About the song
**Break on Through (To the Other Side): The Doors**
Jim Morrison, the charismatic frontman of The Doors, once described his band’s music as “a celebration of the senses.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the psychedelic rock anthem “Break on Through (To the Other Side),” a song that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
Released in 1967 as the opening track on their debut album, “Break on Through” immediately established The Doors as a force to be reckoned with. The song’s driving rhythm, Morrison’s raw and poetic lyrics, and the band’s innovative use of instrumentation create a sonic landscape that is both exhilarating and unsettling.
At its core, “Break on Through” is a song about seeking freedom and transcendence. Morrison’s lyrics are filled with imagery of breaking down barriers, escaping societal constraints, and exploring the unknown. The opening line, “Come on baby, light my fire,” sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
Musically, the song is a tour de force. The driving rhythm section, provided by John Densmore on drums and Ray Manzarek on keyboards, provides a solid foundation for Morrison’s powerful vocals and Robbie Krieger’s distinctive guitar work. The song’s arrangement is both simple and complex, with the repeating chord progression and hypnotic rhythm creating a sense of tension and release.
One of the most striking aspects of “Break on Through” is Morrison’s vocal performance. His voice is raw and intense, filled with emotion and passion. He delivers the lyrics with a sense of urgency and desperation, as if he is pleading with listeners to join him on his journey.
The song’s lyrics also contain references to drugs and alcohol, which were prevalent in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. However, the song’s message is not simply about substance abuse. Instead, it is about seeking a deeper meaning in life and breaking free from the limitations imposed by society.
“Break on Through” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners of all ages. Its powerful message, innovative sound, and Morrison’s charismatic performance make it one of the most influential songs of the psychedelic era. Whether you are a longtime fan of The Doors or new to their music, “Break on Through” is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
… You know the day destroys the night
Night divides the day
Tried to run
Tried to hide
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side, yeah
… We chased our pleasures here
Dug our treasures there
But can you still recall
The time we cried
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
… Yeah
C’mon, yeah
… Everybody loves my baby
Everybody loves my baby
She get high
She get high
She get high
She get high, yeah
… I found an island in your arms
Country in your eyes
Arms that chain us
Eyes that lie
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through, ow
Oh, yeah
… Made the scene
Week to week
Day to day
Hour to hour
The gate is straight
Deep and wide
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through
Break on through
Break on through
Break on through
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah