About the song
“Been Down So Long” by Jim Morrison, performed with The Doors, is a bluesy and raw track that showcases the gritty intensity and poetic edge that defined Morrison’s artistry. Released in 1971 on the album “L.A. Woman”, this song captures the band’s return to their blues roots while reflecting Morrison’s deep connection to themes of struggle, resilience, and rebellion.
The song’s lyrics, likely influenced by Morrison’s love of literature, channel a blend of personal experience and artistic imagination. The phrase “been down so long” is a lament of enduring hardship, a feeling of being trapped in cycles of despair. Yet, the song also hints at a rebellious defiance, as if to say that no matter how difficult life becomes, there’s a strange freedom in embracing the chaos. Morrison’s delivery is raw and unfiltered, perfectly complementing the song’s rough blues framework.
Musically, “Been Down So Long” is driven by Robby Krieger’s searing guitar riffs and Ray Manzarek’s steady organ fills, grounded by John Densmore’s solid drumming. The result is a powerful blues-rock number that feels both improvisational and tightly constructed. Morrison’s voice, gritty and full of soul, brings the lyrics to life, immersing the listener in the visceral emotion of the track. The Doors were known for their ability to push boundaries, and this song is no exception, merging traditional blues with their signature psychedelic edge.
“L.A. Woman”, the album that features this track, was the last album Morrison recorded with The Doors before his untimely death later in 1971. This adds a layer of poignancy to songs like “Been Down So Long”, as they showcase a raw, unvarnished version of Morrison and the band, stripped of studio polish but rich in authenticity. The album as a whole marked a return to form for The Doors, blending blues, rock, and poetry in a way that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
Culturally, “Been Down So Long” exemplifies the countercultural ethos of its time. The song speaks to feelings of disillusionment and rebellion that were prevalent in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its raw energy and unvarnished emotion make it a standout track in The Doors’ catalog, embodying Morrison’s legacy as a voice for those who live on the edge of society, grappling with both the beauty and darkness of the human condition.
In the decades since its release, “Been Down So Long” has remained a testament to Jim Morrison’s unparalleled charisma and poetic genius, as well as The Doors’ ability to craft music that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. It’s a song that continues to captivate listeners, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ve been down so Goddamn longThat it looks like up to meWell, I’ve been down so very damn longThat it looks like up to meYeah, why don’t one you peopleC’mon and set me freeI said, warden, warden, wardenWon’t you break your lock and keyI said, warden, warden, wardenWon’t you break your lock and keyYeah, come along here, misterC’mon and let the poor boy beBaby, baby, babyWon’t you get down on your kneesBaby, baby, babyWon’t you get down on your kneesC’mon, little darlin’C’mon and give your love to me, oh yeahWell, I’ve been down so Goddamn longThat it looks like up to meWell, I’ve been down so very damn longThat it looks like up to meYeah, why don’t one you peopleC’mon, c’mon, c’mon and set me free