74. Aretha Franklin, Dr. Feelgood
Good God Almighty, if there’s a song America needs to hear right now, it's this. “Don't send me no doctor / filling me up with all of those pills.” Preach, Aretha! The words “ask your doctor” and “side effects may include” should be banned from our airwaves and our discourse. We don't need to sit and chit chat and smile with the TV blaring in the background. That's a hollow kind of feeling good, rather than taking care of business and getting some real relief. This song’s phrasing is rooted in gospel, elevating pleasure and self-possession into the sacred. Amen.
"Dr. Feelgood," written and performed by Aretha Franklin, 1967.
This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day through early June, 2025. Inspired by my MFAH 100 project.
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Have a song you’d like me to consider? Send a message or leave a comment. I will give it a serious listen.
Hi Rainey. In 1969 I met his older brother Mike. He was the first actual Hi Rainey. In 1969 I met my friend's older brother Mike. He was the first real hippie I had ever met. ( Living in Tyler Texas this meant his hair was actually over his shirt collar!)
Mike was in his room listening to music on his portable record player and asked if I'd like to hear a song. Of course I would!!!
The song is Monster/America/Suicide and it was on the album Monster by Steppenwolf. The song seems particularly relevant today. I hope you'll give it a listen. And thank you for your series. I've thoroughly enjoyed it and you've introduced me to some new things along the way.
( The link is YouTube)
https://youtu.be/3REXu1ZO3BY?feature=shared
Amen