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.
You Lie
Dr. John Lyrics
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Nosey pryin'
Twistin' facts
Behind their backs
So low down
Over town
Bad mouth friends
Till the end
Say this go get 'em
You lie 'em
Truth sound better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
Rank and evil
Edge of legal
Bent church steeple
Connin' people
Back fence talk
Chicken squawk
Square goods save
Tidal wave
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
No plea bargain
No cheap cop out
The truth sound better
Than what you're about
No plea bargain
No cheap cop out
The truth sound better
Than what you're about
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
In hell, Satan's go-getter
You lie when the truth sounds better
The lyrics of Dr. John's song "You Lie" are about deceit and falsehoods. The song speaks many kinds of lies including twisting facts, badmouthing friends, and conniving people, among other things. The song condemns these practices, asserting that the truth sound better than these lies. The song seems to be a warning about the consequences of lying, it suggests that those who constantly deceive others will end up in hell, which is described as Satan's go-getter. The song speaks about the importance of telling the truth, and that it is a more worthwhile option than lying.
Line by Line Meaning
High price lyin'
Engaging in deceitful behavior that has significant consequences
Nosey pryin'
Intrusively seeking information that is not one's business
Twistin' facts
Distorting information to fit one's own agenda
Behind their backs
Engaging in negative behavior when others are not present
So low down
Displaying behavior that is morally reprehensible
Over town
Engaging in negative behavior throughout the community
Bad mouth friends
Speaking negatively about people with whom one has a relationship
Till the end
Continuing to engage in negative behavior without remorse
Girl you hear
Addressing someone who has engaged in negative behavior
Say this go get 'em
Encouraging others to confront someone about their negative behavior
You lie 'em
Engaging in deceptive behavior
Truth sound better
One should always strive to be truthful, as honesty is the better option
In hell, Satan's go-getter
One who engages in deceitful, immoral behavior will ultimately face dire consequences
Rank and evil
A description of behavior that is deeply immoral and depraved
Edge of legal
Engaging in behavior that is just barely legal
Bent church steeple
Using corrupt tactics in a holy or righteous setting
Connin' people
Tricking people for personal gain or advantage
Back fence talk
Gossiping or spreading rumors behind someone's back
Chicken squawk
Engaging in meaningless, frivolous conversation
Square goods save
Being honest and straightforward can prevent future consequences
Tidal wave
The repercussions of negative behavior can have a significant impact
No plea bargain
One cannot simply bargain their way out of negative behavior
No cheap cop out
One cannot take the easy way out of negative behavior
Than what you're about
Engaging in truthful behavior is a better option than continuing negative behavior
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Downtown Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAN AUERBACH, LEON MICHELS, NICK MOVSHON, BRIAN OLIVE, MALCOLM REBENNACK, MAXIMILIAN WEISSENFELDT
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