Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)

Origins and original recording

Moon Martin composed and recorded the track for his 1978 sessions. His label, Capitol Records, issued the tune as a standalone single in some territories (notably the United Kingdom and Spain) and included it on the U.S. release of his album Shots from a Cold Nightmare. Martin's original version introduced the melody and lyrical hook but did not achieve significant commercial traction; it remained a relatively obscure entry in his songwriting output until covered by Palmer.

Robert Palmer version and commercial reception

Robert Palmer recorded the song for his 1979 album Secrets. Palmer's take brought a punchier production, a prominent guitar riff, and a vocal delivery that emphasized the song's ironic, swaggering tone. Released as a single, it became one of Palmer's best‑known hits. In the United Kingdom the single debuted and peaked at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart on 7 July 1979 (chart source); in the United States it proved more successful on pop radio, where it rose into the upper portion of the Billboard Hot 100 and helped raise Palmer's profile internationally.

Characteristics and lyrical themes

Musically the recording sits at the crossroads of rock, power pop and mainstream pop of the late 1970s. It features a tight rhythmic groove, concise verse–chorus structure, and a chorus built around a simple, memorable hook. Lyrically the song treats romantic infatuation as if it were a medical condition, blending humor and longing: the narrator asks for a diagnosis and a cure while acknowledging his helplessness before love’s symptoms.

Legacy and notable facts

• The song is often cited as one of Robert Palmer’s signature singles and appears on many of his greatest‑hits compilations.
• Moon Martin, as the writer, continued to perform and record, and his authorship of the tune has been noted as one of his enduring contributions to late‑20th‑century pop songwriting.
• Different recordings highlight contrasts in arrangement: Martin’s original is perceived as more laid‑back, while Palmer’s version emphasizes punch and radio immediacy.

Across decades the song has maintained a presence on classic‑rock and oldies playlists, and its central hook—“Doctor, doctor, please”—remains instantly recognizable to many listeners. For a concise sense of the song's place in both artists' careers, see recordings and compilation appearances by both Moon Martin and Robert Palmer.