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.
Perdido
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a simple
Southern cracker
Straight outta
South Cackalacka
No Cadillac and no trappin'
I'm as white as you imagined
I'm sweeter than Coca-Cola
Though really I'm just a classic
And all of you want a taste
Cause now I'm slappin'
Like that apple pie
Your Mamaw
Put her back in
Gettin' fat
From cake I'm stackin'
Sellin' fractions of this weight
And not to brag
Just facts
I'm mackin'
The way these honeys come at me
Kickin' back in
My cabana if you wanna come my way
I'm singin'
Perdido Keys
I'm lost on the beach
Pina Coladas
Fuego Muchachas
All in my reach
I'm feelin' myself
I'm livin' on ease
Movin' this money
Keep it 100
Perdido Keys
Head honcho
All White Bronco
All this Cotija
Got me lookin' like a nacho
I get that cheddar
I spend it pronto
I Just keep livin'
Like a small town narco
I ain't got nx worries
My problems I puff puff pass 'em
Been chillin' and just relaxin'
Cause I'm in this higher state
Where life is lavish
Tree is ashless
I'm sippin' on tea that's passioned
I'm meditatin' with Jesus
I got it if you want access
Singin'
Perdido Keys
I'm lost on the beach
Pina Coladas
Fuego Muchachas
All in my reach
I'm feelin' myself
I'm livin' on ease
Movin' this money
Keep it 100
Perdido Keys
I got my toes in the water
Ass on the beach
I got my nose in the sand
I got my lips on the reef
If you're lookin' for somethin'
Come and party with me
You wantin' free from your problems
Well, baby, I got the key-key-keys
Perdido Keys
I'm lost on the beach
Pina Coladas
Fuego Muchachas
All in my reach
I'm feelin' myself
I'm livin' on ease
Movin' this money
Keep it 100
Perdido Keys
Perdido Keys
I'm lost on the beach
Pina Coladas
Fuego Muchachas
All in my reach
I'm feelin' myself
I'm livin' on ease
Movin' this money
Keep it 100
Perdido Keys
Keep it 100
Low Key
Like Key West
The lyrics of Dr. John's song "Perdido" tell the story of a character who embraces his Southern roots and enjoys the simple pleasures of life. He refers to himself as a "Southern cracker" from South Carolina, indicating his down-to-earth nature. Despite not having materialistic possessions like a Cadillac or involvement in illegal activities, he takes pride in his old-fashioned charm and sweetness, which attracts others. The mention of apple pie and stacking cake suggests a sense of indulgence and abundance.
Moving forward, the character describes his experiences on Perdido Keys, a beach destination known for its beauty and relaxation. He paints a picture of paradise, with Pina Coladas, beautiful women (Fuego Muchachas), and a carefree lifestyle within his reach. He emphasizes his self-confidence and contentment, implying that he is enjoying the fruits of his success. The reference to a "small-town narco" is likely metaphorical, suggesting that he has achieved a level of prosperity without resorting to illicit means.
Amidst the beach imagery, the lyrics also convey a sense of escape and freedom from everyday problems. The repetition of the line "You wantin' free from your problems, well, baby, I got the key-key-keys" suggests that this character can provide an escape for others as well. The phrase "keep it 100" conveys the idea of being honest and true, both in personal relationships and in handling money. Ultimately, the song celebrates a laid-back and low-key lifestyle, resembling the tranquility associated with Key West.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Y'all seen my salt shaker?
Hey, have you seen my confidence or swagger?
I'm a simple Southern cracker
I'm a straightforward person from the South
Straight outta South Cackalacka
Originating from South Carolina
No Cadillac and no trappin'
I don't have a fancy car or engage in illegal activities
I'm as white as you imagined
I embody the stereotypical whiteness
I'm sweeter than Coca-Cola
I have a pleasing and pleasant personality
Some even say I'm old fashioned
People consider me traditional or classic
Though really I'm just a classic
But, in reality, I am simply timeless
And all of you want a taste
And everyone desires to experience what I have to offer
Cause now I'm slappin'
Because currently I am successful or doing well
Like that apple pie
Similar to the delightful taste of apple pie
Your Mamaw put her back in
Your grandmother put in the effort or expertise
Gettin' fat, from cake I'm stackin'
Earning more and more wealth and enjoying the benefits
Sellin' fractions of this weight
Selling smaller portions of my influence or success
And not to brag, just facts, I'm mackin'
Without boasting, I'm simply stating the truth that I'm attracting or seducing others
The way these honeys come at me
The way attractive individuals approach me
Kickin' back in my cabana if you wanna come my way
Relaxing in my luxurious space if you're interested in joining me
I'm singin' Perdido Keys
I'm expressing my enjoyment and escapism in Perdido Keys
I'm lost on the beach
I'm freely exploring and disconnected from worries in the beach of Perdido Keys
Pina Coladas, Fuego Muchachas, all in my reach
I can easily have Pina Coladas and attractive women around me
I'm feelin' myself, I'm livin' on ease
I have a strong self-confidence and a carefree lifestyle
Movin' this money, keep it 100
I am managing and making substantial wealth while remaining genuine
Head honcho, all White Bronco
I'm the leader or top figure, just like the famous White Bronco
All this Cotija got me lookin' like a nacho
The abundance of Cotija cheese I possess makes me stand out boldly
I get that cheddar, I spend it pronto
I acquire money swiftly and spend it immediately
I just keep livin' like a small town narco
I continue living a lifestyle reminiscent of a low-level criminal in a small town
I ain't got nx worries
I don't have any worries
My problems I puff puff pass 'em
I quickly let go of my problems and move on
Been chillin' and just relaxin'
I have been consistently relaxing and enjoying leisure time
Cause I'm in this higher state
Because I am in an elevated mental and emotional state
Where life is lavish
Where life is extravagant and luxurious
Tree is ashless
The marijuana I consume does not leave any ash behind
I'm sippin' on tea that's passioned
I am drinking tea that is full of emotion, intensity, or excitement
I'm meditatin' with Jesus
I am engaging in deep contemplation or reflection with spiritual guidance from Jesus
I got it if you want access
I possess what you desire, and you can have it if you want
I got my toes in the water
I am dipping my feet in the water
Ass on the beach
Sitting comfortably on the beach
I got my nose in the sand
I am engrossed or absorbed in the beach environment
I got my lips on the reef
I am experiencing the pleasure and excitement of being close to the coral reef
If you're lookin' for somethin'
If you're in search of something
Come and party with me
Join me and have a great time
You wantin' free from your problems
If you desire to escape or be free from your troubles
Well, baby, I got the key-key-keys
Well, darling, I have the means or solutions
Keep it 100
Keep it real or honest
Low Key
In a discreet or understated manner
Like Key West
Similar to the calm and serene atmosphere of Key West
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: John Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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