20 Songs About Doctors

As a healthcare professional, I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact doctors can have on people’s lives. From moments of crisis to routine check-ups, doctors play a unique role in our society as healers, confidants, and sometimes even saviors. It’s no wonder that the medical profession has inspired countless songwriters across various genres to explore themes of healing, trust, vulnerability, and the complex doctor-patient relationship.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs about doctors that capture the multifaceted nature of the medical profession. Some of these tracks celebrate the healing power of physicians, while others use medical metaphors to explore deeper emotional themes. As someone who’s been on both sides of the stethoscope, I find it fascinating to see how artists interpret the role of doctors in their music.

1. “Down At The Doctors” by Dr. Feelgood

“Down At The Doctors” is a blues rock song released by Dr. Feelgood in 1978. It was written by Mickey Jupp and produced by Richard Gottehrer. The song appeared on Dr. Feelgood’s album “Private Practice” and was also released as a single, reaching number 48 on the UK Singles Chart.

The track has become one of Dr. Feelgood’s signature songs, appearing on numerous live albums and compilations. It features the band’s characteristic pub rock sound with energetic guitar work and bluesy vocals. The lyrics playfully allude to visiting a doctor, though not in the conventional medical sense.

2. “Doctor Jones” by Aqua

“Doctor Jones” was released in 1997 as the fourth single from Aqua’s debut album “Aquarium”. It became a major hit for the Danish-Norwegian dance-pop group, reaching number one in several countries including the UK, where it topped the charts for three weeks.

The song features Aqua’s signature upbeat Eurodance sound with catchy hooks and alternating male and female vocals. Its lyrics playfully reference the character of Indiana Jones, and the music video continues this theme with an adventure movie parody.

“Doctor Jones” helped solidify Aqua’s success beyond their breakout hit “Barbie Girl”, demonstrating their ability to create memorable pop songs with quirky concepts. The track’s multiple hooks and energetic production made it a standout on late 90s pop radio.

3. “Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out” by The Replacements

“Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out” is a punk-inspired track from The Replacements’ critically acclaimed 1984 album “Let It Be”. The song, with its energetic and raw sound, is characteristic of the band’s early punk rock style.

The lyrics humorously and sarcastically depict a tonsillectomy procedure, using it as a metaphor to criticize the American healthcare system. The song opens with the lines “Open wide, the doctor’s here / Everything is fine, got nothing to fear,” setting a deceptively reassuring tone before delving into the more cynical aspects of the experience.

While the song’s subject matter might seem trivial, it serves as a vehicle for broader commentary. The Replacements use the mundane medical procedure to highlight issues of patient care, medical profiteering, and the often impersonal nature of healthcare.

The track’s placement on the album is significant, coming after “We’re Comin’ Out” and maintaining the punk energy while introducing the band’s knack for addressing serious topics through seemingly lighthearted narratives.

4. “Dear Doctor” by The Rolling Stones

“Dear Doctor” is a country blues song from The Rolling Stones’ 1968 album “Beggars Banquet”. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song showcases the band’s versatility and their ability to authentically recreate American roots music styles.

The track features an all-acoustic arrangement, including guitar, tack piano, 12-string guitar, harmonica, tambourine, and upright bass. This stripped-down instrumentation contributes to the song’s authentic, old-time feel.

Lyrically, “Dear Doctor” tells the story of a young man who discovers on his wedding day that his fiancée has run off with his cousin. The narrative is delivered with a touch of humor, reflecting the often self-deprecating wit found in country music.

Mick Jagger adopts a fake American accent for the vocals, a technique he would continue to use in future blues and country-inspired numbers. This vocal approach, combined with the authentic instrumentation, demonstrates the band’s deep appreciation and understanding of American musical traditions.

5. “Doctor Please” by Blue Cheer

“Doctor Please” is a hard-hitting track from Blue Cheer’s debut album “Vincebus Eruptum”, released in 1968. The song is emblematic of the band’s pioneering heavy metal sound, characterized by distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and raw, powerful vocals.

Written by bassist and vocalist Dickie Peterson, “Doctor Please” was inspired by his first experience with LSD. The song’s lyrics and intense musical delivery reflect the overwhelming and transformative nature of this experience.

Musically, “Doctor Please” showcases Blue Cheer’s signature style: a fusion of psychedelic rock, blues, and proto-metal. The track features heavily distorted guitar work, likely achieved through the use of a Big Muff fuzzbox and Marshall amplifiers cranked to high volumes.

The song’s placement on “Vincebus Eruptum” is significant, as this album is often cited as one of the earliest and most influential heavy metal records. “Doctor Please” contributes to the album’s overall impact, helping to lay the groundwork for future developments in heavy metal, grunge, and stoner rock.

In the context of Blue Cheer’s career, “Doctor Please” stands as one of their defining tracks, embodying their raw, uncompromising approach to rock music and their willingness to explore altered states of consciousness through their art.

6. “The Doctor” by The Doobie Brothers

Released in 1989, “The Doctor” was a comeback hit for The Doobie Brothers, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The song was part of their album “Cycles,” which marked the return of original guitarist and co-lead vocalist Tom Johnston to the band.

The track has a rock sound reminiscent of their earlier hit “China Grove,” featuring Johnston on lead vocals. It was co-written by Johnston, Charlie Midnight, and Eddie Schwartz. The song’s success was aided by a music video that received significant airplay on music video channels across the US.

7. “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie

Originally written by Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Jo Armstead, “I Don’t Need No Doctor” was first recorded by Ray Charles in 1966. Humble Pie’s hard rock cover version was released in 1971 as part of their live album “Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore”.

Humble Pie’s rendition reached #73 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and #72 in Canada. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including John Mayer, who performed it live and included it on his “Where the Light Is” CD/DVD release.

8. “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen

“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” is the third track on Van Halen’s 1979 album “Van Halen II”. The song was one of the band’s earliest compositions, with its main riff dating back to 1974. It was a staple of their live shows before being recorded for their second album.

Eddie Van Halen explained that the song is about “being high and feeling good, which everyone again can relate to”. The track features a funky riff and a blazing guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. While it wasn’t released as a single in most countries, it was issued as a single in Japan.

Music critics have praised the song, with Rolling Stone including it on their list of “20 Insanely Great Van Halen Songs Only Hardcore Fans Know”. The track showcases David Lee Roth’s energetic vocals and Eddie Van Halen’s guitar prowess, making it a fan favorite despite not being one of their biggest hits.

9. “I Am Your Doctor” by Wyclef Jean ft. Elephant Man and Wayne Wonder

Released in 2003, “I Am Your Doctor” is a collaborative track featuring Haitian-American rapper Wyclef Jean, Jamaican dancehall artist Elephant Man, and Jamaican reggae singer Wayne Wonder. The song is part of Wyclef Jean’s album “The Preacher’s Son.”

This track blends elements of hip-hop, dancehall, and reggae, creating a unique sound that showcases the diverse talents of its performers. The song uses the metaphor of a doctor to represent someone who can “cure” or satisfy romantic and sexual desires. The lyrics likely contain playful innuendos and boastful claims typical of dancehall and hip-hop genres.

While not as widely known as some of Wyclef Jean’s other hits, “I Am Your Doctor” demonstrates his ability to collaborate across different Caribbean music styles and his knack for creating catchy, genre-blending tracks.

10. “Medicine Man” by Whitesnake

“Medicine Man” is a hard rock song by the British band Whitesnake, written solely by lead vocalist David Coverdale. The track appears on their 1979 album “Love Hunter,” which was one of the band’s earlier releases before they achieved mainstream success in the mid-1980s.

The song is described as “one hell of a kicking rocker,” showcasing the band’s bluesy hard rock style that would later evolve into their more polished 1980s sound. “Medicine Man” likely features Coverdale’s powerful vocals, backed by the band’s signature guitar-driven sound.

While not one of Whitesnake’s most famous tracks, “Medicine Man” is representative of their early work and demonstrates the raw energy and blues-rock influences that formed the foundation of their music. The song title and lyrics probably use the “medicine man” as a metaphor, possibly for a person with a healing or transformative presence, which is a common theme in blues and rock music.

11. “Turn Me On” by David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj

Released in 2011, “Turn Me On” is an EDM (Electronic Dance Music) track featuring French DJ David Guetta and Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj. The song was a commercial success, reaching high positions on charts worldwide.

The lyrics of “Turn Me On” use medical metaphors extensively, with Minaj repeatedly calling out to a “Docta” and asking for “medicine.” The song’s theme revolves around a plea for revival and rejuvenation, both emotionally and physically. The chorus, “Make me come alive, come on and turn me on,” emphasizes this desire for awakening and passion.

Musically, the track combines Guetta’s signature electronic production with Minaj’s vocals, which showcase both her singing and rapping abilities. The song’s pulsating beat and catchy melody contributed to its popularity in clubs and on radio.

The music video for “Turn Me On” features a steampunk-inspired narrative where Guetta plays a mad scientist creating a robotic version of Nicki Minaj. This visual representation adds another layer to the song’s theme of bringing someone to life or “turning them on.”

“Turn Me On” demonstrates the successful collaboration between EDM and pop-rap, genres that were increasingly blending in the early 2010s. It also highlights Nicki Minaj’s versatility as an artist, showing her ability to adapt her style to different musical contexts.

12. “Doctor’s Orders” by Carol Douglas

Released in 1974, “Doctor’s Orders” was a disco hit for American singer Carol Douglas. The song was originally recorded by British singer Sunny Leslie, but Douglas’s version became the most successful, reaching #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Disco/Dance charts.

The track features a catchy, upbeat disco melody with Douglas’s strong vocals. The lyrics playfully use medical metaphors to describe romantic feelings, with lines like “Doctor’s orders say I need you” and “You’re my prescription, fill me up with your love.” The song’s infectious rhythm and clever wordplay contributed to its popularity during the disco era.

“Doctor’s Orders” became Carol Douglas’s signature song and helped establish her as a prominent figure in the early disco scene. The track’s success also led to its inclusion in various disco compilations and its continued play in retro dance clubs.

13. “Dr. Feel Good” by Travie McCoy ft. CeeLo Green

“Dr. Feel Good” is a collaboration between Travie McCoy, the lead vocalist of Gym Class Heroes, and CeeLo Green, known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and as a solo artist. The song was released in 2010 as part of McCoy’s debut solo album “Lazarus.”

The track blends elements of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, featuring McCoy’s rapping and CeeLo Green’s soulful vocals on the chorus. The lyrics use the “Dr. Feel Good” persona as a metaphor for someone who can cure emotional pain and bring happiness. The song likely touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and the search for emotional healing.

While not as commercially successful as some of McCoy’s other singles, “Dr. Feel Good” showcases his ability to create catchy, genre-blending tracks. The collaboration with CeeLo Green adds a unique dimension to the song, combining their distinct styles into a cohesive whole.

14. “Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)” by Robert Palmer

Released in 1979, “Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)” became one of Robert Palmer’s signature hits. The song was written by Moon Martin and appeared on Palmer’s album “Secrets.” It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a classic rock radio staple.

The track features a driving rock beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Palmer’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics use medical metaphors to describe intense romantic feelings, with the chorus famously declaring, “Doctor, doctor, give me the news, I’ve got a bad case of lovin’ you.” The song playfully suggests that love is like an illness that only the object of affection can cure.

“Bad Case of Loving You” showcases Palmer’s ability to blend rock, pop, and R&B influences into a unique sound. The song’s energy and memorable hook have contributed to its enduring popularity. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.

The track helped solidify Robert Palmer’s status as a rock icon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its success paved the way for his later hits in the 1980s, including “Addicted to Love” and “Simply Irresistible,” which would further cement his place in rock history.

The song has been covered by various artists and remains a popular choice for cover bands due to its recognizable melody and crowd-pleasing energy. Its clever use of medical terminology in a romantic context has made it a standout among songs that employ similar metaphors.

15. “Doctor, Doctor” by The Who

“Doctor, Doctor” is a track from The Who’s rock opera album “Quadrophenia,” released in 1973. The song is part of the larger narrative of the album, which tells the story of Jimmy, a young mod struggling with identity issues and mental health problems in 1960s London.

In the context of the album, “Doctor, Doctor” represents one of Jimmy’s four personalities, specifically the one that embodies the characteristics of The Who’s lead guitarist Pete Townshend. The song explores themes of mental health, self-medication, and the struggle to understand one’s own identity.

The track features The Who’s signature rock sound, with powerful guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and Roger Daltrey’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics reflect Jimmy’s internal turmoil and his plea for help, using medical metaphors to express his emotional and psychological state.

“Doctor, Doctor” is often performed as part of the larger “Quadrophenia” suite in live performances. While not as well-known as some of The Who’s other hits, it remains an integral part of one of their most ambitious and critically acclaimed works.

16. “Witch Doctor” by David Seville

“Witch Doctor” is a novelty song written and performed by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. under the stage name David Seville. The song was released in 1958 and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart.

The track is best known for its catchy chorus featuring high-pitched, sped-up vocals singing the nonsensical phrase “Oo ee oo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.” This effect was achieved by recording Bagdasarian’s voice at half-speed and then playing it back at normal speed, a technique that would later be used for his famous creation, Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The song tells the story of a man seeking advice from a witch doctor on how to win the love of a woman. The witch doctor’s advice, delivered in the high-pitched chorus, became an instantly recognizable and widely imitated pop culture phenomenon.

“Witch Doctor” has endured as a classic novelty song, often featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its success led Bagdasarian to create Alvin and the Chipmunks, which used the same vocal technique and became a long-lasting franchise.

17. “Dr. Beat” by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine

Released in 1984, “Dr. Beat” was one of the early hits for Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. The song appeared on their album “Eyes of Innocence” and helped establish their signature Latin pop sound.

“Dr. Beat” blends elements of Latin music, disco, and pop, featuring prominent percussion, horn sections, and synthesizers characteristic of 1980s dance music. The track showcases Gloria Estefan’s energetic vocals and the band’s ability to create infectious dance rhythms.

The lyrics use the metaphor of a doctor to represent the healing power of music and dance. The “Dr. Beat” in the song is personified as a rhythm that can cure all ills, encouraging listeners to let go of their troubles and dance.

The song became a hit in dance clubs across the United States and Europe, helping to introduce Miami Sound Machine’s Latin-infused pop to a wider audience. It reached number 17 on the US Dance Club Songs chart and performed well in several European countries.

“Dr. Beat” played a significant role in launching Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine’s international career, paving the way for their subsequent crossover success with hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” The song remains a fan favorite and is often included in Gloria Estefan’s live performances and greatest hits compilations.

18. “Like A Surgeon” by Weird Al Yankovic

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Released in 1985, “Like A Surgeon” is one of Weird Al Yankovic’s most popular parody songs. It’s a direct spoof of Madonna’s hit “Like A Virgin,” cleverly transforming the original’s themes of romantic inexperience into a humorous take on medical incompetence.

The song tells the story of an inept surgeon who has just graduated from medical school. Yankovic’s lyrics humorously describe various medical mishaps and surgical blunders, playing on common fears about medical procedures. The chorus, “Like a surgeon, hey! Cutting for the very first time,” mimics the original song’s structure while completely changing the context.

Musically, “Like A Surgeon” closely follows the arrangement of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” featuring similar synthesizer riffs and drum patterns. Yankovic’s vocals imitate Madonna’s style, adding to the parody’s effectiveness.

The music video for “Like A Surgeon” parodies Madonna’s “Material Girl” video, with Yankovic dressed in surgical scrubs instead of a pink gown. The video includes comical scenes of botched surgeries and hospital hijinks, further emphasizing the song’s humorous take on medical professionals.

“Like A Surgeon” has become one of Weird Al’s signature parodies, showcasing his ability to transform popular songs into clever, family-friendly comedy. The song reached #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a fan favorite in Yankovic’s extensive catalog of parodies.

19. “Doctor Robert” by The Beatles

“Doctor Robert” is a track from The Beatles’ 1966 album “Revolver” in the UK and “Yesterday and Today” in the US. Written primarily by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, the song is often interpreted as a reference to a real-life doctor known for liberally prescribing drugs to musicians and other celebrities.

The lyrics describe a character who can “help you to understand” and “become a new and better man,” with the repeated refrain “Well, well, well, you’re feeling fine.” These lines are believed to be allusions to the effects of drugs, particularly amphetamines or other stimulants.

Musically, “Doctor Robert” features a straightforward rock arrangement with prominent guitar work and harmonized vocals from Lennon and McCartney. The song includes a brief middle section with a contrasting melody and rhythm, a common feature in many Beatles songs of this period.

While not one of The Beatles’ most famous tracks, “Doctor Robert” is significant as an early example of more overt drug references in their music. It reflects the band’s increasing experimentation with both their musical style and lyrical content during the mid-1960s.

The song has been the subject of much discussion and analysis among Beatles fans and music historians, particularly regarding its supposed real-life inspiration and its place in the evolution of the band’s songwriting.

20. “Lady Godiva’s Operation” by The Velvet Underground

“Lady Godiva’s Operation” is a track from The Velvet Underground’s 1968 album “White Light/White Heat.” The song was primarily written by John Cale, with contributions from Lou Reed.

The track presents a surreal and disturbing narrative that combines the legend of Lady Godiva with a graphic description of a botched medical procedure. The lyrics begin with a reference to the legendary noblewoman’s naked ride through Coventry, but quickly transition into a vivid and unsettling account of a surgical operation.

Musically, “Lady Godiva’s Operation” features a relatively simple, repetitive guitar pattern accompanied by John Cale’s viola. The song’s most distinctive feature is the vocal interplay between Cale and Reed. Cale delivers the main narrative in a calm, almost detached manner, while Reed interjects with sudden, often shouted phrases representing the doctor’s commands or the patient’s reactions.

The track’s experimental nature, both in its lyrical content and vocal delivery, exemplifies The Velvet Underground’s avant-garde approach to rock music. The juxtaposition of the calm narration with the chaotic interjections creates a sense of unease and tension that mirrors the disturbing subject matter.

“Lady Godiva’s Operation” is considered one of the more challenging and experimental tracks on “White Light/White Heat,” an album known for pushing boundaries. While not a commercial success, the song has been praised by critics and musicians for its innovative approach to storytelling and sound design in rock music.

The track’s unflinching depiction of a medical procedure gone wrong, combined with its unconventional musical structure, makes it a standout example of The Velvet Underground’s willingness to explore dark and controversial themes in their music.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.