Doctorin' The Tardis

Album: released as a single (1988)
Charted: 1 66
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is based on the British TV show Doctor Who, and even the band's name is taken from the program. On the show, the Timelords are a race that can control time, and the Tardis is a time-traveling spacecraft.

    The lines 'We obey no one" and "We are the supreme beings" were taken from the Dr. Who episode "Genesis Of The Daleks."
  • The track combines the theme music from Doctor Who, along with Gary Glitter's "Rock And Roll Part 2" and "Blockbuster!" by Sweet.
  • This is the only song released under the "Timelords" name. They later recorded as The "KLF." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mjn Seifer - England, for all above
  • The Time Lords duo of Bill Drummond and Jim Cautry used Gary Glitter's glitter-rock stomp after they realised a House rhythm didn't fit. "The side to everybody that loves a Gary Glitter song came to the fore," Drummond recalled to The Independent. "We were rolling around on the floor laughing because we knew it was a number one single, which we wanted. Wouldn't you? But it was more an act of celebration than cynicism."
  • Gary Glitter appeared in the music video. He recalled in 1000 UK #1 Hits: "The KLF, calling themselves The Timelords for this particular record were Glitter fans and really wanted to work with me. They came to me and played a rough mix, which I liked. I was so fascinated by their idea of using a police car in the video that I had to be in it too."
  • The "Doctorin' The Tardis" title was a play on words on Coldcut's 1988 hit "Doctorin' The House." The KLF duo thought it was a jolly amusing pun.

Comments: 2

  • Henry from Bedrock, InT.A.R.D.I.S. = Time And Relative Dimensions In Space. It's bigger on the inside than on the outside. Cool Concept.

    A for the race of Timelords, 'The Doctor' is the only one that remains (officially) after the last Time War where the Daleks wiped them out.
  • Billy from Otway, OhMy favorite parts of the song are the Dalek saying "WE-OBEY-NO-ONE! WE-ARE-THE-SUPERIOR-BEINGS!" and "EXTERMINATE!".

    best parts of the song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.