I can't wait to watch their poor hearts breaking
So much for politically correct
Up 'til now I've pulled my punches
I intend to eat their lunches
No more Mr. Nice Guy, not for me
If you think that I'm hard-hearted
Well, let me by, I haven't even started
No more Mr. Nice Guy, no siree
Soon as my witchcraft has zinged them
I'll gain control of the kingdom
As for Odette, well that's tragic
Cause I'm going back to that old black magic
Good behavior is so much duller
Time to show my one true color
Baby, Mr. Nice Guy's history
Vengeance is what I believe in
I don't get mad, I get even
Odette can't get to the ball 'cause I won't bring her
So I'll zap up a date who's a real dead ringer
Up to no good, I love plottin'
Cause I'm so good when I'm rotten
No more Mr. Nice Guy, wait and see (wait and see)
I'll become that nasty, naughty, very spiteful
Wicked, wayward, way delightful
Bad guy I was born to be
One more time
Lying, loathsome, never tender
Indiscreet repeat offender
No more Mr. Nice Guy, that's not me
The song "No More Mr. Nice Guy" by Dr. John is a powerful declaration of self-empowerment and liberation from societal norms. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been holding back his true self in order to fit into society's standards of good behavior and political correctness. However, with his newfound power, he is no longer content with playing nice.
The first verse reveals that the singer is enjoying the fear he instills in others, and he looks forward to the day when he will be treated with respect. He declares that he will no longer pull his punches, and he intends to take what he wants without remorse. He sees himself as a master of witchcraft, capable of gaining control of the kingdom.
In the second verse, he speaks of Odette, a character who is tragically left out of the ball. He refuses to help her but instead plans to use his powers to manipulate a new date. He revels in his wickedness, enjoying the thrill of plotting and being bad. He declares that he was "born to be" the bad guy he is becoming.
Overall, the song is about breaking free from societal norms and embracing one's true self, even if that means being the "bad guy." It is a reminder that sometimes, the most freeing thing we can do is to stop trying to please others and start pursuing our own desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Gosh, it's such a hoot to see them quaking
It's enjoyable to see others frightened by me.
When I'm king they'll treat me with respect
When I am in charge, I'll be treated with respect.
I can't wait to watch their poor hearts breaking
I am looking forward to seeing their hearts ache.
So much for politically correct
I'm not concerned with being politically correct.
Up 'til now I've pulled my punches
Until now, I've been holding back.
I intend to eat their lunches
I am planning to defeat them easily.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, not for me
I am done being a nice guy.
If you think that I'm hard-hearted
If you believe that I am cruel,
Well, let me by, I haven't even started
You have yet to see my worst behavior.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, no siree
I won't be a nice guy anymore.
Soon as my witchcraft has zinged them
As soon as my magic harms them
I'll gain control of the kingdom
I'll be able to control the kingdom easily.
As for Odette, well that's tragic
As for Odette, it's unfortunate.
Cause I'm going back to that old black magic
I'm going back to using dark magic.
Good behavior is so much duller
Being good is tedious.
Time to show my one true color
It's time for me to reveal my true nature.
Baby, Mr. Nice Guy's history
I am no longer a nice person.
Vengeance is what I believe in
I am all about revenge.
I don't get mad, I get even
I don't just get upset, I retaliate.
Odette can't get to the ball 'cause I won't bring her
Odette won't be allowed at the ball because of me.
So I'll zap up a date who's a real dead ringer
I'll create an imposter to take her place.
Up to no good, I love plottin'
I enjoy making evil plans.
Cause I'm so good when I'm rotten
I'm skilled at being a bad person.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, wait and see (wait and see)
Wait and see how much I will change.
I'll become that nasty, naughty, very spiteful
I will become spiteful, mischievous, and unpleasant.
Wicked, wayward, way delightful
I'll be evil, disobedient, and quite enjoyable.
Bad guy I was born to be
Being a bad guy is simply who I am.
One more time
I'll say it again.
Lying, loathsome, never tender
I'll be dishonest, despicable, and never gentle.
Indiscreet repeat offender
I will be an imprudent habitual lawbreaker.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, that's not me
I am not a nice person; that's not who I am.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID ZIPPEL, LEX DE AZEVEDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve
on Holdin' Pattern
Looking for the Lyrics "Holdin' Pattern" by Dr. John.
Perry
on I Been Hoodood (LP Version)
Not The Correct Lyrics Listed