About the song
“The Movie” by Jim Morrison is a compelling track that reflects the enigmatic and experimental nature of Morrison’s solo work following his time with The Doors. Released in 1971, this song appears on his posthumous album An American Prayer, which was officially released in 1978 after Morrison’s death. The album, recorded with The Doors shortly before Morrison’s passing, combines previously recorded spoken word poetry with new musical arrangements, making it a unique and intriguing piece in Morrison’s discography.
“The Movie” is a striking example of Jim Morrison’s ability to blend his poetic sensibilities with music. The track features Morrison’s deep, resonant voice delivering a monologue that feels both personal and expansive. The lyrics of the song reflect Morrison’s fascination with the nature of existence and reality, touching on themes of illusion and self-awareness. The metaphor of a movie is used to explore the idea that life itself is a kind of performance, a recurring motif in Morrison’s work that delves into the nature of human experience and perception.
The significance of “The Movie” goes beyond its lyrical content. The song represents Morrison’s continued evolution as an artist, showcasing his shift towards more introspective and experimental forms of expression. This period of Morrison’s career is marked by a desire to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories. The track’s blending of spoken word and music aligns with the avant-garde tendencies that characterized much of Morrison’s later work, highlighting his role as a pioneering figure in merging different artistic forms.
Socially, “The Movie” and the album An American Prayer reflect the broader cultural context of the early 1970s, a time of significant artistic experimentation and introspection. Morrison’s work during this period resonates with the era’s interest in exploring deeper philosophical questions and breaking free from conventional artistic boundaries. The song, with its introspective and abstract qualities, speaks to the growing movement towards personal and artistic exploration that defined the post-1960s counterculture.
Although “The Movie” was released after Morrison’s death, its impact has been notable in how it captures the essence of his artistic vision. The song remains an intriguing and thought-provoking piece for listeners who appreciate Morrison’s unique blend of poetry and music. It underscores his enduring influence as an artist who constantly sought to challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional music and performance.
In summary, “The Movie” by Jim Morrison, released in 1971 as part of the album An American Prayer, is a profound example of Morrison’s post-Doors artistic evolution. The track combines spoken word with music to explore themes of reality and existence, reflecting the experimental nature of Morrison’s later work. Its release and enduring appeal highlight Morrison’s role as a trailblazer in merging artistic forms and pushing the boundaries of conventional music.
Video
Lyrics
The movie will begin in five momentsThe mindless voice announcedAll those unseated will await the next showWe filed slowly, languidly into the hallThe auditorium was vast and silentAs we seated and were darkened, the voice continuedThe program for this evening is not newYou’ve seen this entertainment through and throughYou’ve seen your birth your life and deathYou might recall all of the restDid you have a good world when you died?Enough to base a movie on?I’m getting out of here(Where are you going?)To the other side of morning(Please don’t chase the clouds, pagodas)Her cunt gripped him like a warm, friendly handIt’s alright, all your friends are here(When can I meet them?)After you’ve eaten(I’m not hungry)Uh, we meant beatenSilver stream, silvery screamOoh, impossible concentration