The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I look for joy in a strange place
From the back of the bar
From afar
I see the look on my mama's face
When her son's in the corner, undone
She says that my life is over
But boy, you don't know what you got till it's gone
Come put your head upon my shoulder
She gave me her hand, but I ignored her
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Oh, Dr. John
I look for joy in a strange place
From the back of a bar
From afar
I see the look on my daddy's face
When his son's fallin' over, undone
Well Father my life is over
Well I didn't know what I had now it's gone
Can I lay my head upon your shoulder?
If I fall asleep, will it be over?
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
They say I'm a big heartbreaker
But Doctor, I never hurt you
Isn't it obvious?
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
(Another day, another break up)
Oh, Dr. John
(Hold on, and on, Hold on, and on)
I keep on trying
(Another day, another wake up)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
Oh, Dr. John
(Another day, another wake up)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
(Another day, another wake up)
(I keep on trying)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing wrong?
I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Dr. John
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Dr. John.
From the back of the bar
From afar
I see the look on my mama's face
When her son's in the corner, undone
She says that my life is over
But boy, you don't know what you got till it's gone
Come put your head upon my shoulder
She gave me her hand, but I ignored her
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Oh, Dr. John
I look for joy in a strange place
From the back of a bar
From afar
I see the look on my daddy's face
When his son's fallin' over, undone
Well Father my life is over
Well I didn't know what I had now it's gone
Can I lay my head upon your shoulder?
If I fall asleep, will it be over?
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
They say I'm a big heartbreaker
But Doctor, I never hurt you
Isn't it obvious?
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing I wrong?
Cause I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
(Another day, another break up)
Oh, Dr. John
(Hold on, and on, Hold on, and on)
I keep on trying
(Another day, another wake up)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
Oh, Dr. John
(Another day, another wake up)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
(Another day, another wake up)
(I keep on trying)
We hold on, and on
We hold on, and on
Oh, Dr. John
What am I doing
What am I doing wrong?
I keep on trying
Something ain't going
Something ain't going on
Dr. John
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Dr. John.
Lyrics submitted by nightsky13
Dr. John Lyrics as written by Michael Holbrook Penniman
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I agree, I think Dr John is supposed to be a psychiatrist. I think too it could be one of those relationships that is perpetually breaking up (we all know those ones), this is due to the 'we keep on trying'. The back of the bar could be a possible battle with alcoholism or of course some other drugs and hook-ups with anyone.
I find it interesting that he rejects his mother but asks his father to put his head on his shoulder and tells his dad what his mum told him. Possibly a realisation and backlash to his mothers didactic musings but I really have no idea on that one maybe his dad can relate better.
Trying to wrap my head around this part too: 'You say I'm a big heartbreaker But, Doctor, I've never hurt ya Isn't it obvious?'
This may support the notion that Dr John is his drugs too, he doesn't hurt the drugs but is seeking solace in them and is possibly mad that they can't (and won't) give him all the answers.