They Might Be Giants - Doctor Worm (Official Music Video)

From They Might Be Giants live album Severe Tire Damage. Get it at bit.ly/2slugwb.
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[@jacqland]

I graduated with my phd yesterday. Over the last few years thiis song had become a weird anthem, where belting "I'M NOT A REAL DOCTOR BUT I AM A REAL WORM" became a kind of inspirational mantra to finish. In the car ride home from the ceremony I had to play this car so I could finally sing the lyric dishonestly.

[@StaticFanfare]

Godspeed, Doctor Wormn't

[@thepalindromeadept4038]

thanks, I needed this

[@blondeeagles]

Congratulations 👏👏🪱⚕️🥼🩺

[@_IVXX]

Congratulations on being both a real doctor and a real worm!!!

[@aidandangiolillo415]

Awesome! Congratulations on becoming a real doctor!

[@lordrosemount]

According to the Giants, this is the only song they're contractually obliged to play at every concert they ever perform. Well, that's what JL said the last time I was at one, and much as I'd take anything they say with a Giant pinch of salt, I can very well believe it!

[@threeminuteshate]

So, I saw them in Fayetteville, AR 24 years ago this week. They played it twice. And it’s not like they played it, people were going crazy, so they played it again. They played it like twice with ten songs between each play. I’ve been to a lot of shows in my days and I’ve never seen a band do that, play the same song twice without being prompted.

[@lucase.2546]

@@threeminuteshate It’s just so damn fun

[@tweetybird1496]

Just saw them tonight lol. Can confirm thry did play this song at the end of their set

[@cursednormie7854]

i can confirm, 11 Oct ‘24 Forum Melbourne, they played it as first encore

[@zaprowsdower4938]

Music video: nothing to do with worms and some to do with doctors. Song: Nothing to do with doctors and some to do with worms.

[@pandanurse]

The part at 1:56 really hits me emotionally. Like I think it earnestly connects to how people have these secret dreams and aspirations and talents that theyre hoping will someday be acknowledged and fulfilled. But sitting around dreaming of it and doubting if it will ever come to fruition is such a lonely feeling. And in the music video especially, John's face and the edit they used really packs that emotional punch. And i have absolutely no clue if that is intentional and/or if anyone sees it that way lol

[@lucase.2546]

Yes.

[@katalepsykills]

It really does. Gets it perfectly. My heart drops. And I’m reminded of everything. It hurts.

[@danny_perez]

This is the type of song you'd have a dream about, lyrics and all.

[@ScrimmyBingus42]

The finale of this song is so triumphant and light-hearted, it makes me smile every time.

[@lonk2026]

the absolute stupid grin i get whenever i hear this song is indescribable

[@apw9929]

The new secretary of health and human services

[@redpanada7211]

This song just lives in my head rent free and I'll never complain about it.

[@cubingbros9782]

Real

[@enkibumbu]

The stream of consciousness of the lyrics is the real deal. Wakeful dreaming. Automatic writing. Tapping the unconscious. Whatever you want to call it. The poetry is high level stuff.

[@sheenthisma7103]

This has always been my favorite song, and every time I listen to it, I feel a sense of joy and emotion that I don’t think I feel listening to anything else. I’ll always have a deep sentimental attachment to this music video.

[@pauljohnson8847]

I love both Johns, but meeting and shaking hands with John L. was one of my best moments ever. Such a genius.

[@juliabeatlemaniac]

This is my highschool orchestra teacher's favorite song. He plays this almost everyday at the beginning of class.

[@SlippingJimbo]

would your teacher happen to be a worm?

[@docoroc616]

@ccrider201 and giantspilled

[@argusgoose8758]

I love this song, it reminds me of when I lived in Omaha and I had participated in the walkouts that day. The They Might be Giants concert was that day, and they mentioned the walkouts mid set and I was so ecstatic to hear the band of my whole childhood (I grew up on Lincoln) was proud of something I participated in. It helped me gain the confidence in what I believe in that I have today.

[@AfterPartyAlex]

I feel like sitting for two hours in my kitchen watching TMBG videos is a very important task for today, for life.

[@LakeMarshmallows]

i did this in the morning for years before school, its the best

[@DerekEno-e1k]

@@LakeMarshmallows I just did it now!

[@IaeyanElyuex]

Any time someone says someone's not a real doctor, I ask if they're a real worm and if they like to play the drums.

[@evanseifert8858]

...Does this happen to you on a regular basis?

[@MrResin-xk2mf]

My boss was a doctor. But she wasn’t an actual worm. I miss her dearly.

[@IaeyanElyuex]

@@evanseifert8858I play Borderlands. Doctor Zed is not a real doctor, nor is he a real worm. His enjoyment of drum playing is unknown.

[@Loctorak]

​​@@MrResin-xk2mfmy last boss wasn't a doctor, but she was an actual worm

[@brokentoaster6389]

Good song to be a worm to especially if you're a worm that isn't a doctor

[@FNRNICK]

@@garfself especially if you can handle criticism

[@jac8680]

from now on i’m rating songs based on how good they are to be a worm to

[@borntoclimb7116]

@@brokentoaster6389 good to know

[@juliabeatlemaniac]

This is my orchestra teacher's favorite song and he plays this song everyday in class.

[@tommygarson8592]

I am 18 years old and I only recently genuinely considered trying to pursue somewhat of a living in the arts after being told I should do so by so many people. I feel like Dr. Worm, I think I'm getting good, but I can handle criticism, and one day they'll all call me by my stage name. it will be hard to do if I wanna be a total renegade artist but dammit thats what I want

[@Maowkz]

you can do it!

[@raetimothy935]

Found a dead vole in my yard and sent my husband a picture "oh, no! He was supposed to play the solo!"

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

Fun Fact: Doctor Worm once built a bird house for his soul in his mom's basement using parts found around home...

[@cubingbros9782]

Dang.

[@melusine826]

That just clarified insight to one of reasons I loved miniatures and dollhouses as a kid / adult..... a safe place for my soul ..... 🤯

[@KillaB777]

I feel like every time I watch the music video for this song, there's a new segment that I have no memory of whatsoever

[@nishbrown]

I usually introduce myself to people as Doctor Worm, to see if they know what a good song really is.

[@rhysobrien2439]

Do you then go on to tell them that you like to play the drums? And that you think you're getting good, but that you can handle criticism?

[@ae-jx8tz]

​@@rhysobrien2439yea but does he tell them that he isnt a real doctor but he is a real worm?

[@KillaB777]

​@@ae-jx8tzIf they're skeptical, you must insist that you are, in fact, an actual worm

[@Amanunknown]

​@@KillaB777but make sure they also know that you live like a worm.

[@lonk2026]

saw them live a couple of weeks ago. actually cried when they played this ALSO: the line "good morning, how are you, i'm doctor worm" makes me laugh because it kinda implies that doctor worm is an emotion or state of being

[@gabebolden9394]

We all feel a bit Doctor Worm sometimes, and that’s something to connect over :)

[@0okamino]

All this time, and it still has some of the best choreography around. I've had the _Direct From Brooklyn_ video compilation since around the time it was first released, watched it a ridiculous amount of times, but I don't think I ever noticed before now that there's a price tag hanging on the Les Paul that Flans is playing. Nice Minnie Pearl style representin' there. :D

[@izzybeth]

two stories about this song: 1) my stepbrother's band covered this for the high school talent show and it was really good 2) when my friend got their PhD I sang this to them ("they call me Dr Sunny, [...] I'm not a real doctor but I am a real Sunny")

[@pyredynasty]

This one really needed a good upload.

[@peterhoeller7811]

"Choreography." Never gets old.

[@kevinbirge2130]

I remember reading about these guys in 1986 and paying the long distance to hear the Dial-A-Song. (Now That I Have Everything, that day.) I was shocked in 1990 when Flood made them really famous. And now they seem like old friends.

[@threeminuteshate]

Free when you call from work!

[@nicholasparker.970]

Why when I see Linnell smile at 2:26 my heart warms-

[@FNRNICK]

It Worms

[@nicholasparker.970]

@@FNRNICK NICE ONE.

[@bigchinneddad]

The brass in this song is so good

[@seerus1351]

This song is always a treat to see performed live in their concerts. ^_^

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

Heard it on newgrounds when I was like 5 in an ancient flash animation. Didn't know who was playing it but I've loved every tmbg since.

[@rdarkstorm8414]

I feel this song because i too am interested in things and live like a worm

[@ElinOskarsson]

This song is absolute fire

[@Sc-tch]

TMBG is fearlessness and freedom in the form of music.

[@Frozenkoldfury]

Well, thanks Tulok for introducing me to this. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but here we are.

[@LukeHennisch]

I’m always happy when I hear Doctor Worm. I also love the Direct From Brooklyn DVD, watch it all the time, thanks for reuploading!

[@simpleguy86]

i love that this song and many of their other have music videos, they dont have to make sense just getting to see what awesome absurdity they create.

[@Ginrummy33]

Rabbi Vole is not a real Rabbi, but he is a real vole.

[@FNRNICK]

He likes to play the solo when you give him the signal

[@gbrowne890]

I thought it was 'Rabbi Bull' as in 'Ra-Bible'

[@Zenmasterslim]

1:55 Gives me chills every time. Bravo.

[@veronicapoquette6122]

There's a guy I know who reblogs a line from this song once a week on tumblr

[@paddyryan5702]

What's their URL?

[@vpoquette8887]

@@paddyryan5702 piano-like-an-epic-sir He hasn't posted it in a while but he tags it with #weekly reblog

[@satori4183]

I'd like to make an excursion into John Linnell's brain, just to see what it's like in there.

[@codyhowell4543]

So would I

[@derekeno-l8n]

Proud fan of They Might Be Giants, here. Only saw them 7 times, but all were great. Met John Flansburg at a free show they did in Boston in 1992, great guy, great show. Also proud to have the squid and whale from Apollo 18 tattooed on my forearm.

[@calebm9000]

“Only” What?

[@wuweiwilson]

Holy crap, I was at tha Boston show, and that is what made me a TMBG fan!

[@CertifiedDumbassery]

I’ve never been to a concert of theirs but I’ve been listening to them literally my whole life. I’m 16 and my dad would play their music all the time so I know all their songs and I plan on a tattoo from one of their songs or albums.

[@madice3262]

I remember this song from a special TMBG event on AQW (Adventure quest worlds), we had to kill their doppelgängers to get tokens to trade in for the collector class. Dr worm was playing constantly in the background xD

[@ryandavis8000]

YOOOO I WAS THERE TOO!!! That was one of my favorite events on aqw

[@lynseyplays9078]

that grin at 2:26 ❤️

[@luyucyycyccuycuy]

one morning I was greeting my mom and our conversation went like this: "good morning" "how are you?" _don't say I'm doctor worm don't say I'm doctor worm don't say I'm doctor worm_ *awkwardly long pause* "good"

[@viddythehat]

Ahh yes, the best times of my life. The golden era of my life. They Might Be Giants and AdventureQuest Worlds collab. I miss my childhood. Vindicator of They

[@zebraknight1]

One of my favorite TMBG songs. Its just so, so good

[@mfk5533]

Theory - this song was written as a response to Rhythm Section Want Ad

[@snakes7303]

Mayhaps

[@PChamp88]

When I was in marching band in high school, this was everyone's favorite song to hear!

[@threeminuteshate]

At the one and only time I’ve seen them live in 1998 they played this one twice.

[@MsCherade9]

One of my all time favourite tunes!

[@biggali]

Would you love me if I was Doctor Worm.

[@temego]

I think i'd love you more

[@MorrahaDesigns]

Best comment.

[@ernzilla1533]

Favorite. Song. Ever.

[@markghughes]

a shark on whiskey is mighty risky a shark on beer is a beer engineer

[@b.thompson9176]

I'm thinking Hank Green would fit right in amongst the "particlemen". Especially post-cancer. Dr. Worm seems fitting! Wish you guys would take a detour to Missoula someday.

[@JohnDoe-uq2qd]

I'd like to learn more about this "Rabbi Vole" character. What's his story?

[@IsaacMayerCreativeWorks]

well they call him rabbi vole. he’s not not a real rabbi but he is a real vole

[@Macfly047]

He's an actual vole, he live like a vole

[@AdahnFlorence]

I thought his name was Rabbi Mole because that's what he was in the Kablam! music video.

[@liamharder]

You just unlocked a core memory.​@@AdahnFlorence

[@MeAndMichaelOeuo]

You’re back! :O

[@nintenjoe8630]

Thank you, Kablam, for first introducing me to this Song as a Kid, I already was aware of the band because of Nicklodeon. But i loved this song as a kid with the accompanying Music Vid.

[@veronicamcghie5238]

Honestly a little disappointed to learn the video on Kerblam is not the offical video

[@topo8444]

One of the very first TMBG tunes I heard when I was younger

[@daveidmarx8296]

The start of their "later" career for me, after I got into them as a young adult with Apollo 18 in 1992.

[@RomanNardone]

Can you release a high quality version for birdhouse in your soul? I seriously have played that song on repeat for hours and would love to hear it as crisp as this 👌

[@mode3517]

I think I first heard this song when I was 11-12 or something, on that nickelodeon show, Ka-blam! At the time, I didn't know it was the same guys from the Particle Man and Istanbul shorts on Tiny Toon Adventures. But this was the song that made me want to really dive into their music. And now they're one of my top three favorite bands of all time, along with any project of Devin Townsend, and almost anything from Stephin Merritt.

[@madice3262]

You’re getting better on the drums my wormy friend!

[@TimChuma]

Ended up staying to the third encore during their March 2019 show in Melbourne. Saw the drummer hanging out with some of the audience. I did end up going to see the Clock at ACMI later on like John did when they arrived (was played for 100 hrs straight to finish the season)

[@threeminuteshate]

2:09 that bass slide gets me hyped every damn time

[@WannabeMarysue]

Oh worm?

[@wallacestine]

Dr Worm a classic

[@NewWaveEnthusiast]

Who would I be without They Might Be Giants?

[@NSB0953]

You Might Be Old Wave

[@RockOnTheKitchenTable]

Sad probably

[@katalepsykills]

It’s probably about 23% of me

[@crystal_link9201]

They call me Dr. Worm Good morning, how are you? I'm Dr. Worm I'm interested in things I'm not a real doctor But I am a real worm I am an actual worm I live like a worm I like to play the drums I think I'm getting good But I can handle criticism I'll show you what I know And you can tell me if you think I'm getting better on the drums I'll leave the front un-locked 'Cause I can't hear the doorbell When I get into it I can't tell if you are Watching me twirling the stick When I give the signal, my friend Rabbi Vole will play the solo Some day somebody else besides me will Call me by my stage name, they will Call me Dr. Worm Good Morning how are you, I'm Dr. Worm I'm interested in things I'm not a real doctor But I am a real worm I am an actual worm I live like a worm And I like to play the drums I think I'm getting good But I can handle criticism I'll show you what I know And you can tell me if you think I'm getting better on the drums I'm not a real doctor But they call me Dr. Worm

[@fullalbumplaylist6029]

Please upload a better quality video of Birdhouse in Your Soul, Don't Let's Start, Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head, The Mesopotamians, Can't Keep Johnny Down, and an actual official version of Boss of Me. You guys are awesome and these uploads prove it.

[@wallacestine]

YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

[@LordPichuPal]

You've gotten your wish so far on 2 of those. We'll see if the other classics get the same treatment soon enough

[@RHRedHairedGirl]

Shout out for the Late, Great, Lynne Thigpen as the Worm Testing Scientist! She was The Chief on "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego"!

[@holidayin7962]

this is nice but WHERE ARE THE WORMS? THEY ARE FREE IN THE GRUND GI GET SOME!

[@xmariner]

This is one of my favorites (can you pick just ONE?) but the SONG ROCKS and the VIDEO ROCKS. 10 out of 10 for the JOHNS

[@alexcarter8807]

Check out the original video, done for MTV For Teens or something, it's pretty cool too.

[@Mae_forrest]

God, this song is such a vibe.

[@insectsect]

The inhabitants of this comment section are as follows • true doctor worm-ers • middle aged dudes who hate this band with every fibre of their being

[@CJMediaSolutions]

Their first record came out in ‘86. Wouldn’t the core fan base be mostly middle age guys?

[@insectsect]

@ oh yea i don’t doubt that at all! i was just specifying that it seems like most of the people who hate this song at least enough to comment are a specific faction of middle aged guys who hate fun

[@g--stef4756]

@@CJMediaSolutions Not at all, fans of good work come in all ages. I am 27 as of writing this comment, but a couple years back I shocked a fifty year old guy by telling him TMBG was one of my favorite bands- he didn't even know they were still active. My own sister went to see a TMBG concert just this year and she's only a year younger than me!

[@NotSoGoodWithNames]

​@@g--stef4756 minor here, young people absolutely listen to tmbg

[@Dark0neone]

@@CJMediaSolutions Doctor Worm transcends silly things like age

[@patinlawrence295]

My son's already in love with some of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse songs. I hum "Hot Dog, Hot Dog" all the time. This is Going to be his formal TMBG introduction like it was mine.

[@aranxtil5554]

Today i learned that they made the clubhouse songs. WHAT?? It does make sense tho :O

[@AdahnFlorence]

Man it was so crazy finding out they wrote that song, among others that I surprisingly found around childhood age.

[@borntoclimb7116]

​@@aranxtil5554 so true

[@themumblebrapper]

no shit hot dog hit dog hot diggity dog is by tmbg

[@TotalDramaHarold]

@@themumblebrapperBros mad for no reason 😭🙏

[@annec4019]

21 years ago my daught got tmbg cd from friends when she was 2. now her 10 yo brother listened to all that back when he was a baby. now he is 10 and asked for "mop". and now in 2024 we found this and he loves it and so do i!!!! i wish they were touring northeast u.s. this year! will aim for 2025

[@micahcease4617]

Thanks for finnaly adding this. I've been waiting years.

[@SovietImperator]

What a gift! It’s like Christmas! In October!

[@isle-unto-thyself]

One day, I'll have a comment on youtube be over 20 years old. Of course, other comments will get there beforehand, but I want one of those comments to be on this video. Hence the reason I'm commenting. Someone remind me in 2043 that this exists, and I'll update my life. Hoping to be a museum curator some day, so we'll see if that dream gets to be a reality.

[@kcrambler4426]

I’ll make sure of it

[@Jamieclarkisokay]

Yo its 2043

[@isle-unto-thyself]

@@Jamieclarkisokay unfortunately, not quite yet

[@Seánasadventure]

I want to be a part of this experiment

[@grubestie4lyfe]

miracle musical profile picture

[@DontLetsStartAPodcastAboutTMBG]

Brilliant and beautiful filmmaking here. I love this video.

[@Fopenplop]

i love the brass in this song

[@wisskier]

This song always makes me smile big, those horns!

[@pretzelthedude]

Sweet! Never got to see the video to this song before now. Much thanks my dudes!

[@yungsircashregister]

One day people someone else will call me my stage name

[@downeastboy84]

My nephews introduced me to this about 4.5 years ago and it’s one of my favorites

[@bonelessbones1176]

they call me doctor worm. that’s all they’ve ever called me.

[@elliotcoleman27]

GOOD MORNING DR WORM!

[@HaplessNerd]

I love this song! You guys are great!

[@chunkydisasta]

this is so stupid hard ❤🔥

[@Guessletum]

So awesome. So much joy from this.

[@DSGreen]

Just saw them play this live!

[@marcella.2]

me too!

[@krudmonger]

Ooh, you can actually read the name and address on the prescriptions now! Pointless but cool. =)

[@bob0196]

I was recently learned of this band because one of my co-workers was playing this song

[@DannZBF]

i cant explain how much i love this song xd

[@sarahkostka9375]

For me, my appreciation is best summarized by Linnell's smile at 2:25 !

[@sarahkostka9375]

Happy Thanksgiving @theymightbegiants !

[@callumwalker1881]

We can finally see this in a higher quality than 140p

[@scowell]

Buy the DVD's. They rock.

[@finndigo6131]

Talk about an earworm! I work for tips

[@WatchEj]

Thank you adventure quest worlds for introducing me to this gem all those years ago🤞🏾

[@bunebone]

my national anthem

[@danielesslinger9884]

Relient K brought me here. I love this song!!!!