About the song
“The End” by Jim Morrison, originally released in 1967 as part of The Doors’ debut album, is a powerful and haunting song that encapsulates both the poetic genius and the dark, experimental nature of Morrison’s songwriting. Known for its avant-garde structure and existential themes, “The End” was a radical departure from traditional rock music at the time and continues to be a defining piece of The Doors‘ legacy.
The song begins with a slow, brooding introduction and gradually builds to a sprawling, nearly eleven-minute musical journey that explores themes of existentialism, despair, and the complexities of life and death. “The End” is often seen as an introspective reflection on the human condition, with Morrison’s cryptic lyrics contemplating the end of personal relationships, the loss of innocence, and the inevitability of death. The line “This is the end, my only friend, the end” is one of the most iconic moments in rock history, leaving an indelible impression on listeners.
While the song’s lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, it’s clear that “The End” marks a critical turning point for Morrison and the Doors, as it showcases a darker, more introspective side of the band. At the time of its release, “The End” was groundbreaking in its willingness to challenge traditional song structures. The song’s slow-building intensity and haunting orchestration made it stand out as a piece of art rather than just a rock song. It marked the beginning of a new era in rock music, where lyrics could transcend the usual love and rebellion themes and delve into deeper, often more unsettling psychological and philosophical territories.
The societal impact of “The End” cannot be understated. It pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream music at the time. The song’s dark, almost apocalyptic tone resonated with the growing countercultural movements of the 1960s, which were challenging societal norms and exploring new forms of expression. It’s a piece that became emblematic of the tension and unrest of the era, representing a generation’s search for meaning in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.
“The End” also had a lasting influence on future generations of musicians and songwriters. Its unique structure, blending poetry with experimental rock, opened doors for many artists to explore more abstract forms of musical expression. Over the years, the song has been embraced by listeners not just for its audacious sound, but for its ability to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses. Jim Morrison‘s distinctive voice and the atmospheric instrumentation created by The Doors‘ Jim Krieger, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore ensured that “The End” would remain an enduring piece of musical history.
In conclusion, “The End” is much more than just a song; it is a piece of art that captures the raw emotions and existential struggles of the human experience. Its impact on both music and culture continues to be felt, as it remains a bold and unapologetic exploration of life’s inevitable conclusion. Through “The End,” Jim Morrison and The Doors set a new standard for what rock music could express, and their influence can still be heard in contemporary music today.
Video
Lyrics
This is the endBeautiful friendThis is the endMy only friend, the endOf our elaborate plans, the endOf everything that stands, the endNo safety or surprise, the endI’ll never look into your eyes againCan you picture what will be?So limitless and freeDesperately in needOf some stranger’s handIn a desperate landLost in a Roman wilderness of painAnd all the children are insaneAll the children are insaneWaiting for the summer rain, yeahThere’s danger on the edge of townRide the King’s Highway, babyWeird scenes inside the gold mineRide the highway west, babyRide the snake, ride the snakeTo the lake, the ancient lake, babyThe snake, he’s long, seven milesRide the snakeHe’s old and his skin is coldThe west is the bestThe west is the bestGet here and we’ll do the restThe blue bus is calling usThe blue bus is calling usDriver, where you taking us?The killer awoke before dawnHe put his boots onHe took a face from the ancient galleryAnd he walked on down the hallHe went into the room where his sister lived, and then hePaid a visit to his brother, and then heHe walked on down the hall, andAnd he came to a doorAnd he looked inside“Father?”“Yes, son?”“I want to kill you”“Mother, I want to…”Come on baby, take a chance with usCome on baby, take a chance with usCome on baby, take a chance with usAnd meet me at the back of the blue busDoin’ a blue rug, on a blue bus, doin’ aCome on, yeahFuck, fuck-ah, yeahFuck, fuckFuck, fuckFuck, fuck, fuck yeahCome on, baby, come onFuck me, baby, fuck yeahWhoaFuck, fuck, fuck, yeahFuck, yeah, come on, babyFuck me, baby, fuck, fuckWhoa, whoa, whoa, yeahFuck yeah, do it, yeahCome on!Huh, huh, huh, huh, yeahAlrightKill, kill, kill, kill, kill, killThis is the endBeautiful friendThis is the endMy only friend, the endIt hurts to set you freeBut you’ll never follow meThe end of laughter and soft liesThe end of nights we tried to dieThis is the end