The Music's Not Over: We Rank the Classic Doors Tunes | 360°Sound

About the song

Emerging from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene of the 1960s, The Doors stand as one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Fronted by the enigmatic and charismatic Jim Morrison, the group captivated audiences with their blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and jazz, infused with Morrison’s poetic lyrics and shamanic stage presence. Among their extensive discography, the song “When the Music’s Over” stands as a towering landmark, a captivating eleven-minute odyssey that encapsulates the band’s essence and cements their legacy.

Released in 1967 as part of their sophomore album “Strange Days”, “When the Music’s Over” marked a turning point for The Doors. Their debut album, “The Doors”, had introduced the world to their raw, untamed sound and Morrison’s captivating persona, but “Strange Days” showcased a more mature and introspective side of the band. “When the Music’s Over” epitomizes this evolution, delving into themes of societal ills, environmental destruction, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

From its opening notes, “When the Music’s Over” establishes an atmosphere of foreboding and unease. The song’s slow, deliberate tempo and Morrison’s low, melancholic croon set the stage for a lyrical journey through the darker corners of the human psyche. The lyrics, awash with imagery and symbolism, paint vivid pictures of a world in decay, where individuals are lost and disillusioned, yearning for connection and purpose.

As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, culminating in Morrison’s impassioned plea: “People are strange when you’re strange/Faces come out of the rain/I see them laughing and they point at you/Laughing at you.” These lines capture the essence of the song’s message, highlighting the alienation and isolation felt by those who dare to be different.

“When the Music’s Over” is not without its moments of hope, however. Amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of light, suggesting the possibility of transcendence and transformation. The song’s title itself, “When the Music’s Over”, can be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to seek meaning and connection beyond the superficial distractions of the world.

The song’s final moments offer a poignant resolution. Morrison’s voice fades, replaced by the gentle strumming of Robby Krieger’s guitar and the soft glow of John Densmore’s drums. The music lingers, leaving the listener with a sense of both melancholy and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light and meaning.

“When the Music’s Over” is more than just a song; it is an experience, a journey into the depths of the human condition. It is a testament to the power of music to evoke profound emotions, challenge societal norms, and inspire self-reflection. As one of The Doors’ most enduring and celebrated creations, “When the Music’s Over” continues to captivate and challenge listeners, cementing its place as a masterpiece of rock music.

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Lyrics

Yeah, c’mon
Yeah!
When the music’s overWhen the music’s over, yeahWhen the music’s overTurn out the lightsTurn out the lightsTurn out the lightsYeah
When the music’s overWhen the music’s overWhen the music’s overTurn out the lightsTurn out the lightsTurn out the lights
For the music is your special friendDance on fire as it intendsMusic is your only friendUntil the endUntil the endUntil the end
Cancel my subscription to the resurrectionSend my credentials to the house of detentionI got some friends insideThe face in the mirror won’t stopThe girl in the window won’t dropA feast of friends, alive she criedWaitin’ for meOutside
Before I sinkInto the big sleepI want to hearI want to hearThe scream of the butterfly
Come back, baby, back into my armWe’re gettin’ tired of hangin’ aroundWaitin’ around with our heads to the groundI hear a very gentle soundVery near yet very farVery soft, yeah, very clearCome today, come todayWhat have they done to the earth, yeah?What have they done to our fair sister?Ravaged and plundered and ripped her and bit herStuck her with knives in the side of the dawn andTied her with fences and dragged her downI hear a very gentle soundWith your ear down to the groundWe want the world and we want it (we want the world and we want it!)NowNow?Now!
Persian night, babeSee the light, babeSave usJesusSave us!
So when the music’s overWhen the music’s over, yeahWhen the music’s overTurn out the lightsTurn out the lightsTurn out the lights
Well the music is your special friendDance on fire as it intendsMusic is your only friendUntil the endUntil the endUntil the end