About the song
“Ghost Song” by Jim Morrison is a haunting and enigmatic piece that showcases the legendary artist’s poetic depth and his fascination with mysticism and the human psyche. Featured on The Doors’ posthumous 1978 album, “An American Prayer”, this track is not a conventional song but rather an artistic fusion of Morrison’s spoken-word poetry with musical accompaniment by the remaining members of the band. It stands as a testament to Morrison’s multifaceted genius and his ability to transcend traditional musical boundaries.
“An American Prayer” was released seven years after Morrison’s untimely death in 1971. It is a unique project in which the surviving members of The Doors—Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore—crafted music around recordings of Morrison’s poetry. “Ghost Song” opens the album, setting the tone for what is both a celebration of Morrison’s artistry and a meditation on themes of life, death, and transcendence.
The lyrics of “Ghost Song” are quintessential Morrison: surreal, evocative, and deeply introspective. Lines like “Awake. Shake dreams from your hair / My pretty child, my sweet one” draw the listener into a dreamlike realm. The song captures Morrison’s preoccupation with the ethereal and the mysterious, as he weaves a tapestry of imagery that ranges from intimate personal reflections to broader existential musings. The repeated phrase “We’re alive!” serves as a rallying cry, a declaration of vitality amidst the song’s otherworldly tone.
Musically, the track is a compelling blend of rock, jazz, and blues, underscored by The Doors’ signature improvisational style. Manzarek’s keyboard work provides a swirling, hypnotic backdrop, while Krieger’s guitar and Densmore’s percussion add dynamic layers to the composition. The music complements Morrison’s voice, which is commanding and otherworldly, drawing listeners into his vision.
The significance of “Ghost Song” lies in its ability to encapsulate Jim Morrison’s legacy as a poet, philosopher, and provocateur. It reflects his desire to push artistic boundaries and to explore the intersection of poetry, music, and performance. For fans, it serves as both a poignant reminder of Morrison’s untimely passing and a celebration of his enduring influence.
Culturally, the song and the album “An American Prayer” have sparked diverse reactions. Some critics praised the innovative blending of Morrison’s poetry with music, while others questioned the posthumous nature of the project. Regardless, “Ghost Song” remains a fascinating artifact of the late 1960s and 1970s counterculture, embodying the spirit of experimentation and rebellion that defined The Doors and their enigmatic frontman.
In summary, “Ghost Song” is not merely a song—it is an experience. It invites listeners to journey into the depths of Jim Morrison’s mind, where poetry, music, and mysticism collide. For those willing to embrace its unconventional structure and its profound themes, the song offers a timeless connection to one of rock music’s most iconic figures.
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Lyrics
AwakeShake dreams from your hairMy pretty child, my sweet oneChoose the day and choose the sign of your dayThe day’s divinityFirst thing you seeA vast radiant beach in a cool jeweled moonCouples naked race down by it’s quiet sideAnd we laugh like soft, mad childrenSmug in the wooly cotton brains of infancyThe music and voices are all around usChoose they croon the Ancient OnesThe time has come againChoose now, they croonBeneath the moonBeside an ancient lakeEnter again the sweet forestEnter the hot dreamCome with usEverything is broken up and dancesIndians scatteredOn dawn’s highway bleedingGhosts crowd the young child’sFragile eggshell mind