Doctor, My Eyes

Last updated
"Doctor, My Eyes"
DoctorMyEyes.jpg
German cover
Single by Jackson Browne
from the album Jackson Browne
B-side "Looking into You"
ReleasedMarch 1972
Recorded1971
Genre
Length3:11 (Album Version)
2:55 (Single Version)
Label Asylum
Songwriter(s) Jackson Browne
Producer(s)
  • Jackson Browne
  • Richard Sanford Orshoff
Jackson Browne singles chronology
"Doctor, My Eyes"
(1972)
"Rock Me on the Water"
(1972)

"Doctor, My Eyes" is a 1972 song written and performed by Jackson Browne and included on his debut album Jackson Browne . Featuring a combination of an upbeat piano riff coupled with lyrics about feeling world-weary, the song was a surprise hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in spring 1972, after debuting on the chart at number 80. Browne would not see the chart's Top 10 again until 1982's soundtrack hit "Somebody's Baby", although "Running on Empty" just missed the Top 10, reaching number 11. [2] [3] [4] Billboard ranked "Doctor My Eyes" as the No. 92 song for 1972. In Canada, the song peaked at number four. [5]

Contents

Jesse Ed Davis played the electric guitar (including a much-lauded solo) in the track, while David Crosby and Graham Nash sang backing vocals. Russ Kunkel played drums [3] and Leland Sklar played bass. [6] Kunkel and Sklar reunited with Browne in May 2021 to rerecord "Doctor My Eyes" for a charity project. [7]

"Doctor, My Eyes" became a concert mainstay for Browne, and was included on both his later compilation albums. A live version can be found on the 1996 Australia CD release Best of... Live, a double set with Looking East, and the 1997 Japan 2-CD release of Best of... Live, coupled with The Next Voice You Hear: The Best of Jackson Browne. [8]

History

William Ruhlmann on Allmusic.com elaborated on the development of the song: "Browne first recorded a demo of 'Doctor My Eyes' for the Criterion Music publishing company in early 1971, and despite its striking imagery and carefully crafted writing, it was a bleak song ... By the time he came to record the song for his first album in the summer of 1971, however, Browne had revised the lyric, tossing out the most pessimistic lines. Now, 'Doctor My Eyes' was the statement of a man who had stoically endured life's hardships, but having done so, now worried that he had been rendered unable to feel anything. It still wasn't an optimistic song, but the unhappy ending had been rendered ambiguous." Ruhlmann addresses the final recorded version's "paradoxical sense" between the music and the lyrics: "Working with other musicians, Browne drastically altered the sound of the song on record. A lively 4/4 beat, played on drums and congas, and supported by piano, set up a catchy underlying riff before the lyrics even began. Browne's singing was supported by Graham Nash and David Crosby's harmonies, giving the lyrics an emotional edge. On the whole, the arrangement and performance worked against the still desperate message contained in the words." [3] There was originally a third verse to the song, but it was not retained when Browne recorded the song for his debut album. The lost verse, however, can be found on circulating bootlegs of the song's original demo.

In part 1 of the 2013 documentary History of the Eagles , JD Souther and Glenn Frey discuss at some length the process of Browne's work methods while Browne was working on the song over a period of some months. The three lived in adjacent downmarket apartments; Frey would hear Browne, through the walls, at work on his piano every morning.

Reception

Jeff Walker, in his review of Browne's debut album for Phonograph Record magazine in 1972, wrote that "Doctor My Eyes" is one of a number of tracks on the album that "deal with a spiritual search; no preaching, no conclusions, just searching." [9] Cash Box described it as "the eye-opener to bring talented singer/songwriter to AM attention'" going on to say that "harmonies are great, but it's Browne tune and show all the way." [10] Record World said it has "vocal color and phrasing much like Van Morrison but [Browne is] his own man." [11]

Ruhlmann of AllMusic called it "a rollicking pop/rock song about being almost terminally burnt out." [3]

Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci rated it as Browne's 7th greatest song, saying that "it's a little heavy-handed, as far as the sentiment goes ... but it sets the template for almost every Top 10 Jackson Browne song." [12] Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as Browne's 10th greatest song. [13]

Chart performance

Cover versions

The Jackson 5 recorded "Doctor My Eyes" for inclusion on their sixth album Lookin' Through the Windows , released in 1972. [18] Their version was also released as a single. It did not chart in the US, but went top 10 in the UK, peaking at No. 9. [19]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Pretender</i> (album) 1976 studio album by Jackson Browne

The Pretender is the fourth album by the American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released in 1976. It peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's album chart. The singles from the album were "Here Come Those Tears Again", which reached No. 23, and "The Pretender", which peaked at No. 58.

<i>Jackson Browne</i> (album) 1972 studio album by Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne is the debut album of American singer Jackson Browne, released in 1972. It peaked on the Billboard 200 chart at number 53. Two singles were released with "Doctor, My Eyes", which peaked at number 8 on the Pop Singles chart, and "Rock Me on the Water", which reached number 48.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peace of Mind (Boston song)</span> 1977 single by Boston

"Peace of Mind" is a song by American rock band Boston, written by Tom Scholz. It was on their 1976 self-titled debut, and was released the next year as the third and final single from the album. It peaked at number 38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, as well as number 33 on the Cash Box Top 100. It received substantial radio airplay, both upon the initial release of the Boston album and subsequently, and has been described as a "rock-radio staple".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feelin' Satisfied</span> 1979 single by Boston

"Feelin' Satisfied" is a song by American rock band Boston, released on their 1978 studio album Don't Look Back. The song was written by Tom Scholz and released as a single in 1979. The single peaked at #46 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It reached #84 in Canada. It was the band's last release for 7 years, until Third Stage in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evil Woman (Electric Light Orchestra song)</span> 1975 single by Electric Light Orchestra

"Evil Woman" is a song recorded by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and written by lead vocalist Jeff Lynne. It was first released on the band's fifth album, 1975's Face the Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telephone Line (song)</span> 1977 single by Electric Light Orchestra

"Telephone Line" is a song by English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It was released in May 1977 through Jet Records and United Artists Records as part of the album A New World Record. It was commercially successful, topping the charts of Canada and New Zealand and entering the top 10 in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take It Easy</span> 1972 single by the Eagles

"Take It Easy" is the debut single by the American rock band Eagles, written by Jackson Browne and Eagles band member Glenn Frey, who also provides lead vocals. It was released on May 1, 1972, and peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on July 22, 1972. It was also the opening track of the band's eponymous debut album and has become one of their signature songs, included on all of their live and compilation albums. It is listed as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Running on Empty (song)</span> 1978 single by Jackson Browne

"Running on Empty" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. It is the title track of his 1977 live album of the same name, recorded at a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on August 27, 1977. A number 11 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 when it was released as a single, it spent seventeen weeks on the chart after debuting on February 11, 1978 at position 72. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 496 on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2010 and number 492 in 2004 and it is one of Browne's signature songs. "Running on Empty" was most popular in Canada, where it spent two weeks at number four.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somebody's Baby</span> 1982 single by Jackson Browne

"Somebody's Baby" is a song written by Jackson Browne and Danny Kortchmar and recorded by Browne for the 1982 Fast Times at Ridgemont High movie soundtrack. Reaching No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 after debuting at No. 73 on July 31, 1982, the track would be Browne's last top ten hit, as well as the highest-charting single of his career, spending a total of nineteen weeks on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Dean (song)</span> 1974 single by Eagles

"James Dean" is a song written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, and JD Souther, and recorded by the American rock band Eagles for their 1974 album On the Border. It was the second single released from this album, reaching number 77 on the U.S. pop singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Load-Out</span> 1977 single by Jackson Browne

"The Load-Out" is a song co-written and performed live by Jackson Browne from his 1977 album Running on Empty. It is a tribute to his roadies and fans. The song was recorded live at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on August 27, 1977, as part of the tour in support of the album The Pretender.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pretender (Jackson Browne song)</span> 1977 single by Jackson Browne

"The Pretender" is a song written and performed by American rock performer Jackson Browne and featured on his 1976 album The Pretender.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On Hold Out</span> 1980 single by Jackson Browne

"Hold On Hold Out" is a song written by Jackson Browne and Craig Doerge and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. It is from his 1980 album Hold Out. It was released as the third single from the album, but due to its slightly over-eight-minute length, it was released as a "specially priced" 12-inch 45 rpm record instead of the traditional 7-inch 45, Asylum records possibly hoping to repeat the 12-inch airplay success of "The Load-Out/Stay" medley from the previous album. However, "Hold On Hold Out" only reached number 103 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Love the Thunder</span> 1978 single by Jackson Browne

"You Love the Thunder" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne from his 1977 live album, Running on Empty, recorded at a concert at Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, on September 6, 1977. Released as the third single a full year after the album came out, it only reached #109 on Billboards Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, though it received increased Album-Oriented Rock airplay. The B-side of the U.S. single was "The Road"; however, the B-side for the British single was "Cocaine".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here Come Those Tears Again</span> 1977 single by Jackson Browne

"Here Come Those Tears Again" is a song co-written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and included on his 1976 album The Pretender. Released as a single, it reached #23 one year to the week after the death of Browne's wife, Phyllis Major, spending nine weeks on the chart, after entering the Billboard Hot 100 on February 5, 1977, at position #64, the highest debut of the week. It also reached #15 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The single was the eighth-highest charting of his Hot 100 career. It was also released as a single in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Me on the Water</span> 1972 single by Jackson Browne

"Rock Me on the Water" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released as the second single from his 1972 debut album, Jackson Browne, following the No. 7 success of Browne's debut single, "Doctor, My Eyes". Browne's version reached No. 48 on Billboard's September 23, 1972, Hot 100 chart, spending nine weeks on that chart after debuting at No. 73 on August 5, 1972. It was also released as a single in Canada, Germany and Japan, and as a promotional single in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redneck Friend</span> 1973 single by Jackson Browne

"Redneck Friend" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released as the first single from his 1973 album For Everyman, and notable for its double entendre lyrics and guest appearances by Glenn Frey and Elton John, as well as the first appearance of David Lindley on a Jackson Browne single. The song reached number 85 on Billboard's October 20, 1973, Hot 100 chart, spending 10 weeks on that chart after debuting at number 99 on September 29, 1973. It was also released as a single in France and Japan, and as a promotional single in the United Kingdom and Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mexico (James Taylor song)</span> 1975 single by James Taylor

"Mexico" is a song written by James Taylor that first appeared as the opening track of his 1975 album Gorilla. It was released as a single, with the album's title track as the B-side, and reached No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100, but performed much better on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching No. 5. "Mexico" has appeared on many of Taylor's live and compilation albums. It has been covered by Jimmy Buffett, Alex de Grassi and Lauren Laverne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)</span> 1964 song performed by Marvin Gaye

"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" is a song recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye from his fifth studio album of the same name (1965). It was written in 1964 by the Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, and produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier. The song title was inspired by one of the actor and comedian Jackie Gleason's signature phrases, "How Sweet It Is!"

"Late for the Sky" is a song written by Jackson Browne. It is the opening track and title track from Browne's 1974 album Late for the Sky.

References

  1. Marsh, Dave (1989). The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. Plume. p. 318. ISBN   0-452-26305-0.
  2. Billboard.com. Jackson Browne Chart History. Accessed 2012-07-18.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Ruhlmann, William. "Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne | Song Info". AllMusic . Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  4. Whitburn, Joel. Billboard Hot 100 Charts - The Seventies. Wisconsin: Record Research, 1990.
  5. 1 2 Canada, Library and Archives (July 17, 2013). "Image : RPM Weekly". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  6. Johnson, Kevin (2013-03-07). "Stories Behind the Songs: Leland Sklar". No Treble. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
  7. Dresdale, Andrea. "Jackson Browne re-records "Doctor My Eyes" for a charity project". The Voice of LaSalle County since 1952!. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
  8. "Jackson Browne Complete Discography". jrp-graphics.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  9. "Jackson Browne - Saturate Before Using". Superseventies.com. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  10. "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. March 4, 1972. p. 18. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  11. Record World staff (March 4, 1972). "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. p. 1. Retrieved 2023-04-02.
  12. Gallucci, Michael (October 9, 2012). "Top 10 Jackson Browne songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  13. Kachejian, Brian. "Top 10 Jackson Browne Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  14. "Jackson Browne Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  15. "Jackson Browne Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  16. "RPM's Top 100 Singles of '72". RPM . January 13, 1973. p. 20.
  17. "Top 100 Hits of 1972/Top 100 Songs of 1972". Music Outfitters. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  18. "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  19. "www.officialcharts". officialcharts.com. Retrieved April 17, 2024.