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.
Sick And Tired
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh baby, whatcha gonna do
I'm sick and tired of foolin' around with you
Wake up in the mornin' fix you somethin' to eat,
'fore I go to work I even brush your teeth
Get home in the evenin' and you're still in bed
Got yourself a rag tied 'round you're head.
Oh baby, whatcha gonna do
I'm sick and tired of foolin' around with you
I'm tellin' you baby you'd better change your ways
I'm tellin' you baby I mean what I say
Last time tellin you to stop that jive
Gonna find yourself outside
Oh baby, whatcha gonna do
I'm sick and tired of foolin' around with you
Last time tellin' you baby you'd better change your ways
Last time tellin' you baby I mean what I say
Last time tellin you to stop that jive
Gonna find yourself outside
Oh baby, whatcha gonna do
I'm sick and tired of foolin' around with you
The lyrics of Dr. John's song āSick and Tiredā express frustration and weariness with a partner who is lazy, neglectful, and uninterested in changing their ways. The repetition of the line "Oh baby, whatcha gonna do" reinforces the singer's exasperation with their lover's lack of effort and indicates that the singer is running out of patience. The first verse paints a picture of the singer's daily routine, which includes caring for their partner before work, only to return home to find them still in bed with a rag tied around their head. The second verse is a warning to the lazy partner that they need to change their ways or face the consequences. The singer has reached their limit and is not willing to continue putting up with this behavior. The final verse repeats the warning from the second verse to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and make it clear that this is not an idle threat.
The lyrics of "Sick and Tired" highlight the common struggle in relationships where one person has to carry the load and the other is not willing to put in the effort. The repeated refrain "Oh baby, whatcha gonna do" is relatable to anyone who has felt the frustration of dealing with a partner who is not pulling their weight. The song also touches on themes of self-respect and standing up for oneself in a relationship. The singer's refusal to tolerate their partner's behavior and their warning that the lazy partner will be left outside if they don't change their ways show a willingness to take action to protect their own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh baby, whatcha gonna do
Asking the partner what actions they are planning to take to improve the relationship
I'm sick and tired of foolin' around with you
Expressing frustration and annoyance with the current state of the relationship
Wake up in the mornin' fix you somethin' to eat,
Detailing a routine act of care and affection for the partner
'fore I go to work I even brush your teeth
Going above and beyond in taking care of the partner's needs
Get home in the evenin' and you're still in bed
Noting the partner's lack of motivation and activity
Got yourself a rag tied 'round you're head.
Painting a picture of the partner looking unkempt and unproductive
I'm tellin' you baby you'd better change your ways
Communicating the partner's need for improvement in order for the relationship to continue
Last time tellin you to stop that jive
Warning the partner that their negative behavior will no longer be tolerated
Gonna find yourself outside
Threatening to end the relationship if the partner does not make positive changes
Lyrics Ā© BMG Rights Management
Written by: FRANCIS DOMINIC NICHOLAS ROSSI, RICHARD JOHN PARFITT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jesperkragh
An amazing transcription! I really love listening to and ready the music at the same time.
@chazinko
Thanks for this great transcription! Reminds me of James Booker's "Tell Me How Do You Feel".
@elfandenadie2970
Es increible el talento que tenes para transcribir,cualquier estilo de musicašš...muy agradecidošsaludos desde argentina.
@carminepullano6762
Molto bello, complimenti!
@user-ff6lm4xe5y
The king of stride piano