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.
What Comes Around
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't understand 'cause I can't swim
Don't space me out on no reef
If I got a pretty bad idea
I don't want no excuses
I want to see some results
Don't try and cut me out
What goes around
Comes around
What goes around
Goes around
What goes around
Comes around
What comes around
Goes around
And the way it goes up
The way it drops down, down, down
I don't want no alibi
Down the bye [unverified]
I don't need no way to tell ya
Your love could be more sharin'
Don't want to hear no excuses
I just want to see some results
Yeah, Annie, don't you get in my boat
Girl, still, I'll check your pulse
What goes around
Comes around
What goes around
Goes around
What goes around
Comes around
What comes around
Goes around
The way it goes up
The way it drops down, down, down
The opening lines of What Comes Around by Dr. John depict a sense of unease and a plea for understanding. The singer implores the listener not to leave him in a vulnerable position, comparing it to being hung out to dry on a limb or placed in the midst of danger on a reef. The verse seems to touch on the singer's feelings of being invisible or unable to cope with the world around him, and is reinforced by the line "I don't understand 'cause I can't swim." This sense of isolation is further emphasized by the repetition of the line "I don't want no excuses, I want to see some results," which suggests that the singer is trying to make himself understood, but is struggling to get his point across.
As the song progresses, the repetitive chorus of "what goes around comes around" takes on a more ominous tone, alluding to the idea that actions have consequences. The lyrics seem to speak to a karmic philosophy that suggests that the universe has a way of balancing the scales: if you do good, eventually good things will come your way, and if you do bad, eventually you will reap the consequences. This is further emphasized by the warning "girl, still, I'll check your pulse," which seems to suggest that the singer is aware that his actions will have repercussions, and that he is not afraid to take responsibility for them.
Overall, What Comes Around is a song that seems to speak to a sense of insecurity and vulnerability, but is ultimately optimistic in its message that the choices we make will ultimately determine our fate. Through its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, it encourages listeners to be mindful of their actions and to take responsibility for their choices, no matter what the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you hang me out on no limb
Please don't abandon me or leave me hanging in a difficult situation.
I don't understand 'cause I can't swim
I don't comprehend the situation because it's out of my expertise and experience.
Don't space me out on no reef
Please don't isolate me or leave me stranded in a bleak or dangerous environment.
If I got a pretty bad idea
If I have a risky or unwise plan in mind.
I don't want no excuses
I don't want to hear any justifications or rationalizations for not delivering what's expected or promised.
I want to see some results
I want to observe tangible or measurable outcomes of your efforts or actions.
Don't try and cut me out
Don't attempt to exclude me or remove me from a desirable situation or group.
Girl, let me check your pulse
My addressal to a female, asking her to show signs of life or passion in her conduct or behavior.
What goes around
The consequences of one's actions and decisions.
Comes around
The return or repercussion of one's actions and decisions.
What comes around
The consequences of one's actions and decisions.
Goes around
The return or repercussion of one's actions and decisions.
And the way it goes up
The manner in which success or fortune is achieved.
The way it drops down, down, down
The way in which failure or misfortune is encountered.
I don't want no alibi
I don't want any excuses or explanations for why something failed or didn't turn out well.
Down the bye [unverified]
An unclear phrase probably intended to mean absence or departure.
I don't need no way to tell ya
I don't require any explicit statement or expression to make my point or feelings clear.
Your love could be more sharin'
Your affection or kindness can and should be more generous or reciprocal.
Yeah, Annie, don't you get in my boat
A direct address to a woman named Annie, telling her not to interfere or join me in my endeavors.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MAC REBENNACK, MALCOLM J. REBENNACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NedziN67
If you're watching this in 2024 you're a legend
@fleaR2D2
thanks dude
@hdmarris5874
Idc if i'm listening or watching in 2021 i'm a mf'ing legend anyways.
@crystalquartz1224
yessir
@lisatorres353
honestly
@lifeofhenryhigh
lets goooo!!!
@lmPeely
Its April 2024, let's see how many legends are listening to this incredible song
@kyoh5
Yes I'm! :)
@luluzuma3230
yeeea
@nappyworld1319
You already know it