70 Songs About Medicine, Doctors, and Health

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Doctor, Doctor

Wonder why medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States? You're paying for an awful lot of education supporting that physician's expert medical opinion:

• a four-year undergraduate degree
• four more years of medical school
• a residency program lasting from 3-8 years, depending on the medical specialty and
• specialty fellowships lasting 1-3 years (optional).

When medical care saves your life, however, that hefty price is worthwhile, although a new set of worries can begin once those bills begin to pour in. For better or worse, many of us wouldn't be where we are now if it were not for doctors, modern medicine, and our healthcare system. Whether you're a hospital worker or a patient, celebrate doctors, hospitals, and medicine with a playlist of popular songs. We have a long list to start you out!

Reader Poll

1. "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees

Isn't this the whole point of the healthcare system—to keep people alive? This disco smash hit from 1977 was part of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and is Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Interestingly, it's also been used to train medical professionals to administer the correct number of chest compressions per minute. CPR requires 100-120, and the song has about 104 beats per minute.

2. "Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi

Although he's ailing desperately, the guy in this 1988 hair metal song doesn't have a fever. He's suffering from "a permanent disease" and searching earnestly for a cure. (Sounds really bad.) The narrator has already determined that the remedy for his toxic love addiction is some bad medicine from his sweetheart. Evidently, millions of people were ill that year with the same ailment because the song was an international favorite.

3. "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & The News

In this pop song from 1984, a man is looking for a new drug to make him feel like he does when he's alone with his girlfriend. Perhaps they broke up or he just can't get enough of her. Whatever the reason, he lists all the side effects that the drug cannot have. Apparently, his honey fills the prescription.

4. "Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)" by Robert Palmer

In this 1979 rock song is a man who is wholly smitten with a woman who repeatedly betrays him. He has a bad case of love obsession, and there's no pill for this affliction, although he seeks help from a doctor just in case. An adaptation of the tune is featured as the opening theme song for the medically-themed talk show, The Doctors.

5. "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

When all medical interventions fail, this is what happens. We go meet our maker. We take a dirt nap. We cash in our chips. Sooner or later, we'll all go toes up, although doctors try to prolong our lives and make the best of the years we have.

This rock classic was a worldwide favorite in 1980. Ironically, because the song is about 110 beats a minute, it is also used to train medical professionals to administer the correct number of CPR chest compressions per minute (100-120). A little creepy, huh?

6. "The First Cut Is the Deepest" by Sheryl Crow

If you've ever had surgery, then you're probably thankful that there are good people who don't get woozy at the sight of blood and needles. Aren't you glad your surgeon and his or her team can slice and dice you then sew you up, good as new? (Well, almost.)

Sheryl Crow didn't sing this chart-topping rock ballad first, but I think she sang it best with her 2003 cover of Cat Stevens' original.

7. "A Little Bit Longer" by Jonas Brothers

Nick Jonas wrote this 2008 pop song about his struggle with Type 1 Diabetes, previously called juvenile diabetes. Unless you've walked in the shoes of someone with an incurable chronic illness, you just couldn't understand. The tune describes the frustrations of such an illness and the requisite patience while you wait for medical research to find a cure. May medical researchers find it soon.

8. "Hospital" by Counting Crows

In this 2012 rock song, the narrator is headed to the hospital, and he's anticipating all that goes along with hospitalization: hospital gowns, not knowing when you'll be released, not being able to sleep, and lots of pills. The song references the experience of song's front man who suffered major withdrawal symptoms after coming off of ineffective psychiatric medicine which was prescribed to him for a mental disorder.

9. "Cuts Like a Knife" by Bryan Adams

In this 1983 rock song, the narrator's lover might as well have a scalpel in her hand. She's severing their relationship and hasn't bothered with anesthesia. Rumor is that the woman has been cheating on the poor fella. Although he feels betrayed, he also admits needing her. That sure cuts like a knife.

10. "Chemo Hero" by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton wrote this 2017 song for her own niece who battled five brutal years of leukemia and is now an adult. Although it's a children's tune, I included it because it is touching and an important, uplifting song to have in your treasure trove.

The tune describes the heroism of tolerating neverending chemo treatments and being frequently poked with needles. Together with the help of loved ones, doctors, and nurses, the young patient is a "chemo hero" who is getting rid of bad cells.

11. "Doctor! Doctor!" by The Thompson Twins

This international pop hit from 1984 features a narrator who addresses the object of his sexual desire, attempting to lure her closer. He's not sure whether it's love he's feeling, but there's some kind of fever that's "burning, burning" in his loin area. He consults his doctor for an urgent diagnosis.

12. "Just Like a Pill" by Pink

This 2001 pop song describes the narrator's desire to break free from a dysfunctional romantic relationship. Given her history of drug problems, Pink couches the toxic dynamics within the context of rehab and being on a bad trip.

13. "Doctor Love" by First Choice

With just one kiss, a love doctor wrote the lady in this 1977 R&B ditty a prescription for her pain and cured her. Doctor love saved her from a broken heart, performed a smooth operation on her, and she's been healthy ever since. Maybe she needs to share his number?

14. "Witch Doctor" by David Seville

What do you do when the woman you adore doesn't return your affections? The guy in this fun 1958 novelty song consults a witch doctor on how to win her heart. (Oh, if it were only that easy!) Witch doctors are traditional healers who treat medical ailments, including those caused by witchcraft.

15. "Medicine" by Harry Styles

The person Harry Styles is talking to in this 2018 pop song must be a nurse because Harry says he's "here to take my medicine." The sexually suggestive song has been called a bisexual anthem, in that it refers to love interests that are both male and female.

16. "Dr. Feelgood" by Motley Crue

This is not the kind of doctor you want to seek. In fact, he's not even a medical doctor at all. This 1989 heavy metal describes a drug dealer who calls himself "Dr. Feelgood" and sells heroin to the desperate. Beware of his treatments; the medicine is worse than what ails you.

17. "Medicine" by Kelly Clarkson

Some people can get over a former lover quickly, while for others it's a process. In this 2017 pop song, a newly empowered woman informs her ex that she has nearly forgotten about him. The guy created too much drama, and now narrator doesn't think about him. Her ex is no longer her medicine.

18. "Spoonful of Sugar" by Julie Andrews

If you've ever watched Mary Poppins, then you're familiar with the medically-related refrain of this 1964 classic show tune:

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down-wown
The medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way.

The meaning of the sage advice from the kind and self-assured nanny is that if you include something fun or positive in your work, it'll seem much less cumbersome.

19. "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes

When your unkind lover delivers words that cut deeper than a knife, you'll obviously need stitches to mend that wound. (There will still be scarring, however.) This 2015 pop song was an international hit, and in it, the mean woman whom Shawn Mendes loves simply watches him bleed.

20. "Calling Dr. Love" by KISS

Don't you love how some people think they're all that and a bag of chips? Thinking very highly of his sexual prowess and attractiveness, the make-up adorned dude in this 1977 rock song claims to be Dr. Love. He sees a woman he likes and assures her that he has the cure she's looking for:

You need my love baby, oh so bad
You're not the only one I've ever had
And if I say I want to set you free
Don't you know you'll be in misery.

However, with bravado like that, one wonders whether it's something more than love that he's spreading?

Even More Songs About Doctors, Medicine, and Health

Questions & Answers

Question: Which song contains the words "dum dooby dum"?

Answer: Actually, there are a few:

1) "Let's Lock the Door" by Jay & The Americans (1965)

2) "Tonight I Fell in Love" by The Tokens (1951)

3) "Shooting Time" by Eggstone (1992)

Question: What song has the words, "Come on, come on, this got to be wrong"?

Answer: I think you want the following song, although I have a second possibility: "Wetsuit" by The Vaccines (2011). Note that the lyrics are slightly different from what you may recall. (This isn't unusual. It's actually a common reason why people often cannot easily find a song on the Internet.)

Here's a sample of the song's lyrics as well as the YouTube link:

Put a wetsuit on. Come on, come on.

Grow your hair out long. Come on, come on.

Put a t-shirt on. Do me wrong, do me wrong, do me wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tr5ptnUoDE

If this song isn't it, then I have a second possibility for you, a song by Roachford called "Lay Your Love on Me" (1994).

Sample lyrics:

Come on, come on,

Lay your love on me.

There isn't a reason why this should be wrong.

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5yD5gAKoRE.

Question: What is the song "Oh My My" all about?

Answer: "Oh My My" by Ringo Starr (1973) is about how dancing is the perfect prescription for what ails you. Grab a partner and boogie and slide if you feel low or feel yourself slowing down. According to the song, it's the guaranteed thing to keep you alive.

Question: What song has the lyrics, "I’ll be your medicine man"?

Answer: There's a song called "In the Mood" by BlaccTheKidd (2019) that has those exact lyrics. It's pretty explicit.

© 2018 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on September 02, 2020:

Peggy - Thanks for your kind comment.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 01, 2020:

Blessings to your sister and all of our health providers battling this pandemic along with the everyday health concerns of our population. It is lovely that you and your husband can help out by taking her one asthmatic child to avoid having him exposed to COVID. That is a kind thing to do. I hope it is going well for everyone concerned.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 03, 2020:

Peggy - My sister is a nurse practitioner at a health department and she spends much of her time now testing people. She has three kids but one is an asthmatic so my husband and I have taken him because he's at such high risk being exposed to her. They are medical warriors right now.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 02, 2020:

That #1 song you featured is a great one. Right now, with the coronavirus raging, we have to truly appreciate the dedication of all the health care workers including our doctors out there doing their best to save lives. "Stayin' Alive" is the focus right now. Stay safe!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 03, 2020:

majik - Thanks for the suggestions. I had NIN for The Perfect Drug? I've added both songs.

majik on March 02, 2020:

Tool - The Perfect Drug

Barry Manilow - Tryin' to Get the Feeling

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 24, 2019:

Jerry Grant - Thank you for these terrific additions. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jerry Grant on November 22, 2019:

The Marvelettes - You're My Remedy

Marvin Gaye - Take This Heart Of Mine

Bo Diddley - Pills

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on August 21, 2019:

Anonymous - I've searched extensively and found nothing even close. If a reader knows I hope they'll leave a comment.

Anonymous on August 21, 2019:

I remember a song with the lines: doctors train to practice every doctor would agree but I would rather not have doctors practicing on me. Does anyone know who sang or wrote this? an internet search finds nothing.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 19, 2019:

Anonymous - Although this is not ringing a bell for me, I hope that a reader might be able to help out.

Anonymous on March 19, 2019:

Been trying to remember a dong from the 80s sbout s young girl whos parents want her to give her baby away at the end of the song this same child who is a doctor moves to her hometown and becomes a hero. Any ideas?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 27, 2018:

Pamela - Thank you for the kind compliment and for stopping by. Have a wonderful week.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on June 26, 2018:

This is an outstanding article as it has a wealth of data about doctors, history and an huge number of songs about medicine. I never thought about there being that number of songs about medicine and doctors. Interesting article.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 19, 2018:

Chitrangada - Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed the playlist. Have a great week!

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on June 19, 2018:

Interesting and impressive list, and I didn’t realise that there were so many songs related to doctors, medicines and health. Some of the songs are familiar to me.

Nice way of paying tribute to health professionals. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 16, 2018:

Dora - Thank you for playing along. I try to include a range of songs but not everyone has exposure to some of these songs. Have a great weekend!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 16, 2018:

Peggy - Thanks for taking my quiz! I'm glad you enjoyed this, No matter how old I get, I still love the Bee Gees. They bring back good memories. Have a great weekend! Stay healthy!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 15, 2018:

Great assemblage of songs regarding doctors and the medical profession. Now I have Stayin' Alive floating around in my mind. Ha! That medical quiz was most fascinating!

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on June 15, 2018:

Great list bringing together several kinds of doctors and ailments. Interesting even though none of these songs are familiar to me.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 13, 2018:

Natalie - Thanks for taking a look. Glad you liked it. I can't get CPR and "Another One Bites the Dust" out of my mind since doing this one. Arghhh!

Natalie Frank from Chicago, IL on June 13, 2018:

And yet another amazing song list! Truly you have no limit of ideas for these and each one is creative and interesting. The content you add about the songs and topic always goes a long way to making your articles unique. Keeping an eye out for the next one . . .

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 13, 2018:

Larry - Hope you're having a great week. Be well.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 13, 2018:

Liz - Very cool. Glad you enjoyed the article.

Liz Westwood from UK on June 13, 2018:

Another interesting article. I've come across the Staying Alive CPR link several years ago on a First Aid Course.

Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on June 13, 2018:

Always enjoy your lists:-)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Linda - I'm glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for commenting, and have a great week!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 12, 2018:

The link between the song beats and CPR chest compressions is very interesting. Thanks for sharing the information and the songs.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Heidi - I love that hair metal music too! Thanks for the song suggestion. I've added it at #61. Have a great week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Linda - Thanks for stopping by! Glad that you enjoyed this! Have a fabulous week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Audrey - And "Another One Bites the Dust" too! Can you imagine that going on in someone's mind as they try to keep you alive? Hope you have a happy and healthy weekend!

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on June 12, 2018:

Oh my, all of these songs that I never thought of as "medically-related". What a fun trip down memory lane. I loved this one.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on June 12, 2018:

Very clever, my friend! I had no idea that "Stay'in Alive" was used in training medical professionals. Thanks again.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on June 12, 2018:

Of course, in my typical hair band way, the Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Motley Crue tunes top my list. And I'd add Roxy Music, "Love is the Drug."

But I do like Peggy Lee's Fever, too.

Hope you're doing well (pun intended)!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

RoadMonkey - Thank you for the visit and for the song suggestion. Have a wonderful week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Margie - I'm happy you enjoyed this. Thanks for the kind comment and have a lovely week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Mary - I've met great ones, and I've met those I wished I hadn't. When you find a good doctor, hang on to him or her! Stay healthy and happy!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Frank - Glad you enjoyed this so much. I recall doing disco dancing in gym class to the Bee Gees. Did you do that?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Bill - Don't these songs just trigger the memories? Have a good week, my friend!

RoadMonkey on June 12, 2018:

Very clever list. I didn't see the Sophia Loren and Peter Seller's song, Oh doctor I'm in trouble, well goodness gracious me.

Margie's Southern Kitchen from the USA on June 12, 2018:

Girlfriend, I wish I had the abilities you have to write! Loved the doctors, medicine, and health article. Keep them coming!

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 12, 2018:

I never thought there are so many songs around doctors. We do entrust them with our well being so they play a crucial role in our lives. They need to be celerated.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on June 12, 2018:

Flourish loved it.. this was clever gathering of all the health, doctor..et al songs... Stayin Alive... wow my disco years.. :) thanks again for the roll back.. stay healthy...

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 12, 2018:

Jackson Browne all the way, baby! Instant recall of that song....it's really weird how our brains work. ;)