About the song
The Doors, the iconic American rock band fronted by the enigmatic Jim Morrison, left an indelible mark on the music landscape of the 1960s. Their music, a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements, was infused with Morrison’s poetic lyrics and shamanistic stage presence, creating an unparalleled live experience that captivated audiences. Among their many groundbreaking tracks, “To Really Be a Superstar” stands out as a profound exploration of fame, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world obsessed with celebrity.
Released in 1967 on their third studio album, The Doors (also known as Strange Days), “To Really Be a Superstar” is a slow-burning, hypnotic track that opens with Ray Manzarek’s haunting organ riff, setting the stage for Morrison’s captivating vocals. The lyrics, a stream of consciousness-style poetry, delve into the complexities of stardom, questioning the true nature of success and the price of fame.
Morrison’s words paint a vivid picture of the disillusionment that often accompanies fame, where individuals are reduced to mere commodities, their true selves lost in the blinding glare of the spotlight. He sings of “plastic people” and “starry skies,” contrasting the superficiality of celebrity culture with the vastness and mystery of the universe.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “You’ve got to be a superstar,” is both a call to action and a cautionary tale. It captures the allure of fame, the desire for recognition and adoration, while simultaneously hinting at the emptiness that can lie behind the glitz and glamour.
“To Really Be a Superstar” is not a song that glorifies fame; rather, it exposes its dark underbelly, the psychological toll it can take on those who seek it. Morrison’s lyrics challenge the listener to question their own values and aspirations, to consider what truly defines success and happiness.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. It speaks to the universal human desire for connection, acceptance, and self-actualization, while also reminding us of the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often values conformity over individuality.
“To Really Be a Superstar” is a testament to The Doors’ artistic brilliance and their ability to craft music that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. It is a song that continues to challenge and inspire, reminding us that true stardom lies not in external validation but in the pursuit of authenticity and the courage to be one’s true self.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
[Verse 2]
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now, we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
[Instrumental Break]
[Organ Solo]
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now, we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
[Verse 4]
You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire