I was very surprised to read the above theories, because surely it's obvious what this song is about - the "doctor" is selling an aphrodisiac! There are plenty of hints, starting with the title of the song, which has a double meaning. Here are a few more giveaways:
Who puts the doh-re-me in our pockets, keeps the party going on?
They usually rub it in
We was going through the motions ‘til the doctor came along
These days miracles don’t come falling from the sky ("these days" meaning "now that we've reached a certain age")
He says the French for your lovesick blues, la maladie d’amour
He gets the chumps all laughing
Now we’re going to West Helena to gamble, drink and whore
Let’s you and me all make whoopee
Here’s to all the gals you ever want
I accept that some of these are rather indirect, but in their totality, they add up to the only explanation.
I'd say you're pretty one-tracked - but interesting perspective.
I'd say you're pretty one-tracked - but interesting perspective.
It's not (just) an aphrodisiac, but an all-round cure for all maladies.
It's not (just) an aphrodisiac, but an all-round cure for all maladies.
The "doh-re-me" is slang for money (doug). Rubbing it in need'nt be rubbing it on the you-know-what, but rubbing it on any affected area, like an arthritic knee, psoriasis-stricken skin or bald head.
The "doh-re-me" is slang for money (doug). Rubbing it in need'nt be rubbing it on the you-know-what, but rubbing it on any affected area, like an arthritic knee, psoriasis-stricken skin or bald head.
That they were "going through the motions" is hardly a double entendre, but rather a description of the crew not knowing how to "put on a show" - a sales pitch. The "doctor" knows how to do this.
Malady d'amour is a "disease of love", i.e. a veneral disease (VD). The rest is simply about the crew going to West Helena to use their freshly earned money - not that they have to go somewhere to use the "remidy". If so, why would the be drinking and gambling?
I was very surprised to read the above theories, because surely it's obvious what this song is about - the "doctor" is selling an aphrodisiac! There are plenty of hints, starting with the title of the song, which has a double meaning. Here are a few more giveaways:
Who puts the doh-re-me in our pockets, keeps the party going on?
They usually rub it in
We was going through the motions ‘til the doctor came along
These days miracles don’t come falling from the sky ("these days" meaning "now that we've reached a certain age")
He says the French for your lovesick blues, la maladie d’amour
He gets the chumps all laughing
Now we’re going to West Helena to gamble, drink and whore
Let’s you and me all make whoopee
Here’s to all the gals you ever want
I accept that some of these are rather indirect, but in their totality, they add up to the only explanation.
Either that or else I have a one-track mind.
I'd say you're pretty one-tracked - but interesting perspective.
I'd say you're pretty one-tracked - but interesting perspective.
It's not (just) an aphrodisiac, but an all-round cure for all maladies.
It's not (just) an aphrodisiac, but an all-round cure for all maladies.
The "doh-re-me" is slang for money (doug). Rubbing it in need'nt be rubbing it on the you-know-what, but rubbing it on any affected area, like an arthritic knee, psoriasis-stricken skin or bald head.
The "doh-re-me" is slang for money (doug). Rubbing it in need'nt be rubbing it on the you-know-what, but rubbing it on any affected area, like an arthritic knee, psoriasis-stricken skin or bald head.
That they were "going through the motions" is hardly a double entendre, but rather a description of the crew not knowing how to "put on a show" - a sales pitch. The "doctor" knows how to do this.
Malady d'amour is a "disease of love", i.e. a veneral disease (VD). The rest is simply about the crew going to West Helena to use their freshly earned money - not that they have to go somewhere to use the "remidy". If so, why would the be drinking and gambling?
Anyway, my 2 cent.
@songanalyst I think you nailed it :)
@songanalyst I think you nailed it :)
@songanalyst
@songanalyst