Doctor

Album: Wishbone Four (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by someone Martin Turner and his brother Glen knew from Torquay, where they grew up. According to bass player and vocalist Martin Turner in the band's official biography: "The first time I saw her she really looked like a witch". She was a heroin addict and "used to send someone round to the doctor to plead for an extra prescription because she was lying on the floor with withdrawal symptoms" - which wasn't true. When she got the drug she used to share it with her junkie friends.
  • In October 2008, he expanded on this in his on-line question and answer forum. "Doctor," he said, "was from an idea I had back in the 60s before WA. Musically a bit Who-ish again. The lyric was about my brothers girlfriend circa 67/68 whom I have to confess to having spent a crazy night or two with. She was a state registered heroin addict being treated with Methedrine or Methadone as it its called now. Beautiful girl, a successful model at only 16, but boy was she heavy duty. Had a bunch of young lads staying in her flat all of whom had run away from home, Mark Emery (Hobbit) would remember her. She blazed a trail and made it to her 30s but has been gone a long time now. Thanks for the song babe." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Lester from New York City, NyPicked up on WA with this album, which I thought was great, and now, I can't even listen to it. Rock & rock guitar enthusiasts, check out 'There's the Rub', 'Testing' and 'Twin Barrels Burning'
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.