Styx is an American rock band from Chicago that formed in 1972 and became f… Read Full Bio ↴Styx is an American rock band from Chicago that formed in 1972 and became famous for its albums released in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for melding hard rock guitar balanced with acoustic guitar, synthesizers mixed with acoustic piano, upbeat tracks with power ballads, and incorporating elements of international musical theatre. The band established itself with a progressive rock sound in the 1970s, and began to incorporate pop rock and soft rock elements in the 1980s.

Styx is best known for the hit songs "Lady", "Come Sail Away", "Babe", "Boat on the River", "The Best of Times", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Renegade" and "Mr. Roboto". The band has had four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum by the RIAA.

I Don't Need No Doctor
Styx Lyrics

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I don't need no doctor
'Cause I know what's ailing me
I don't need no doctor
'Cause I know what's ailing me

I've been too long away from my baby, ahh
I'm coming down with a misery
(I don't need no doctor)

(I don't need no doctor)

I don't need no doctor
For my prescription to be filled
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)

I don't need no doctor, I tell ya now
For my prescription to be filled
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)
Only my baby's arms
Could ever take away this chill
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)

Now the doctor say I need rest
(hey hey)
Before I need her tenderness
(hmmm hmm)
Put me on the critical list
(hey hey)
When all I need is her sweet kiss
(hmmm hmm)
He gave me a medicated lotion
But it didn't soothe
(It didn't soothe)
My emotion
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)

I don't need no doctor
For my hope to live is gone
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)
I don't need no doctor, no, no
Wahhh, my hope to live is gone
(I don't need no doctor)
(I don't need no doctor)

All I need is my baby
Baby, please
Won't you please come on home
(I don't need no doctor)
You know what I'm talkin' about?
(I don't need no doctor)

I don't need no asprins
(I don't need no doctor)
I don't need no lotion
(I don't need no doctor)
I say, I don't need no vitamin pills
(I don't need no doctor)
I don't need no lotion
(I don't need no doctor)

I say, I don't need no vitamin pills
(I don't need no doctor)

Overall Meaning

In Styx's song "I Don't Need No Doctor," the singer insists that they don't need a doctor because they know what's wrong: they've been away from their beloved for too long and are suffering from intense misery. The singer repeatedly emphasizes this by insisting that they don't need a doctor to fill any prescriptions or heal any physical ailments. Instead, the only thing that can cure them is being in their lover's embrace. The song becomes a plea to their lover to come home and cure their emotional pain.

The lyrics of "I Don't Need No Doctor" demonstrate the ability of love to heal physical and emotional pain. Through the singer's insistent repetition of the phrase "I don't need no doctor," they communicate the message that the love of their partner is more important and therapeutic than any clinical treatment. The singer's distress is so intense that their lover's touch feels like the only possible relief. With that in mind, the song is a passionate plea for companionship and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful medicine in the world is human connection.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't need no doctor
I am confident that I know what is wrong with me

'Cause I know what's ailing me
I am aware of my health problems

I've been too long away from my baby, ahh
I have been separated from my partner

I'm coming down with a misery
I am feeling unwell

For my prescription to be filled
I don't require a health professional's help to heal myself

Only my baby's arms
Being with my partner is the only thing that can help me feel better

Could ever take away this chill
Their love and support can cure me

Now the doctor say I need rest
The doctor recommends that I rest

Before I need her tenderness
But I need my partner's care and affection more

Put me on the critical list
The doctor has put me on the priority list

When all I need is her sweet kiss
I only require a kiss from my partner