About the song
The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” both the song and the album, holds a complex place in the band’s history. Here’s a breakdown of its background and themes:
Background:
- Released in 1971, it was the last album featuring Jim Morrison before his passing.
- The recording sessions differed from past albums. The band parted ways with their producer and embraced a rawer, bluesier sound compared to their psychedelic rock roots.
- Inspiration for the album’s theme came from Los Angeles itself. John Densmore, the drummer, explained it wasn’t a preconceived idea, but the songs collectively reflected their experiences in the city.
Themes:
- Los Angeles as Muse: The album paints a picture of L.A. Morrison uses the city as a metaphor, capturing its allure and darkness. He sings about the dream chasing in Hollywood alongside the emptiness and loneliness that can pervade (“L.A. Woman,” “Riders on the Storm”).
- Love and Loss: Relationships are a strong theme. “Love Her Madly” (written by Robby Krieger) expresses romantic insecurity, while “Cars Hiss by My Window” (by Morrison) hints at a troubled relationship, possibly with his partner Pamela Courson.
- Disillusionment: A sense of jadedness runs through some songs. “L.A. Woman” can be interpreted as a critique of America, with L.A. representing a disillusioning microcosm.
Interesting Tidbits:
- The title track, “L.A. Woman,” is considered by many the quintessential Doors song. Its lyrics reference John Rechy’s novel “City of Night,” further emphasizing the themes of alienation and the “lost angel” image.
- Morrison’s vocals on the album are particularly raw and powerful, adding to the album’s emotional impact.
Overall, “L.A. Woman” stands as a complex and powerful farewell from Jim Morrison. It’s a final glimpse into his creative vision, capturing the beauty and the disillusionment he found in Los Angeles.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I just got into town about an hour agoTook a look around, see which way the wind blowWhere the little girls in their Hollywood bungalowsAre you a lucky little lady in the city of lightOr just another lost angel, city of nightCity of night, city of night, city of night, woo, come on
L.A. woman, L.A. womanL.A. woman Sunday afternoonL.A. woman Sunday afternoonL.A. woman Sunday afternoonDrive through your suburbsInto your blues, into your blues, yeahInto your blue-blue bluesInto your blues, oh, yeah
I see your hair is burnin’Hills are filled with fireIf they say I never loved youYou know they are a liarDrivin’ down your freewaysMidnight alleys roamCops in cars, the topless barsNever saw a womanSo alone, so aloneSo alone, so alone
Motel money murder madnessLet’s change the mood from glad to sadness
Mister mojo risin’, mister mojo risin’Mister mojo risin’, mister mojo risin’Got to keep on risin’Mister mojo risin’, mister mojo risin’Mojo risin’, gotta mojo risin’Mister mojo risin’, gotta keep on risin’Risin’, risin’Gone risin’, risin’I’m gone risin’, risin’I gotta risin’, risin’Well, risin’, risin’I gotta, wooo, yeah, risin’Woah, ohh yeah
Well, I just got into town about an hour agoTook a look around, see which way the wind blowWhere the little girls in their Hollywood bungalowsAre you a lucky little lady in the city of lightOr just another lost angel, city of nightCity of night, city of night, city of night, whoa, come on
L.A. woman, L.A. womanL.A. woman, you’re my womanLittle L.A. woman, little L.A. womanL.A. L.A. woman womanL.A. woman, come on