The Poetic Meaning of “When The Music’s Over” by The Doors
Introduction
“There are things known and things unknown and in between are the doors,” said Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors. One of their most epic songs, “When The Music’s Over”, invites listeners to open spiritual doors and reflect upon modern society’s inner turmoil.
This piece of music has captured the hearts of fans all over the world, and it’s still receiving high acclaim to this day. So, let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind this song.
The Lyrics
The song begins with a beautiful piano intro before Morrison’s voice enters the track, setting the tone for the poetic lyrics to come. Each line is carefully constructed to leave plenty of room for interpretation, stirring feelings of both regret and hope:
“Cancel my subscription to the Resurrection
Send my credentials to the House of Detention
I got some friends inside …
The faces in the street
When they crowd together
Children look on with their mothers
And everybody’s here
I can’t keep from thinking
Somewhere, there’s a better world”
The song is a call to action for everyone to open their minds to a greater power, to understand the human condition and to recognize that there is an alternative way to live.
The Message
At a deeper level, “When The Music’s Over” is a reflection of the social and political issues of the 1960s. It’s no secret that Jim Morrison was a powerful advocate for social and political reform. He used his position to urge society to evolve and take on new ideas.
The song’s ethos is that there is a need to open spiritual doors to understand the world. To make sense of the chaos, we need to break down the barriers of our mind and come out of our comfort zones. We need to embrace the painful reality of the world, not turn away from it.
The Music Behind the Lyrics
The Doors have a reputation for being one of the most innovative rock bands of their era, and “When The Music’s Over” is no exception. The song features a simple yet intense melody that builds up to a heart-pumping crescendo.
The lyrics are amplified by the slow tempo and the intricate music, making it a powerful masterpiece that ranges from sorrowful and introspective to joyful and empowering. John Densmore’s drum rhythms provide the perfect backdrop to Robby Krieger’s soaring guitar work, while Morrison’s voice adds an emotional depth that is unrivaled.
The Impact of “When The Music’s Over”
“When The Music’s Over” was the final track on The Doors’ second album, “Strange Days”. The song’s powerful lyrics stirred people’s imaginations to think about the bigger picture and urged them to take action against the status quo.
Due to its subversive themes, the song proved to be too controversial for commercial airtime. Its counter-culture message resonated with the youth of the time, leading to its popularity as an anthem of the late 1960s.
Decades later, this song still has relevance today. It reminds us that we can reexamine our own way of thinking and beliefs, breaking down prejudices and misconceptions. It shows us that there is always potential for growth and societal transformation.
The Final Thoughts
“When The Music’s Over” is a timeless piece of music that holds sway over all those who have the privilege to hear it. The song opens spiritual doors that take listeners on a journey of self-reflection and helps them to contemplate the bigger picture.
Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics and intense delivery changed the landscape of rock and roll forever. It’s a song that has left a legacy of hope and inspires a change of perspective for any generation.
