The Doors, Break on Through - A Classical Musician’s First Listen And Analysis

[@AndrewPrintup-wu2tb]

The version of Break On Through that was on the original release had an edit of the line ''she gets high'' to ''she get, she get, she get'' with the scream providing the high. Ray Manzarek played a keyboard bass along with the electric organ on the first album. A bass player was used on the other future album recordings. Great analysis! I enjoyed it tremendously.

[@neves71]

Thanks that you mention that. I thought I was crazy, I was like " I know this song for so long, I listened and sang along to it so many times and I never heard that 'high'? and now it sounds so clear." LOL

[@mikemclaughlin3306]

I hate that everyone always reacts to the remastered songs.... roadhouse blues is almost unrecognizable

[@richardcurley5798]

There’s a great clip of Ray dissecting Riders on the Storm available on KZbin

[@toddmoore9841]

For a couple of decades I only heard the version on the 1985 "Best of the Doors" and on classic rock radio. I believe it was cleaned up for radio. Only recently did I pick up the original album with the unsanitized version. "The End" got a similar treatment for radio and the 1985 compilation.

[@mpmlopes]

Ok, that explains a lot, this sounded very very different, lacking a lot of the original dynamics, and I really didn't remember him saying "high".

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

One of their best songs. Two minutes, power packed. Love the loungey bossa nova feel in many of their songs. Another double meaning song ? Thanks Virgin rock I super enjoyed this.

[@JoeBlow_4]

"loungey bosa nova feel" is an excellent description of the vibe.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@ thank you. The song Mae Que Nada by Sergio Mendez was a huge hit and it was playing all the time on the radio when the doors were working on this album and it’s interesting to compare Break On Through with Mae Que Nada they both songs are built in stages around the rhythm. I think at least the drummer had experience in jazz and bossa nova. If you listen to the first side of Da Capo by Love also from 66 you can hear the influence they had on the doors.

[@michavandam]

@@Hartlor_Tayley It's calles "Mas que nada" and was written by Jorge Ben.

[@billmaier9314]

The crystal ship would be good one to explore next to show the crooner ship of Morrison

[@sreneethomas]

And Spanish Caravan

[@laurabrevitz3944]

Love that song.

[@nickdomenicos5987]

Moonlight Drive

[@AshleyBidensBathTime]

Alabama Song!!😬

[@rickcorlett]

All great songs.

[@lars-oleeifler4448]

This was their manifesto. The name The Doors reflects to the door to the other side. Morrison was deeply inspired by Aldeus Huxley's book The Doors of Perception, witch again referes to the english poet William Blake.

[@lexiyoutube]

and telling the tail of lsd

[@petercofrancesco9812]

"witch" you mean "which" you made a Freudian slip 😄

[@lexiyoutube]

@@petercofrancesco9812 Assuming Lars native languish is something other then English is not really a paraxial thing but just is mistake that does not show up in spell check.

[@petercofrancesco9812]

@@lexiyoutube It's "language" and your use of the paraxial doesn't make sense.

[@lexiyoutube]

@@petercofrancesco9812 🤣 you understand what it needed to be. n psychoanalysis, a Freudian slip, also called parapraxis, is an error in speech, memory, or physical action that occurs due to the interference of an unconscious subdued wish or internal train of thought. Classical examples involve slips of the tongue, but psychoanalytic theory also embraces misreadings, mishearings, mistypings, temporary forgettings, and the mislaying and losing of objects.

[@lorettacaputo6997]

So many years after hearing the Doors and all of their songs, they still have that magic that makes it feel like you are listening to it the first time. Morrison, the poet shines thru on this song and the music pulls you into their web of hypnotic rhythm. Nothing since then can compare to their prowess as a musical marvel. I was glad to have lived thru that period of time when the world was crazy and the Doors were just adding the sound track.

[@kelvinkloud]

well described. they were a mirror to chaotic & dangerous times. the culture was being flipped over, inside out then. & much of it wasnt pleasant. there was blood in the streets, manipulation, greed & tension. the doors perhaps better then any group of that era reflected that shift & unease mixed w/ excitement & hunger.

[@tazof2]

Interesting note on bass. Was played on Fender Rhodes Piano Bass by keyboardist Ray Manzarek. His playing was genius.

[@TheCharlie1701]

The Doors used Elvis's session bassist on the albums. But yeah, Ray wrote the bass line.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Their song, "Touch Me" has a jazzy/Las Vegas-style sound to it that definitely needs your reaction.

[@G60syncro]

Oh! And Rick Beato did such a great breakdown of that one!! It doesn't take anything away from it... It just reveals things hidden in plain sight when you separate all the parts of it. And when you hear it complete again after, it's really cool to know all the layers of sounds going on there!!

[@Guttsdoyle]

The 'thump' is just a very quick muted slide down the neck by Robby between each lick on guitar. Glad you've been enjoying The Doors. They always make me think of a crazy carnival ride. Rarely play anything straight and I love it.

[@GraeboProductions]

I was thinking the same a muted slide.

[@nellgwenn]

@@GraeboProductions Stevie Ray Vaughan used that a lot, especially on Tin Pan Alley, Riviera Paradise, Cold Shot, etc, etc, and etc.

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

Excellent reaction, loved it! I hope "Light My Fire" is next. It's The Doors greatest hit song and a true classic Psychedelic Rock piece.

[@lisemzarate4029]

No idea where the other side of what we're headed for is, but Jim sure makes it sound like a great idea, right? His delivery is as much a part of the poetry as the sounds and percussion are. Intriguing 😊 I've been intrigued,, by them my entire life ❤

[@djknox2]

Break On Through is one of the best opening songs on a debut LP, and of course The Doors debut LP is one of the greats in rock history, along with a few others of note including Led Zeppelin, ELP, Boston and the Cars to name a few of the great debut LPs. So it is not an understatement to say how influential this song became... For the younger generations, please try to imagine a song like this hitting the airwaves for the first time way back in the late 60s. Such confident vocals by Jim Morrison and such a great groove by the rest of the band Percussion, bass, keyboards). What a rock tune!

[@stevebengel1346]

Especially since that first album was recorded in the summer of 66, there wasn't a whole lot of music that sounded anything like this, at least on the US charts

[@djknox2]

@@stevebengel1346 Totally agree. I'm not clear on exact chonologies - there were the Kinks, the Animals, The Who and the Stones etc., but this was a fresh powerful sound.

[@kelvinkloud]

@@stevebengel1346 bullseye.... they were in their own zipcode.... amazing considering a year before, morrison hadnt ever sung, let alone, wrote songs.... dylan had enhanced lyrics into a surreal zone by '65 in rock. the animals & stones had brought a nasty blues sentiment into rock by '65 also. & floyd had expanded into atmospheric large scape sounds by '66.... but no one except perhaps velvet undergrd had combined all 3 of those elements w/ another element: the combination of the 3 w/ also a large scape cinematic sound. also a dangerous theatric vocal presence. & lyrical a more expansive visceral unpeeling of the culture.... the doors were on that tip point in rock from summer '66 thru early '69.

[@kelvinkloud]

@@djknox2 all good bands. you could add floyd too from '66-'67. but the brits sound & sentiment was still more whimsical, ironic & playful then the menace & danger the doors brought to the table.

[@Liisa3139]

I think your analysis of The End was the best analysis of any song I have heard and with this one it was just so contagious to see your enjoyment. Thank you, Amy. So much fun also as you picked up Morrison's voice.😅😎

[@nickdomenicos5987]

I agree. Amy's analysis of the End was unbelievable!

[@markdecker6190]

Exactly right! When that album was first released I was already an avid listener of FM radio, in my case mostly 102.7 WNEW-FM from New York City. I only mention that because the format of FM was quite a departure from your typical AM format. Instead of loud DJs spinning two or three top 40 pop songs with lots of commercials and station breaks in between them, the jocks on freeform FM would spend much more time playing the music. Their commentary was always in a more hushed normal tone of voice and they would often provide lots of personal opinions and information about the artist. On top of that they played lots of album tracks and sometimes whole album sides especially with new releases which brings me to the Doors. I remember that DJ Dave Herman featured it on his show one day beginning with Break on Through and as was the case with hearing a lot of other new artists I ran right out to Scotti's Record Shop to buy the album (as soon as I had the money).

[@thekaratekidpartii2169]

I've never really thought too closely about the lyrics to this song. I have always assumed it was simply about "breaking through" the monotony and repetition of routine. Day and night come and go (night divides the day)... same old same old... we work (dig our treasure), we go out (chase our pleasure)... find a girl, fall in love (islands in arms and countries in eyes)... the same scene every week, every day, and every hour. But, Morrison is suggesting there is more to life than that. That we should break free from the grooves in the road that carry us along the predetermined path of least resistance. In fact, the lyrics are relatively straightforward for a Morrison song. The only obvious ambiguity being what exactly is "the other side"? Is it merely a changing of perspective? Or is it mystical enlightenment? Or is it death? Of course, as it is poetry, it needn't be restricted to any single one of these.

[@UnivegaSuperSport]

The Band's name was inspired by passage from poet William Blake. "If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro' narrow chinks of his cavern." I get the idea this song is an extension of the idea of the quest to making the breakthrough from the cavern-bound perception.

[@terrykennedy-lares8840]

Jim Morrison was a poet transformed into a rock Icon. His lyrics always must be viewed from a poetic stance. More of painting a picture with words rather than telling a story. Obviously, a tortured love story which could be applied to anything you love in life. Amy, if you think of applying it to your love of music it truly fits. When you are tortured with learning a new piece of music or a new technique and you keep pushing and pushing until you reach that "break through" moment. To me this is what the song is about. The driving rhythms of an obsessive "love", the clashing tones and lyrics, truly paint the picture of that relationship we are caught up in, don't you think? Anyway, another great job of describing a truly great piece of music. Thank you Amy and Vlad for your channel. It gives me something positive to look forward to in my day!

[@lexiyoutube]

This is about LSD and breaking doors in your mind to see much more and to learn from.

[@terrykennedy-lares8840]

@@lexiyoutube You must be a druggie if that's all you see in these lyrics. But no one asked you to comment anyway.

[@BrandywineCustomPercussion]

Yes, breaking through to the other side of perception through the use of psychedelics. BUT, YES, he was a poet first, and of course, most things have more than one meaning.

[@lexiyoutube]

most things does not say all. He is both and at the same time.

[@kelvinkloud]

@@lexiyoutube morrison was a boozer, not an acid head. that was a brief period for him in '65-'66.

[@jeremiahrose4681]

One of my favorite bands ever, for sure, the Doors.

[@IgorBzovski]

Hello from Serbia 🇷🇸! Happy New Year! I am 49 years young boy😊, and The Doors are my favorite band! Also, "Break on Through" is my number 1 song!!! Jim Morrison's poetic, mysterios and deep lyrics still makes me wonder...Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore are equally adding to the legendary "flavor" of The Doors. Here are some more The Doors songs, that i strongly recommend you to react: When The Music's Over, The Unknown Soldier, Love Street, Moonlight Drive, The Spy, Strange Days, Soft Parade, etc. Anyway, thank you for your elaborate reaction on my favorite song! 💓

[@garyluciani1082]

Moonlight drive and spy are 2 of the less well known songs by the doors which I've always loved as much as the more talked about door's songs.

[@jduke8565]

The bass is a keyboard Fender Rhodes bass played by Manzarek with his left Hand

[@drewharrison6433]

You may be right, information isn't clear but Larry Knechtel is credited as playing bass on this album. The Doors didn't tour with a bassist but they did often use one for studio recordings.

[@simonbeck7446]

​@@drewharrison6433- Knechtel and the other studio bassists generally doubled Manzarek's left-hand bass parts. That is definitely the Rhodes bass you're hearing in this case.

[@stevencherny]

@@drewharrison6433 he is right. Manzateks dad bought it for him

[@TheCharlie1701]

They used Elvis's session bassist on the albums. The producer thought that albums needed more low end. That's why the bass does whacky slides on "Riders on the Storm."

[@madraccoon5934]

This was my dad's favorite band, they definitely were one of a kind and still sound fresh because no one sounds like them, and they sound like no one else.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Can mimic because you'd sound inferior!

[@antidote7]

Always loved the vibes this tune gives off.

[@DanielSnyder-bz8kp]

This was the very 1st song i heard from the Doors when I was 13. I was immediately impressed. The 1st few seconds of that Bosa Nova beat followed by that mean sounding bass, which I later learned was a Fender Rhodes piano bass, so it was keyboards. Their first 2 albums have both the bass guitar or keyboard bass, sometimes even on the same song such as "Soul Kitchen" on their 1st album. Their live act was only ever a keyboard bass. The album was recorded on 4-track equipment in late 1966. p.s. This is also the song I've long used to test whether or not certain equipment is proper stereo, as the bass and drums should be in the left channel and guitar and keyboards in the right channel.

[@hughaskew6550]

'The Unknown Soldier', 'Light My Fire', 'Riders on the Storm', 'Wishful, Sinful', and 'The Soft Parade'.

[@jasonhaynes2952]

Spanish Caravan, People are Strange, The Crystal Ship, LA Woman

[@martinzissou11]

She did “Riders..”

[@laurabrevitz3944]

Peace Frog!

[@joeskorbinhorbinchuk3286]

Hyacinth House

[@dariootero6555]

" the soft parade" live in PBS

[@FPL_Bantam]

What struck me in your previous Doors videos and again here, more than with any other band, is that you would have been and may yet become, a massive Doors fan.

[@Know1_really]

Sabbath too

[@nickdomenicos5987]

She already is a fan!

[@diogenesagogo]

Break on through to the other side of the material world into the sublime, probably involving the use of certain substances 😐😊 The Doors were much taken with Wm. Blake (hence their name) & you can feel his inspiration in many of their songs. They were very influential on the student youth when I was growing up. I always remember, inscribed on a Sheffield University bog, hidden amongst the usual obscenities, was the phrase " Merge into the infinite today! " Sort of summed up the age for me - a mixture of profanity & metaphysics😃.

[@danw2276]

Thanks Amy. The Doors are deep and takes an open mind to enjoy. Great band that doesn't actually have a guy playing a bass. Ray M. is a genius and put Jim's work to rhythm.

[@MelTuly]

Oh my thank you for such an interesting break down . Love the Doors 💚

[@targetshootr]

Music was so different back then, in the best kind of way.

[@robertpetre9378]

Definitely one of their best songs. The name the doors comes from Algus Huxley’s doors of perception break on through to the other side is probably a reference to psychedelic experimentation.

[@jprph1]

Love the doors

[@esreveresrever2788]

break on through to the other side of perception. oh yeah!

[@Stefanio64]

What is behind the other side of perception... Death?

[@xyloplax]

What I love about The Doors is they are jazz musicians who decided to become rock stars, fronted by a poet. A major part of their sound is jazz with rock beats and riffs thrown in. The keyboard solo is a beauty. Straight jazz, and having the organ changes it completely.

[@chrisallen8250]

John Densmore was a drummer trained in jazz, he shows off that influence with this uptempo bossa nova groove. I wonder if "Yeh Yeh" by Georgie Fame, which hit #1 in the UK in 1965, might have influenced the feel of "Break on Through." And btw Amy, there is a saxophone on "Yeh Yeh."

[@IntoTheSky19]

People like me who heard the Doors for the first time during the "Summer of Love" first heard "Light My Fire." But yes, upon listening to the album this was the first song. I might add that this is one of the few "perfect album sides" in existence (at least within my record collection). Every song on side 1 is captivating. One shouldn't start listening to the Doors with "The End"! It's rather atypical; even as a huge Doors fan, I've listened to it once and have no need to listen to it again. "When The Music's Over" is a different story. Thanks!

[@phillipharrison7283]

One of my top 3 "Best Ever Debut Albums". ("The Doors" along with "Are You Experienced" and "Led Zeppelin".) Amy, just before watching your reaction, I saw on another channel a 1960s song you may enjoy, - more the music than the words - "Abraham, Martin and John" by Dion 1967 if I remember rightly. Thanks Amy. Cheers ✌

[@mikemclaughlin3306]

And van Halen.

[@TODDTAMANENDCLARK]

My Top Twenty Debut Albums In Chronological Release Order: 1966/06: FREAK OUT (The Mothers Of Invention) 1967/01: THE DOORS (The Doors) 1967/03: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO (The Velvet Underground) 1967/05: ELECTRIC MUSIC FOR THE MIND AND BODY (Country Joe And The Fish) 1967/08: ARE YOU EXPERIENCED (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) 1968/01: SPIRIT (Spirit) 1968/03: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (The United States Of America) 1968/06: SILVER APPLES (Silver Apples) 1969/02: KICK OUT THE JAMS (MC5) 1969/07: WITCHCRAFT DESTROYS MINDS AND REAPS SOULS (Coven) 1972/01: BLUE OYSTER CULT (Blue Oyster Cult) 1973/07: NEW YORK DOLLS (The New York Dolls) 1975/06: THE TUBES (The Tubes) 1975/11: HORSES (Patti Smith) 1977/10: YOUNG LOUD AND SNOTTY (The Dead Boys) 1978/08: Q: ARE WE NOT MEN? A: WE ARE DEVO! (Devo) 1980/04: LOS ANGELES (X) 1982/04: BIG SCIENCE (Laurie Anderson) 1989/10: PRETTY HATE MACHINE (Nine Inch Nails) 1992/11: RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE (Rage Against The Machine)

[@arndnaj]

People Are Strange has so much emotion to it. One of my favorites.

[@joecromwell2471]

Interesting point Amy made. I think the Doors songs generally DO have fairly simple themes, but... Garnished by Morrison's poetic and philosophical..ramblings. Not a criticism, in fact very entertaining and thought provoking. Like...a fun magic mushroom trip, lol... Theme, stream of consciousness, back to theme, stream, theme... Works for me!

[@BrandywineCustomPercussion]

I’d love that you embraced the importance of this being the first song many people heard from them. And first album first side you’re gonna wanna put a banger there! My favorite thing about the song is that it opens at this break-neck pace, flies through the first verse, bridge and chorus and rockets back into the next section in 19 seconds! Careful driving on the highway to this one you might find yourself going 90!

[@DavidMGides]

Forgot to mention the excellent drumming!

[@CongaChamp]

The Soft parade is a doors song you would adore!

[@Marnie-hates-winter]

You mentioned this was the first song off of the first album and also that you really liked his voice. You might be interested to know that when the band started out, Jim was so shy about singing in front of a live crowd that he would sing with his back turned to them, facing the band. (Probably most of The Doors fans already know this bit, but I thought you might find this interesting, Amy.)

[@riphopfer5816]

This was exaggerated in that awful movie-as was the suddenness with which he recovered.

[@sirsancti5504]

For many young men on that era, "Breaking on through to the other side" meant Vietnam (and consequently, death). Personally, being a "night person", the first lyric lines mean something like.. I'm having fun, then sunrise [destroys] it, so I get to the rotinary chores of the day, repeating everyday, obly [divided] by nightime.

[@lexiyoutube]

LSD man

[@kelvinkloud]

it has multiple meanings & interpretations. morrison was a symbolist lyrically, so multilayered meaning comes w/ the his material. I always felt one key mission plan thematically w/ this song lyrically, was the goal to seek truth & real feelings vs the cloud of control & manipulation used in culture. that was a big theme then, explored in song & movies (such as the graduate).... the night represents introspection, search, truth. the day, represents, order & control. hes seeking back to inner freedom & then to pursue forward w/ that mindset. the eyes that lie & the arms that chain, may be a cultural mindset he once believed in, but was let down by. hence, the war vs the establishment then.

[@daisypooch4034]

Riders on the Storm.... Next please, it's on the other side❤

[@jerrysoucy2611]

Yes thanks! I'm glad you got to this one it's definitely a great listen and essential Doors The energy is key and also the overt sexuality, you'd have to see Morrison's performances, the whole thing was highly threatening to the squares, trouble for the band and ultimately fatal for Jim This is dancing music, among other things Loved your Morrison imitation - yeah 😎

[@satorimystic]

It's truly a pleasure to see and hear your astute observations and reactions. You express so well the emotive and sensual feelings that music brings to us, through the energies, frequencies, and vibrations of its Magic. So fun to play and enjoy ... thanks!

[@LeeKennison]

Great reaction Amy, I loved it. Good background info Vlad. Amy, don't forget that you also heard "Riders on the Storm," which you also really enjoyed. So this is now your fourth Doors song (all of which you were impressed by). Surprisingly Amy, the bass is not actually a bass guitar. It is Ray Manzarek playing a keyboard bass and Vox Continental organ. Easy to hear it as a bass guitar, since it sounds very much like one. It sounds more plucked to me than you would expect a keyboard bass to sound. Ray's organ work really helps define the Doors unique sound, along with everything else about them that made them unique, including the incredible vocals and poetry of Jim Morrison.

[@gregorybrown3272]

There actually is a bass guitar in there, they would bring in a studio musician during post production to play a bassline, but it was always the same line as what Manzarek played with his left hand, the keyboard bass was always too muddy and needed punching up. This practice changed when they recorded the L.A. Woman album, on that one they brought in a bass player during the practice sessions and he worked with the band on the arrangements. which is why that album had so much UMPH! He played what a bass player would play, not what a pianist would play.

[@LeeKennison]

@gregorybrown3272 That explains why it does sound like a real plucked bass guitar strings to me. I knew that sometime they used an actual bass player and sometimes they didn’t, thinking early on they didn’t. So I checked Wikipedia on this one and it only listed Ray’s bass organ in the credits. But my ears do tell me otherwise. Thanks for the info.

[@nickdomenicos5987]

@@gregorybrown3272 According to Wikipedia, additional bass was provided by Larry Knechtel - bass guitar on "Soul Kitchen", "Twentieth Century Fox", "Light My Fire" "I Looked at You" and "Take It as It Comes". Unless they added bass to Break on through in an unofficial capacity - is that what you're saying?

[@LeeKennison]

@@nickdomenicos5987 I got my information from Wikipedia's "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" song specific article, which only mention Ray's keyboard bass. I see now that the main "Doors" article and their article on this album mentions Larry Knechtel as the studio musician who contributed. The main Doors article doesn't mention any specific song, while the album specific article mentions those you listed, but doesn't mention "Break on Through." Which I'm guessing is just incomplete Wikipedia info, since to my ears it does sound very much like a real bass guitar.

[@LeeKennison]

As I go back an listen again, I'm hearing both the keyboard bass and a bass guitar mirroring the keyboard at the same time. Which is what one of the online scores I'm looking at shows.

[@sreneethomas]

Spanish Caravan and Crystal Ship would be great Doors songs for you to listen to. I think you would love them.

[@74Bat]

I've been a huge fan of The Doors since I was a young boy. My mom introduced me to their music. I really loved your description of teaching children to appreciate dynamics and discordant intervals in music. Which made me think of one of my favorite bands. You really should check out Phish sometime. I know you would really appreciate the musicianship. They are known for their improvisation during their live shows. For this reason, I would suggest finding a live performance of one of their songs. Anything from their album "A Live One" will do, but I would suggest "You Enjoy Myself (YEM)". Thanks for all you do.

[@voodooacidman]

yet again, brilliant! thank you so much and please continue this journey ! big love to all people :)

[@robertpulciani2517]

Amy, Although “Break on Through” was the first song on their first album, most people were introduced to The Doors by hearing their AM radio hit, “Light My Fire.” Arguably, without “Light My Fire,” The Doors would be largely unknown to the world, then and now.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

I would, definitely, argue your statement of: "would be largely unknown" 🙄🙄 ...and ABSOLUTELY NOT "then and now"! ...however: your point that: a large number of listeners, probably, first experienced The Doors on the radio (although: certainly, with the release of Pet Sounds and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club band the "album listener" culture had, really, fully taken over -from the 'singles purchasing culture' of the 1950s and even early 1960s-) is certainly appropriate. ...It cannot be appropriately assessed whether "more people" first heard a Doors single on the radio or heard the album, either, because they bought it, or heard it at a friend's house or a party, etc. What is factual is that "Light My Fire" effectively, became "the theme song of the 'Summer Of Love' " (due to its time of release and the increasing popularity of -at that point, essentially 'brand new," vastly unknown and previously unused/unexplored!- FM radio, among the youth of the U.S., happening at that same time.). ...but regardless of "hit singles": the music of The Doors would have been recognized and lauded, no matter what. --Naturally: The "Cult Of Jim Morrison" (helped by his: early death and unacknowledged murder (by his common-law 'wife' [🙄] pam courson, in Paris) and the reiteration of his: writing, wordsmithing, personality,.... ...Particularly, commercially, one could say, via: the release of his personal, not-intended-for-public-consumption, poetry recitations (which the remaining members turned into a "Doors project" some 8 years (or so) after his death, by adding "musical textures" to the readings and releasing them as: An American Prayer (under Morrison's name); as well as the publication of Danny Sugerman's personal memories and biography of Jim [No One Here Gets Out Live] in the early '80s [as well as; the horrible concurrence/conjunction of: John Lennon's murder happening on his birthday! 😭😭] ...all of these events and keeping Morrison's image and works in the public eye, helped "grow his cult" (or, really: CREATE it!) and increase awareness of: Him, The Doors and their musical contributions, as well.

[@nickdomenicos5987]

@@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra I agree with your contention that they would have been known no matter what. I would add to your points about the "cult" of Jim Morrison, the fact that he was/is buried with other great artists at Pere-Lachaise cemetery.

[@robertpulciani2517]

@@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra Thanks for your comprehensive and thoughtful reply! I am a huge Doors fan, and I’m very happy that LMF became a big hit single, not only because it is a great piece, but also because it opened the ‘Door’ for many people to be interested enough to listen to the entire first album (which is great!) and gave the band enough momentum to go on to produce so much more great music over the next five years. What might have happened if they had never produced LMF is a speculative counterfactual.

[@skidancin]

Loved when you noted a saxophone would fit. Oh man that could totally kick. As soon as you said that I could hear a reworking with added sax that overpowered and knocked my socks off.

[@jeansamara698]

Greetings to Amy&Vlad and to all Talented good taste of music Ears here. Im not sure if Amy is aware of, and/or someone already mentioned to Amy that , The Doors has no Guitar Bass player, but its Ray Manzarek playing foot bass with the different keyboards/Organs he used, as in the Big Church Pipe Organ, and i think The Doors might be the only Rock/blues Band who has this. Despite it might has been a necessity because there was no fitting bassist around or not, i think its still really great talent and skill that Manzarek has and the Doors and us both enjoyed. Thank you Amy and Vlad and belated Happy new year to all of you here as well ✨🍀🎶▶️🤍🍃

[@YeungSze]

Break on Through to The Other Side....Quite appropriate to play in a Mars mission indeed...

[@katznkittens]

The Doors name comes from William Blake’s ‘Doors of perception ‘ quote. Their song, ‘End Of The Night,’ paraphrases parts of Blakes poem, ‘Auguries of Innocence.’

[@Greg-om2hb]

The opened with a short, upbeat song because they wanted radio airplay, which would not have been possible at that time with the the two songs that make one want for be un-alive, which you listened to before. Remember, Rock is all about capturing the energy of the life force. And it would be a while before “album oriented rock” radio programming, which indulged in longer cuts, would appear. I’m pretty sure all the musical ideas came from keyboardist Ray Manzarek. And I suspect the lyrics about using psychedelic drugs to break on through to the other side of reality and explore an unseen world.

[@JohnnyJohnny-f5o]

un-alive? Oh you mean dead?

[@dustysmoke4996]

My personal take on the song's meaning- he fell in love with a woman, she broke his heart, he's trying to break on through to the other side of his heartache.

[@staticrodent]

The way you touched on "You just feel like joining in and taking part in the music making fun," made me think of another song that I have been DYING for you to listen you: Song 2 by Blur. It's not a complex song, but MAN is it FUN. You cannot help but yell the chorus along with the singer, and I'm not sure it's possible to listen to without banging your head.

[@rohmarts]

The concept of Radio Airplay transformed a lot of great songs into 3 minute good songs.

[@Demention94]

Love the way you talk about it

[@GermanEscobedo]

The Door's keyboardist, Ray Manzerak, who as everyone has mentioned played the bass parts on his keyboard also released a version of Carmina Burana album on Harpsichord. So much fun, highly recommended.

[@buca505]

I always thought that 'Break on Through, to the other side ' is reference on the book, named 'The doors of perception' that Jim and Ray was so influenced by, they even call the band the same name, but then just shorten to 'The Doors'. Cause as I remember, the idea of the book is that you can break on trough to the other side of the doors of perception, on your way to change yourself and your reality. JIm was influenced a lot with beat poetry and his lyrics always had tendency to go forward symbolism in expression and style, but secret of this song, cause it was one of the first he wrote and presented to keyboardist Ray Manzarek, might be in the core ideas, that they two shared, when they even decided to start a band, while they were studding on UCLA. Great analysis Amy, lots of greetings for Vlad and little one!

[@JS-TexanJeff]

I'm so familiar with this song, I didn't realize that organ was discordant. OMG. Thanks Amy! Give me the hot peppers and lime juice!

[@mranster]

I absolutely loved your discussion on dissonance, and the way you compared it to cayenne and lime juice. What a wonderful metaphor, this will stay with me. Long ago, I didn't enjoy spicy food, and a friend took me for Thai food. The menu said the spice was meant to sensitize the palate to the more subtle flavors in the food. Just like that, my whole perspective changed! I enjoyed that meal, and many other spicy ones thereafter. I think you just did the same thing for me with music. Thank you.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

The lyrics are western angst, and the instrumentals are intriguing. If combined those two elements will always create a timeless song.

[@crazypainter56]

first thing we heard was'Light my FIRE

[@ericalhalaby7671]

Now you are ready for "Light my fire" to become a full-fledged Doors fanatic set on a course into their meditative musical transes...

[@neilfraser1235]

It feels weird not to hear Soul Kitchen immediately after Break On Through, I think of the two as one song.

[@stevevalk4074]

"The Doors"... from Aldous Huxley's famous "The Doors of Perception"... Huxley later wrote that the "things which had entirely filled my attention on that first occasion [chronicled in The Doors of Perception], I now perceived to be temptations - temptations to escape from the central reality into false, or at least imperfect and partial Nirvanas of beauty and mere knowledge."

[@bzbzob]

The Doors were named after a book by Aldous Huxley called the Doors Of Perception which was written after he tried psychedelics and how he broke through the normal perceptions of life. Break On Through refers to breaking through the the way we perceive the world from we are trained to see and we we need to do to live in society and remain "sane," to what happens when the doors open and we see things how they "really are," or what we have missed by limiting ourselves to what we have been taught. A lot of people tried these substances, but to really Break On Through all the way to the other side, you have to be a certain type of person and be open to the experience. Something like that anyway! From the book: "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is: infinite". For some people, a glimpse of infinity was experienced during their experience.

[@jimbrentar]

the uncensored version. On the original release, they snipped out the word "high."

[@gemanscombe4985]

It was years before I ever heard more than "She gets!". Decades, really. But "You know we couldn't get much higher" was there from first play in '67 and, famously, Ed Sullivan. I can just remember watching that show and LMF performance.

[@richardsimpson2439]

The Doors is the best psychedelic haunted fairground music going. Top stuff. 😊

[@rowenatulley852]

My 2 favorite Doors songs are Light My Fire and Hello, I Love You . . .

[@thomassharmer7127]

When I was young I called clashing harmonies "gronky" chords, my own made-up word - like a mixture of grumpy and wonky 😀. I loved the tension and release they created. "Crunchy" is also a good way to describe them.

[@BobLbrmn]

I bought the U.S. version of The Doors LP in the late '70s, and unbeknown to me, the repeated line "She gets high" was partially censored, so that all you could hear was "She get," which I heard as "Shake it!" (No lyrics were included with the LP.) It was only within the last ten years that I first heard an UNcensored version. What a surprise!

[@lisar6510]

❤ love your channel Amy I look forward to your reactions

[@fastasaswhale]

It blows my mind that this is 58 years old.

[@btrenninger1]

The more meditative The Doors tracks are for aften one has broken through. This listening also made me realize that the opening could have been any number of rather jazzy or bossa nova influenced '60s pop songs. But once Morrison's voice comes in one realizes it goes somewhere entirely different.

[@oopswrongplanet4964]

Jim Morrison proposed the band's name to his bandmates after reading Huxley's book "The Doors of Perception" while on mescaline. The book title was derived from a line in William Blake's poem "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell", which includes the line: "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite." The song encourages listeners to break through mental barriers and explore new states of consciousness. Due to censorship at the time, the released lyrics omitted "high" from "she gets high." They were not restored until the 40th anniversary edition.

[@3DJapan]

"Unless your listening experience is broad... " It's good to have a broad experience. We can learn so much from other styles, even if it's not too your particular taste. It's fun to incorporate something different into your work. I imagine a fine arts ceramicist painting graffiti tags on their vase. That would grab some attention for sure.

[@maplechill75]

You’re not alone. Many, many people wondered what Jim was really saying..

[@modularmuse]

16:28 Those little thumps you speak of is Robby Krieger's guitar, performing a glissandro I believe: he's quickly sliding down a note on his low E string. Very cool. Hendrix used to do it fairly often also.

[@ramstrong1961]

Oliver Stone directed 'The Doors' in 1991 starring Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison.

[@TomJonesisback]

Love jim Morrison ❤

[@christophermoebs5514]

The End is on the same debut album which was the first album I bought in 1968 as a teen. Try listening to Five to One or L A Woman or Riders On The Storm. The bass is played on a keyboard. Break On Through is about widening your consciousness opening the Doors of Perception.(A Huxley)

[@jasonhaynes2952]

"Break on through to the other side" refers to a heightened consciousness and awareness that comes from the effects of hallucinogenic substances such as LSD or mushrooms. The abrupt ending of "break on through" seems to pair well with the next song on the album, "Soul Kitchen", which has a mellow tempo and vibe that makes one truly feel like they've "broken through". Whether The Doors planned it this way or not is unclear, but that's my interpretation. This change in vibe, tempo, and intensity continues with the 3rd track on the album, "The Crystal Ship".

[@stormy8207]

Ever heard of beatniks? It was a mid twentieth century sound which was considered "hip." I love it when Morrison sings blues as "Roadhouse Blues." He can sing anything of course but I think his voice was most suited to Jazz and I always thought this song was a fusion of that early sound.

[@RobTaylor-cs3bz]

Amy, check out Paul McCartney and Wings. The songs "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Call Me Back Again" from their live 1976 album "Wings Over America" are incredible vocals by McCartney.

[@_a.z]

Awesome track!

[@robertpulciani2517]

Re. My earlier comment: I’m not suggesting that “Light My Fire” (1967) was their only ‘good’ or ‘important’ song, but it was the song that put them on the map. Before FM ‘Album Rock’ radio became a thing in the bigger cities and on college campuses (around 1969/70) a band or performer needed an AM radio hit in order to get enough attention from the mass audience, and make enough money, to motivate the record producers to invest in subsequent album productions.

[@djknox2]

The original video for this tune helps capture the energy of Jim Morrison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZXRq3WEgsuNnNEsi=JdfdgyBgwptHNqYV

[@billwilson2025]

It is a rocker!

[@jalzate]

I feel that this song flows right into the second song, light my fire.

[@nickdomenicos5987]

The second song is Soul Kitchen

[@jalzate]

@nickdomenicos5987 you are right, sorry. Light my fire is the second song in the compilation, the best of the doors, which i had and listen to many times before I had the actual original first album. My mistake.

[@kencawley3121]

This was the first album I bought as a kid in 1967. There was much on it, such as Back Door Man, that went over my 13 year old head.

[@janvanimpe8377]

jan van impe "the gate is deep, straight and wide" is a reference to a book "the pelgrim's progress" , where they talk about how to enter heaven . in general, Jim is searching for a new kind of life.But he knew that whatever you try, you will die and...break on through to the other side.

[@AtelierAgile]

I love your videos. This fresh approach. It makes me re-discover these songs under a new perspective. Thanks. Please do Nick Cave. Any song is worth it. Pretty please 🙏

[@michaelfrank2266]

Good review.

[@GeoffGummer]

I dont know if anyone has mentioned this, but there is no bass player - its all keyboard. They did try bass players but it didnt work out. There is a very cool song called peace frog where they did use one (Roy Neapolitan - Jazz bassist) , its a good listen and a bit different. Still loving your perspective, bringing to light things most of us never think about.

[@stuffyouotterlistento1461]

Actually, they regularly employed session bassists when recording in the studio. Wikipedia lists them as follows: The Doors: Larry Knechtel - bass guitar on "Soul Kitchen", "Twentieth Century Fox", "Light My Fire", "I Looked at You" and "Take It as It Comes" Robby Krieger - bass guitar on "Soul Kitchen" and "Back Door Man" Strange Days: Doug Lubahn - bass guitar (except on "Unhappy Girl", "Horse Latitudes" and "When the Music's Over") Waiting for the Sun: Douglas Lubahn - occasional bass, electric bass on "Spanish Caravan" Kerry Magness - bass guitar on "The Unknown Soldier" Leroy Vinnegar - acoustic bass on "Spanish Caravan" The Soft Parade: Harvey Brooks - bass guitar on "Tell All the People", "Touch Me", "Shaman's Blues", "Do It", "Runnin' Blue" and "The Soft Parade" Doug Lubahn - bass guitar on "Easy Ride", "Wild Child" and "Wishful Sinful" Morrison Hotel: Ray Neopolitan - bass guitar Lonnie Mack - bass guitar on "Roadhouse Blues" and "Maggie M'Gill" L.A. Woman: Jerry Scheff - bass Other Voices: Jack Conrad - bass guitar on "In the Eye of the Sun", "Variety Is the Spice of Life" and "Tightrope Ride" Jerry Scheff - bass on "Down On The Farm", "I'm Horny, I'm Stoned" and "Wandering Musician" Wolfgang Melz - bass on "Hang on to Your Life" Ray Neapolitan - bass on "Ships w/ Sails" Willie Ruff - acoustic bass on "Ships w/ Sails" Full Circle: Leland Sklar - bass on "Hardwood Floor", "The Mosquito" and "It Slipped My Mind" Jack Conrad - bass on "4 Billion Souls", "Good Rockin'", "The Piano Bird" and "The Peking King and the New York Queen" Charles Larkey - bass on "Verdilac" and "The Piano Bird" Chris Ethridge - bass on "Get Up and Dance" An American Prayer: Bob Glaub - bass guitar (including on "Ghost Song") Jerry Scheff - bass guitar on "Adagio"

[@GeoffGummer]

@@stuffyouotterlistento1461 yes, but on Peace Frog it was Roy Neapolitan. "Ray Manzarek once explained that The Doors’ decision to avoid having a bass player was both practical and creative. By playing the basslines on his keyboards, Manzarek was able to have complete control over the rhythm and harmonies in real-time, adding to the band’s spontaneous and improvisational style during live shows."

[@tele789]

"Crystal Ship" "Light My Fire (Ed Sullivan Show)"

[@garyluciani1082]

Great reaction. I vote for " moonlight drive". Lesser known but has always seemed to have a great synergy between lyrics and music. I can create and picture the scene in my mind. The door's lyrics are complex and like good art or poetry it comes with the ability to make people think, not just satisy the senses. And often leave the interpretation with the viewer or listener.

[@RaysDad]

When we aren't imprisoned by others we imprison ourselves. Break out! See what you're missing!

[@tagadabrothersband]

The Doors recorded long pieces throughout their career, mostly placed at the end of their albums, but the majority of their songs were of standard length. The End is the long piece on their first album. I don't know if it had an influence on him, but the words Break On Through To The Other Side make me think of Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass. I think Jim Morrison intentionally kept a part of mystery in his lyrics. He also wrote books of poetry, which were even more difficult to understand than his songs, sometimes even pretty incomprehensible.