Jon Pertwee and Deep
Purple. Well it makes sense don’t you think? After all the third Doctor would
sometimes be seen sporting a purple velvet jacket and he was one of the handful
of tv icons of the day who wouldn’t look out of place in a rock band. Plus Deep
Purple did have a song called `Child in Time`. In 1971 the Purps – in their
classic line up- were becoming one of the foremost UK rock bands and their
management decided they would have their own record label Purple Records which
would run until 1979. And one of the earlier releases was `Who is the Doctor`
performed by Jon Pertwee.
This single followed the
tradition of tv actors talking over instrumentation the best / worst known
example being Telly Savalas’ croaky rendering of `If`. Mostly these records
took the actors out of their comfort zone and they probably regretted the move
years later. Pertwee on the other hand stayed within the Doctor Who world for a song that would finally add lyrics to the
show’s enigmatic theme tune. Remarkably he was one of the more well- known
artists from a label that was home to Hard Stuff, The Bumbles, Carol Hunter and
the delightfully monikered likes of Tucky Buzzard or Curtis Maldoon.
Released in either
November or December 1972 (there are differing accounts), the song was a
re-arrangement of the programme’s theme by producer Rupert Hine who has worked with the likes of
Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, The Thompson Twins and Suzanne Vega. The words were
penned by lyricist David McIver who often worked on Hine’s projects.
The song originated from
Hine’s interest in the idea of a different version of the iconic Ron Grainer
theme tune. He and McIver had both known known Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover
since the mid 1960s. One of Deep Purple’s managers Anthony Edwards was also a
good friend of Jon Pertwee. The idea was originally offered to the BBC but they
declined to be involved.
The music was not only
arranged but played by Rupert Hine along with future Penguin Café Orchestra
member Simon Jeffes. It’s an odd version though- speeded up and led by a
treated electric piano by the sound of it. Unfortunately there are also drums
which rather spoil the effect the package is trying to achieve. The tune is just
not suited to any type of percussion; indeed that’s part of its appeal. Drums
try and nail it to the floor when it’s supposed to float. However as Pertwee
speaks the line “towards that point I guide my flight” there’s an outbreak of
phasing type effects.
In a 2014 McIver said he
wrote the lyrics in twenty minutes based on ideas of time. The song was
subsequently remixed by Steve Nye. The single has been re-released several
times in 1983 (with a b- side called `The Sea Devils`), 1985 (as the b side of
the Blood Donor single) and 2014, as a remixed version. You can even find a
clip of Peter Capaldi doing the first verse on YouTube.
`Who is the Doctor` really
does suit Jon Pertwee to a tee as his experienced voice makes the lyrics shine
and he brings out the drama of the thing. He does find the rhythm of the music
though he isn’t rapping. As a summary of what the show is about they are
definitely a cut above the usual account though do tend towards the
melodramatic air (the Doctor fighting with a “sword of truth”) more
recognisable with the modern programme than the Who of the Seventies
There’s also something of
a trippy angle with the Doctor crossing the void “beyond the mind” somewhat
contradicting the engine of actual time travel.
Later the lyric talks about “ a presence “science can’t deny”. “Is your
faith beyond your mind?” it finally asks. I’m not sure if David McIver really
watched the programme or whether he never got further than the opening titles which
may have inspired such words. Anyway here's the song and the lyrics in full for anyone who feels
the urge to speak along...
I cross the void
beyond the mind
The empty space that
circles time
I see where others
stumble blind
To seek a truth
they never find.
Eternal wisdom is
my guide.
I am the Doctor
Through cosmic
waste the Tardis flies
To taste the secret
source of life.
A presence science
can't deny
Exists within,
outside, behind
The latitude of the
human minds.
I am the Doctor
My voyage dissects the
course of time
"Who knows?" you
say
But are you right?
Who searches deep to find
the light
That glows so darkly in
the night
Toward that point I guide
my flight
As fingers move to
end mankind
Metallic teeth
begin their grind.
With sword of truth
I turn to fight
The satanic’ powers
of the night.
Is your faith
before your mind?
Know me. Am I, the
Doctor?
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It's MacIver, by the way. Tony Edwards asked me to write the lyric. I'd watched the first and second seasons, but had not seen Jon in the role. The BBC weren't at all keen on the whole idea of the single, so we stayed away from the series story arcs and moved into general stuff around the Doctor's Time Travels. I sat with Jon and he really liked the idea of a "Cosmic Super Hero battling Evil." It appealed to his Shakesperean sense of humour and enabled the grand gesture. He also loved the idea of the failed magician who now worked childrens' parties, but who had worked the radio. he notion of a magician on the radio. So, Rupe and I wrote Pure Mystery for the B side. Had a lot of fun with Jon making the record; he was a Great Ham.
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