About the song
“Five to One” by Jim Morrison and The Doors is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking tracks from the legendary band’s 1968 album “Waiting for the Sun”. This song stands out as one of Morrison’s most evocative and rebellious pieces, combining poetic lyrics, a raw, intense atmosphere, and the iconic instrumentation of The Doors. Released during a time of societal unrest and cultural change, “Five to One” is a reflection of the growing counterculture movement and the disillusionment felt by many, particularly among the youth.
The song begins with a hypnotic, driving bass line, accompanied by Jim Morrison’s signature spoken-word delivery. This arrangement builds to a powerful crescendo, making the song an immersive experience for the listener. The title, “Five to One”, refers to the ratio of youth versus authority, with Morrison singing about a world where “the old get old, and the young get stronger.” This stark imagery is a metaphor for the generational divide of the 1960s, where the youth were beginning to challenge the norms, values, and established institutions of the older generation. The phrase “Five to One” can be seen as a call for rebellion, emphasizing that the young have the numbers and power to overcome the constraints imposed by society.
Lyrically, the song is filled with imagery and existential reflections. Morrison’s cryptic words touch on themes of freedom, rebellion, and the inevitable shift in power between generations. The line “the old get old, and the young get stronger” speaks directly to the youth-driven social movements of the time, where the younger generation was increasingly asserting its voice and influence, especially in areas like civil rights, anti-war protests, and the sexual revolution.
Socially, “Five to One” serves as an anthem of resistance, reflecting the turbulent cultural landscape of the 1960s. This was an era marked by protests against the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction with established political and cultural norms. The song’s aggressive tone and defiant lyrics resonated with young people who were seeking freedom, identity, and change. In a sense, “Five to One” captured the spirit of the times, channeling both the frustration and hope of the counterculture generation.
Musically, the song is a prime example of The Doors’ unique ability to blend rock, blues, and jazz influences with an experimental edge. The track’s deep, rhythmic bassline, paired with Ray Manzarek’s swirling organ lines and Robbie Krieger’s minimalist guitar riffs, creates a spacey, hypnotic feel that mirrors Morrison’s lyrical exploration of shifting consciousness and societal change. The song’s structure also mirrors the feeling of a revolution—rising, repetitive, and unrelenting until the inevitable clash of forces.
“Five to One” is often regarded as one of Morrison’s most powerful and direct compositions. It embodies the spirit of rebellion that defined The Doors’ music and lyrics, offering a critique of societal structures while promoting the idea of youth empowerment. The song’s influence can be felt in many of the protest songs and cultural movements that followed, as it captured the tension between the old guard and the new wave of change. For Jim Morrison, it was more than just a song—it was a declaration of independence, a challenge to the establishment, and a call to arms for a generation ready to forge a new path.
Ultimately, “Five to One” remains a timeless reflection of a pivotal moment in history, when youth culture was stepping into its own power. It’s a song that speaks to the idea of generational change and rebellion, capturing the ethos of the late 60s while remaining relevant for modern listeners. Its bold lyrics, intense delivery, and unapologetic energy continue to make it one of the defining tracks of The Doors‘ catalog and a lasting cultural touchstone.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
Yeah, c’mon
I love my girl
She lookin’ good
C’mon
One more[Verse 1]
Five to one, baby
One in five
No one here gets out alive, now
You get yours, baby
I’ll get mine
Gonna make it, baby, if we try[Verse 2]
The old get old
And the young get stronger
May take a week
And it may take longer
They got the guns
But we got the numbers
Gonna win, yeah, we’re takin’ over
Come on![Verse 3]
Your ballroom days are over, baby
Night is drawing near
Shadows of the evening
Crawl across the years
Ya walk across the floor with a flower in your hand
Trying to tell me no one understands
Trade in your hours for a handful of dimes
Gonna make it, baby, in our prime[Chorus]
Come together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together, aha
Get together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together, gotta, get together
Ooaaaaaah![Bridge]
Hey, c’mon, honey
You won’t have a long wait for me, baby
I’ll be there in just a little while
You see, I gotta go out in this car with these people and…[Outro]
Get together one more time
Get together one more time
Get together, got to
Get together, got to
Get together, got to
Take you up in my room and
Hah-hah-hah-hah-hah
Love my girl
She lookin’ good, lookin’ real good
Love ya, c’mon