Hyacinth House

"Hyacinth House"
Song

"Hyacinth House" is a 1971 song by The Doors which appears on their final album with frontman Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman. The music was written by Ray Manzarek, while Morrison wrote the lyrics at guitarist Robby Krieger's beach house; though the song's writing credits are additionally credited to Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The lyrics "I see the bathroom is clear / I think that somebody's near / I´m sure that someone is following me" is a reference to the vocals of the album being recorded from the bathroom of The Doors Workshop studio for a fuller effect. The use of the term Hyacinth is thought to be Morrison's way of saying he was unhappy. Further, Hyacinthus was a young love of the Greek god Apollo. According to the myth, Apollo accidentally killed him in a discus throwing contest, and Apollo refused to let the boy go to Hades. Thus, from his blood, Apollo created the hyacinth, a plant with a fragrant cluster of flowers. This has been linked to the lyrics that echo the song "The End": "my only friend, The End.". Further, the line, "And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend, the end" is thought to indicate that Morrison had suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Morrison felt pulled because of his success, and his talent that he didn't have anyone around him that was just allowing him to be what he wanted to be. It is thought that Jim left for Paris because he was unhappy and wanted to escape his rock star lifestyle to pursue poetry. This would link the song to Jim being unhappy as he left to live in Paris to pursue poetry only three months after L.A. Woman was complete, never to perform with The Doors again. What is clear is the sadness and maturity within Morrison's voice, further enhanced by the acoustics in the studio bathroom.

Inspiration

Manzarek's composition references Fryderyk Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 during the organ solo.

External links

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