“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine the summer of 1969, a time when music was evolving into something that was beyond mere entertainment—it was becoming a form of revolution, introspection, and expression. This was also the year The Doors released The Soft Parade, a song that took fans on an unexpected journey, blending rock with orchestral elements. When I first heard this track, it felt like stepping into a psychedelic dream, where every word and every note seemed to challenge the boundaries of rock music. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this song so unforgettable.
About The Composition
- Title: The Soft Parade
- Composer: The Doors (primarily written by Jim Morrison)
- Premiere Date: Released July 18, 1969
- Album: The Soft Parade
- Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Art Rock
Background
The Soft Parade was the title track of The Doors’ fourth studio album. At this point in their career, The Doors were known for their raw and rebellious sound. However, with The Soft Parade, the band took a leap into a more experimental territory, incorporating brass and string arrangements into their rock foundation. According to the Wikipedia page, this album marked a shift in the band’s musical direction, partly influenced by the pressures to produce more commercially viable music.
Jim Morrison, the band’s charismatic frontman, was reportedly grappling with personal struggles, including substance abuse, which added a raw edge to the album’s content. The song itself is often interpreted as Morrison’s poetic reflection on the complexities of life, fame, and inner turmoil. However, upon its initial release, both the album and the song received mixed reviews, with some fans and critics feeling that The Doors had strayed too far from their iconic, darker rock sound.
Musical Style
Musically, The Soft Parade is a unique blend of rock, jazz, and orchestral influences. It stands out because of its complex arrangement that combines the band’s signature electric organ riffs with orchestral brass and strings. The song has a multi-part structure, almost like a rock symphony, where it shifts through various tempos and moods. It begins with a slow, spoken-word introduction by Morrison, which feels like a surreal stream of consciousness, before launching into more upbeat, rhythmic sections.
One of the standout features is the juxtaposition of Morrison’s deep, brooding voice against the lush, almost theatrical orchestration. The use of brass instruments and strings was a bold choice that gave the track an epic feel, contrasting sharply with The Doors’ earlier minimalist, blues-infused rock sound. This divergence is what makes The Soft Parade so divisive yet so compelling.
Lyrics
The lyrics of The Soft Parade are dense, poetic, and filled with vivid imagery. Morrison’s words feel like a blend of existential musings and social commentary, touching on themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the quest for meaning. Lines like “When I was back there in seminary school, there was a person there who put forth the proposition that you can petition the Lord with prayer” set a tone of philosophical introspection.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and chaos, reflecting Morrison’s own inner struggles. The lyrics flow like a surreal narrative, challenging listeners to interpret their meaning. Some fans believe it’s a critique of society, while others see it as a personal confession from Morrison himself.
Performance History
Initially, The Soft Parade was not widely performed live by The Doors due to its complex arrangements that were difficult to replicate on stage. However, over the years, the song has gained appreciation for its ambitious structure and innovative sound. The track has since been performed by tribute bands and during special Doors-themed concerts, often accompanied by orchestral elements to capture the song’s original grandeur.
Cultural Impact
While The Soft Parade may not have been an instant commercial success, its influence has grown over the years. The song is now seen as a bold experiment that pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be. It challenged other musicians to think outside the box, blending genres and incorporating unconventional instruments into rock. The Doors’ willingness to take risks with this track paved the way for later bands that sought to break free from the traditional rock mold.
In popular culture, The Soft Parade has been used in documentaries and films that explore the late ’60s counterculture, emphasizing its association with the psychedelic era. The song’s introspective lyrics and shifting melodies resonate with themes of rebellion, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Legacy
Today, The Soft Parade is seen as a pivotal moment in The Doors’ discography—a song that dared to diverge from their established sound to explore new musical landscapes. While it may not have been universally loved at the time, it has earned its place as a classic, representing the creative spirit and ambition of late ’60s rock. The song’s blend of rock, jazz, and orchestral elements remains a testament to The Doors’ willingness to experiment and evolve.
For anyone looking to experience the song in its full glory, I highly recommend the remastered version, which captures the depth and richness of the original recording. Listening to The Soft Parade feels like stepping into the mind of Jim Morrison, a poet and artist who was constantly pushing the limits of expression.
Conclusion
The Soft Parade is a journey—a song that defies easy categorization and challenges listeners to reflect on its layered meaning. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Doors or someone just discovering their music, this track is worth exploring. It stands as a reminder of an era when music was more than just sound; it was a movement, a statement, and a form of art that continues to resonate today.
Video
Lyrics
When I was back there in seminary school
There was a person there
Who put forth the proposition
That you can petition the Lord with prayer
Petition the Lord with prayer
Petition the Lord with prayer
You cannot petition the Lord with prayer!
Can you give me sanctuary
I must find a place to hide
A place for me to hide
Can you find me soft asylum
I can’t make it anymore
The Man is at the door
Peppermint, miniskirts, chocolate candy
Champion sax and a girl named Sandy
There’s only four ways to get unraveled
One is to sleep and the other is travel, da da
One is a bandit up in the hills
One is to love your neighbor ’til
His wife gets home
Catacombs
Nursery bones
Winter women
Growing stones
Carrying babies
To the river
Streets and shoes
Avenues
Letter writers
Selling news
The monk bought lunch
Ha ha, he bought a little
Yes, he did
Woo!
This is the best part of the trip
This is the trip, the best part
I really like
What’d he say?
Yeah!
Yeah, right!
Pretty good, huh
Huh!
Yeah, I’m proud to be a part of this number
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
All our lives we sweat and save
Building for a shallow grave
Must be something else we say
Somehow to defend this place
Everything must be this way
Everything must be this way, yeah
The Soft Parade has now begun
Listen to the engines hum
People out to have some fun
A cobra on my left
Leopard on my right, yeah
The deer woman in a silk dress
Girls with beads around their necks
Kiss the hunter of the green vest
Who has wrestled before
With lions in the night
Out of sight!
The lights are getting brighter
The radio is moaning
Calling to the dogs
There are still a few animals
Left out in the yard
But it’s getting harder
To describe sailors
To the underfed
Tropic corridor
Tropic treasure
What got us this far
To this mild equator?
We need someone or something new
Something else to get us through, yeah, come on
Calling on the dogs
Calling on the dogs
Oh, it’s getting harder
Calling on the dogs
Calling in the dogs
Calling all the dogs
Calling on the gods
You got to meet me
Too late, baby
Slay a few animals
At the crossroads
Too late
All in the yard
But it’s getting harder
By the crossroads
You got to meet me
Oh, we’re going, we’re going great
At the edge of town
Tropic corridor
Tropic treasure
Having a good time
Got to come along
What got us this far
To this mild equator?
Outskirts of the city
You and I
We need someone new
Something new
Something else to get us through
Better bring your gun
Better bring your gun
Tropic corridor
Tropic treasure
We’re going to ride and have some fun
When all else fails
We can whip the horse’s eyes
And make them sleep
And cry