Long John Blues

The song 'Long John Blues' by the artist known as Burlesque is a playful and suggestive piece that uses the metaphor of a dental visit to explore themes of sexual innuendo and desire. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who visits a dentist named Dr. John Long, who is humorously described as being over seven feet tall. The song's narrative plays on the double entendre of dental procedures, such as 'filling cavities' and 'drilling,' to imply a sexual relationship between the patient and the dentist.

The song's tone is cheeky and lighthearted, with the singer expressing a mix of pain and pleasure that blurs the lines between a routine dental appointment and a romantic encounter. The mention of not needing novocain, a local anesthetic used to numb pain, suggests that the experience, while potentially uncomfortable, is ultimately enjoyable. The playful banter about the cost of the dental work further adds to the song's flirtatious nature, with the singer hinting at a willingness to return for more 'treatment.'

Culturally, 'Long John Blues' fits within the tradition of burlesque and blues, where sexual innuendo and humor are often used to entertain and provoke. The song's clever use of metaphor and its bold approach to the subject matter reflect the era's more coded ways of discussing sexuality, especially in the context of female desire. The artist, by adopting the name Burlesque, likely aims to evoke the spirit of the burlesque performance style, which is characterized by its combination of satire, performance, and adult themes.