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.
Stealin'
Dr. John Lyrics
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So much fun I'd do it all the time
Just like that little old woman of mine
Sweet and juicy lord, and, oh so fine
Lord have mercy that's a fine little woman
Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea!
Stealin' his melons by the mellow moonlight
He cocked his shotgun, his old dog bit me
All have heard me holler when that rock salt hit me
Ow! What you do that for?
Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea!
Oh yes, John!
I'm coming over babe to sing you my song
It's kind of sweet it's just ain't very long
When I'm wild about that something you got
I got to get it while it's good and hot
Hot dog that's too hot to hold
Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea! Oh yea!
I love that something you got
I love that something you got
I love that something you got
I love that something you got
The lyrics of "Stealin'" by Dr. John depict a playful and mischievous narrative centered around the act of stealing watermelons off the vine. The singer enjoys the thrill and fun of stealing watermelons so much that they would do it all the time, likening themselves to a little old woman who also engages in such activities. The watermelons are described as sweet, juicy, and fine, emphasizing their desirability.
In the second verse, the tone shifts as the singer recounts a specific incident of getting caught stealing watermelons. They discover a brown cart late at night while stealing melons under the light of the mellow moon. Unfortunately, they are confronted by the owner, who aims a shotgun at them, and their dog bites the singer. The pain and surprise are vividly conveyed through the mention of hollering when hit by rock salt, a form of ammunition. The exclamation of "What you do that for?" expresses the singer's dismay at the sudden aggression.
The final verse takes a different direction, with the lyrics expressing affection and desire towards a person referred to as "babe." The singer plans to visit the person to sing them a sweet, albeit short, song to express their appreciation. The language used suggests a strong physical attraction, with the metaphoric reference to something "hot" that needs to be enjoyed while it is still good. The repetition of "Oh yea!" further emphasizes the enthusiasm and excitement the singer feels.
Overall, the lyrics of "Stealin'" display a mix of playful acts, unexpected consequences, and passionate desires, combining elements of humor, danger, and romance.
Line by Line Meaning
Stealin' watermelons off the vine
Taking watermelons from the vines without permission
So much fun I'd do it all the time
Enjoying it so much that I would do it frequently
Just like that little old woman of mine
Similar to my beloved companion
Sweet and juicy lord, and, oh so fine
Delicious and appealing
Lord have mercy that's a fine little woman
Expressing admiration for a wonderful woman
Found my brown cart late one dark night
Discovered my wagon during a late, dark night
Stealin' his melons by the mellow moonlight
Taking his melons under the gentle moonlight
He cocked his shotgun, his old dog bit me
He readied his shotgun and his dog attacked me
All have heard me holler when that rock salt hit me
Everyone witnessed my loud cries upon being hit by rock salt
Ow! What you do that for?
Exclaiming in pain and questioning the motive behind the attack
I'm coming over babe to sing you my song
Arriving to serenade my beloved with a song
It's kind of sweet it's just ain't very long
The song is somewhat sweet but not particularly lengthy
When I'm wild about that something you got
When I'm passionately attracted to what you possess
I got to get it while it's good and hot
I must obtain it while it is desirable and enticing
Hot dog that's too hot to hold
Expressing surprise or excitement at the intensity of something
I love that something you got
Expressing deep affection for what you possess
I love that something you got
Expressing deep affection for what you possess
I love that something you got
Expressing deep affection for what you possess
I love that something you got
Expressing deep affection for what you possess
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Elvin Bishop
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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