In this episode of the Black Death 101 podcast, hosts Nubius Black and Johnny Deth delve into the 1976 film 'Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde.' They explore the themes of identity, transformation, and the societal implications of race and ambition. The conversation highlights the film's unique take on the classic Jekyll and Hyde story, emphasizing the struggles of Dr. Henry Pryde, a black doctor trying to navigate a world that often marginalizes him. The hosts discuss the film's cinematography, music, and character dynamics, ultimately reflecting on the deeper messages about self-acceptance and the cost of ambition.
Song: Dr Pryde & Mr. White
(Spoken Intro – preacher tone)
Brothers and sisters, the good doctor said he could wash away the stain,
But when that potion took hold, he turned pale with pain.
He tried to play God and change his skin,
But the devil was waitin’ deep within.
(Verse 1)
Doctor Pryde in his Sunday suit,
Said science gonna set him free.
Mixed that serum under midnight light,
Now the mirror don’t agree.
(Chorus – call and response)
Lead: He tried to be white, tried to be right,
Choir: Lost his light in the dead of night!
Lead: Doctor Pryde and Mister White,
Choir: Ain’t no cure for a soul divided inside!
(Verse 2)
He walked the streets in another man’s face,
Cold and hard in a lonely place.
He thought he found power, thought he found grace,
But the devil wore a brand-new face.
(Chorus – bigger harmonies)
Lead: Tried to be white, tried to be right,
Choir: Lost his light in the dead of night!
Lead: Doctor Pryde and Mister White,
Choir: No peace for the soul that’s split in the fight!
(Bridge – spoken sermon over funk groove)
You can bleach your skin, but not your sin,
You can change your name, but not what’s within.
The Lord don’t see no color, He sees your deeds,
And you can’t hide pride when your spirit bleeds.
(Chorus – final lift)
Lead: Tried to be white, tried to be right,
Choir: Lost his light in the dead of night!
Lead: Doctor Pryde and Mister White,
Choir: No cure for the soul divided inside!
(Outro – slow fade with wah-wah and choir)
He mixed up science, thought he found truth,
But truth found him one night climbing for his life, he looked out at that city from the top of those towers and what he saw was all he lost…
Dr. Pryde... and Mister White...
The Lord don’t see color, He just sees the fight.