About the song
Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of the iconic rock band The Doors, was a true visionary, a poet of the psychedelic era, and a master of spoken-word performance. His voice, a captivating blend of raw emotion and otherworldly mystique, had an undeniable power to transport listeners to altered states of consciousness, where reality blurred and the boundaries of perception dissolved. Perceptual Notions, a spoken-word piece from The Doors’ 1969 album The Soft Parade, stands as a testament to Morrison’s lyrical prowess and his ability to weave profound insights into the nature of perception and consciousness.
In this evocative piece, Morrison takes us on a mind-bending journey through the labyrinth of human perception, exploring the ways in which our senses shape our understanding of the world around us. He delves into the complexities of consciousness, questioning the very nature of reality and challenging listeners to confront their own preconceived notions.
“Perceptual Notions” begins with a stark declaration: “The doors of perception are cleansed.” This bold statement sets the stage for the exploration that follows, suggesting that we are about to embark on a journey beyond the confines of ordinary perception. Morrison’s words paint vivid imagery, conjuring up scenes of “sun-blasted landscapes” and “shifting realities”.
He speaks of “the gap getting wider, day by day”, alluding to the widening chasm between our perceived reality and the true nature of existence. This idea of a reality that lies beyond our senses is a recurring theme in Morrison’s work, and it is here that he begins to challenge our fundamental assumptions about the world we inhabit.
“The doors the band you love to hate,” Morrison proclaims, acknowledging the divisive nature of The Doors’ music and his own persona. He was a polarizing figure, a rebel who challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. His lyrics were often controversial, but they were also deeply profound, resonating with those who sought to break free from the constraints of conventional thinking.
Morrison delves into the realm of death and mortality, speaking of “the flesh decaying” and “the bones crumbling”. He confronts the inevitability of death with unflinching honesty, but he also hints at the possibility of transcendence, suggesting that there is more to existence than meets the eye.
“Strange days,” Morrison muses, reflecting on the turbulent times in which he lived. The late 1960s were a period of great social and political upheaval, and Morrison’s music captured the spirit of the era, with its themes of rebellion, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world gone mad.
“The Doors unconcious,” he declares, emphasizing the band’s ability to tap into the unconscious mind and unlock hidden realms of perception. Their music was a sonic exploration of the subconscious, a journey into the depths of the human psyche.
“Perceptual Notions” concludes with a call to “break on through”, urging listeners to break free from the constraints of their minds and embrace the vastness of their own consciousness. Morrison’s words are a powerful reminder of the limitless potential of the human mind and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of ordinary perception.
“Perceptual Notions” is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that offers a glimpse into the mind of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures. It is a testament to Jim Morrison’s lyrical genius and his ability to explore profound philosophical themes in a way that is both accessible and deeply resonant. As we delve into the depths of Morrison’s words, we are invited to question our own perceptions and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Video
Lyrics
Jim Morrison – Singer
The Doors
LA, San Francisco all open down the coast
West coast
The west is the best
The doors unconcious
The gap is getting wider, day by day
The doors the band you love to hate
Strange days
Death
Rebellion, chaos, disorder and activities that appears to have no meaning
A central theme or motive, a thread running through the songs, we dont have
But we deffinetily do have generate an atmosphere or mood which might be characterized as an awareness of the strange thats somethings wrong, somethings not quite right
Jim morrison
The older getting older and the younger getting .. getting somewhere
The doors