About the song
“The Unknown Soldier”, performed by The Doors and led by their enigmatic frontman Jim Morrison, is a powerful and provocative track that captures the turbulence of the late 1960s. Released on March 4, 1968, as the first single from their third studio album, “Waiting for the Sun”, the song stands out as a bold statement on the Vietnam War and the growing disillusionment with American military involvement overseas. Its biting commentary and theatrical presentation make it one of the most politically charged songs in The Doors’ catalog.
The Vietnam War was at its peak in 1968, with the Tet Offensive shocking the world and public opinion in the United States becoming increasingly divided. Against this backdrop, “The Unknown Soldier” emerged as a poignant critique of war and the sanitization of its consequences by the media. The title itself references the concept of the anonymous fallen soldier, a universal symbol of sacrifice and loss in wartime, but here, Jim Morrison questions the glorification of such sacrifice. The song’s lyrics are both chilling and reflective, opening with “Wait until the war is over, and we’re both a little older.” This sentiment immediately conveys the growing weariness and skepticism of a generation grappling with endless conflict.
Musically, “The Unknown Soldier” is a masterclass in dynamics and storytelling. The song is structured to reflect the chaos and finality of war. It begins with a subdued, almost dreamlike tone as Morrison delivers the verses in a calm yet foreboding manner. However, it soon escalates into a dramatic crescendo, complete with a simulated execution scene marked by the sound of a rifle shot, military-style drum rolls, and Morrison’s haunting cry of “The unknown soldier!” This theatrical moment is both shocking and symbolic, underscoring the dehumanizing effects of war and the cost of blind patriotism.
The Doors’ distinctive sound, driven by Ray Manzarek’s eerie organ melodies, Robby Krieger’s haunting guitar lines, and John Densmore’s precise drumming, enhances the song’s emotional weight. Morrison’s delivery, as always, is captivating, blending poetic introspection with raw intensity. His ability to channel the collective anxiety of the era into a single performance highlights why he remains one of rock’s most compelling frontmen.
“The Unknown Soldier” was not just a song; it was a statement. Its release in 1968 came at a time when anti-war protests were sweeping across the United States, and the youth were beginning to challenge the authority of the government and the narratives pushed by mainstream media. Morrison’s lyrics specifically call out the disconnect between the reality of war and how it was presented to the American public: “Breakfast where the news is read, television children fed.” This line critiques the normalization of war as something distant and detached from everyday life, even as it consumed thousands of lives.
The song’s social and cultural impact was significant. While it didn’t reach the commercial heights of some of The Doors’ other hits, its message resonated deeply with listeners who felt alienated by the political climate of the time. It became an anthem for those questioning authority and advocating for peace, embodying the rebellious spirit of the counterculture movement.
“The Unknown Soldier” remains a timeless piece of art, reminding us of the human cost of war and the importance of questioning narratives. Its themes are as relevant today as they were in 1968, reflecting the enduring power of music as a medium for protest and reflection. For fans of Jim Morrison and The Doors, the song is a stark example of their ability to blend poetry, music, and social commentary into something truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re revisiting this classic or hearing it for the first time, “The Unknown Soldier” stands as a testament to the power of music to challenge, provoke, and inspire change.
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Lyrics
Wait until the war is overAnd we’re both a little olderThe unknown soldierBreakfast where the news is readTelevision children fedUnborn living, living, deadBullet strikes the helmet’s headAnd it’s all overFor the unknown soldierIt’s all overFor the unknown soldier, hutMake a grave for the unknown soldierNestled in your hollow shoulderThe unknown soldierBreakfast where the news is readTelevision children fedBullet strikes the helmet’s headAnd, it’s all overThe war is overIt’s all overThe war is overWell, all over, babyAll over, babyOh, over, yeahAll over, babyWooooo, hah-hahAll overAll over, babyOh, woa-yeahAll overAll overHey!