Slash told Musicradar.com: "Lemmy's like one of my all-time f---ing heroes, and he's a mate too. I really appreciate everything about him. I asked him to play on the record because it just seemed like one of the coolest things to do. He came in and he wrote these great f---ing words – he's such an awesome lyricist. And the song is basically about the doctor saying that if you keep living the way you are living then you're gonna die and then another doctor saying, keep doing what you're doing you're gonna be fine. And it sort of tells the story of my whole existence!"
Doctor Alibi
Slash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said you're pretty sick
You got some real bad habits
You'd better stop right quick
I said doctor that's real bad news
Don't know what I'm gonna do
There's nothin' wrong with me
Doctor doctor
Can't you see
Doctor
I ain't gonna die
Just write me an alibi
I went to see a shaman
He said you'll be alright
Just keep doin' what you love
Every single night
I said that's what I need to hear
? my childish fears
Doctor
?
Doctor doctor
My oh my
Doctor
You're the one for me
That's the mojo that I need
Don't you know that I feel alright
Doin' what I do
I ain't gonna tow the line
Not till' I turn blue
All I got is one short life
That's what people say
And I ain't gonna waste a second
Doin' what you say
I won't be the one you like
I won't be the boy next door
I won't be the chosen one
That's not what I'm here for
I don't like the way you are
I despise what you hold dear
Don't you try to make me change
I'll haunt you for a thousand years
Doctor
Don't you ?
Doctor
Don't you ?
Doctor
Stay away from me
Sick is what I'd rather be
Doctor
Doctor doctor death
Doctor
Doctor out of breath
Doctor
I ain't gonna die
Just write me an alibi
The song Doctor Alibi is about a person going to see multiple doctors (a regular doctor and a shaman) due to bad habits he has that are making him sick. The regular doctor tells him he needs to stop his habits, but the singer doesn't want to change his lifestyle. He asks the doctor to just give him an alibi instead. The shaman tells him to keep doing what he loves (which is most likely his bad habits) to make him feel better, and the singer agrees with the shaman's advice. The singer emphasizes that he only has one life and doesn't want to waste any time doing things he doesn't enjoy, even if they are supposedly good for his health.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is someone who lives life on his own terms, rejecting societal pressure to conform to what is considered "normal" or "healthy". He sees doctors as trying to change him into something he is not and advocates for personal freedom and doing what makes oneself happy, even if it goes against traditional norms. The chorus repeats the line "Just write me an alibi", emphasizing the singer's unwillingness to change himself and avoid responsibility for his actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I went to see the doctor
I sought medical attention
He said you're pretty sick
The doctor diagnosed me with an ailment
You got some real bad habits
The doctor identified unhealthy practices I engage in
You'd better stop right quick
The doctor advised me to cease these actions immediately
I said doctor that's real bad news
I expressed concern over the diagnosis
Don't know what I'm gonna do
I felt unsure about the course of action to take
Doctor
There's nothin' wrong with me
I denied the doctor's diagnosis
Doctor doctor
Can't you see
I implored the doctor to reconsider their diagnosis
Doctor
I ain't gonna die
Just write me an alibi
I asked the doctor to provide me with a document that excuses my behavior
I went to see a shaman
I sought spiritual advice
He said you'll be alright
The shaman reassured me
Just keep doin' what you love
Every single night
The shaman advised me to continue pursuing my passions
I said that's what I need to hear
? my childish fears
I expressed relief at the shaman's words and addressed my insecurities
Doctor
?
I questioned the doctor's competence
Doctor doctor
My oh my
I expressed disbelief or shock
Doctor
You're the one for me
That's the mojo that I need
I found a doctor who suits my needs
Don't you know that I feel alright
Doin' what I do
I am content with my choices and lifestyle
I ain't gonna tow the line
Not till' I turn blue
I refuse to conform to society's norms or expectations
All I got is one short life
That's what people say
I acknowledge the brevity and value of life
And I ain't gonna waste a second
Doin' what you say
I reject societal pressure and choose to pursue my own interests
I won't be the one you like
I won't be the boy next door
I won't be the chosen one
That's not what I'm here for
I do not strive to conform or please others
I don't like the way you are
I despise what you hold dear
Don't you try to make me change
I'll haunt you for a thousand years
I reject societal norms and will defend my choices and individuality
Doctor
Don't you ?
Doctor
Don't you ?
I challenge the doctor's authority and competence
Doctor
Stay away from me
Sick is what I'd rather be
I reject medical intervention and prefer my current state
Doctor
Doctor doctor death
Doctor
Doctor out of breath
Doctor
I ain't gonna die
Just write me an alibi
I use irony and sarcasm to mock the doctor and reiterate my demand for an alibi
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAUL HUDSON, IAN FRASER KILMISTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@squidwardshouse5431
Laughing in the face of death. Absolute legend. RIP Lemmy.
@leeneale8776
Oh no he aint
@atiredfloridian777
This song is so Lemmy it hurts.
@barbarahernandezpacheco4122
The lyrics are spot on about doctors trying to shove crap into anyone when they're not really sick! Short song but the message gets out loud and clear! Like it xxxx
@FloppyRodrigo
You absolutely sure about that?
@lukesmith720
RIP Lemmy. You were a heavy metal legend. I hope that wherever you are, you are playing with Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darrell, and Jimi Hendrix as a super group. We love you and your music. Your music and legend in Rock N Roll will never die.
@ManuelAlonsoTorres
RIP Lemmy. Descansa en paz maestro del RN'R.
@danielthomas6111
Saw Lemmy make a surprise appearance at the House Of Blues in August 2012 to sing this with Slash and co. , gave me chills!
@ebbanjenkins5960
You lucky lucky bastard !!
@thanoskall8933
The legends never die Lemmy ..You re still alive !