About the song
Written by Jim Morrison, “The End” is renowned for its evocative and enigmatic lyrics. The song begins with a slow, brooding melody that builds into a powerful climax, reflecting Morrison’s dark, introspective themes. The lyrics, which include the famous refrain “This is the end, beautiful friend,” delve into themes of existentialism, finality, and the end of a relationship. The song’s narrative structure is less about a specific story and more about a series of vivid, surreal images that capture the listener’s imagination. Morrison’s spoken-word delivery and the band’s atmospheric instrumentation create an unsettling yet mesmerizing listening experience.
Released as part of The Doors‘ self-titled album in 1967, “The End” played a crucial role in establishing the band’s reputation for pushing musical boundaries. The track is notable for its length, its experimental use of instrumentation, and its inclusion of a spoken word section, all of which were unconventional at the time. The song’s impact was further amplified by its inclusion in the film “Apocalypse Now”, where it became associated with the film’s intense, dramatic scenes. This connection helped cement “The End”‘s place in popular culture and brought it to a new audience.
The influence of “The End” on the music world and beyond is profound. It was one of the first songs to merge rock with theatrical, almost operatic elements, paving the way for future artists to explore darker and more complex themes in their music. The track’s experimental nature and Morrison’s introspective lyrics also helped lay the groundwork for the development of progressive rock and other genres that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s.
In a broader social context, “The End” reflects the zeitgeist of the 1960s, a period marked by upheaval and a quest for deeper meaning. The song’s exploration of existential themes resonated with the era’s counterculture, which was increasingly interested in pushing societal norms and questioning traditional values. Jim Morrison‘s performance and the song’s innovative sound captured the spirit of a generation seeking to redefine itself.
In summary, “The End” by Jim Morrison and The Doors is a landmark piece in the annals of rock music. Released in 1967 as part of their debut album, the song is celebrated for its profound lyrical content, experimental sound, and significant cultural impact. Its haunting melodies and Morrison’s evocative delivery have ensured its place as a classic, influencing countless artists and continuing to resonate with audiences today.
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Lyrics
This is the end, beautiful friendThis is the end, my only friendThe end of our elaborate plansThe end of everything that standsThe end, no safety no surpriseThe end, I’ll never look into your eyes againCan you picture what we’ll beSo limitless and freeDesperately in need of some stranger’s handIn a desperate land?Lost in a Roman wilderness of painAnd all the children are insaneAll the children are insaneWaiting for the summer rainThere’s danger on the edge of townRide the King’s highway, babyWeird scenes inside the gold mineRide the highway westRide the snakeRide the snake to the lakeThe ancient lakeThe snake is long, seven milesRide the snakeHe’s old and his skin is coldThe West is the bestThe West is the bestGet here and we’ll do the restThe blue bus is calling usThe blue bus is calling usDriver, where’re you taking us?The killer awoke before dawnHe put his boots onHe took a face from the ancient galleryAnd he walked on down the hallHe went to the room where his sister livedAnd then he paid a visit to his brotherAnd then he, he walked on down the hallAnd he came to a door and he looked inside“Father?” “Yes, son?”“I want to kill you. Mother, I want to…”Come on, baby, take a chance with usCome on, baby, take a chance with usCome on, baby, take a chance with usAnd meet me at the back of the blue busThis is the end, beautiful friendThis is the end, my only friendThe end, it hurts to set you freeBut you’ll never follow meThe end of laughter and soft liesThe end of nights we tried to dieThis is the end