About the song
“Break On Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors is a quintessential track that captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Released as the lead single from their eponymous debut album “The Doors” in 1967, this song marked the band’s first foray into the music world and laid the foundation for their lasting legacy.
Written by all four members of The Doors—Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore—”Break On Through” is a powerful fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelia. The song’s relentless drive and intense lyrics reflect the band’s desire to push boundaries and explore new realms of consciousness, both musically and lyrically.
Upon its release, “Break On Through” was not an immediate commercial success, peaking at number 126 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, over time, it has become one of The Doors’ most enduring and celebrated songs, appreciated for its innovative sound and the raw charisma of Jim Morrison’s vocal delivery. The song’s initial lukewarm reception did little to deter the band’s trajectory, as they soon gained immense popularity with subsequent hits.
“Break On Through” opens with a distinctive, syncopated drum beat by John Densmore, immediately grabbing the listener’s attention. Ray Manzarek’s swirling keyboards and Robby Krieger’s sharp guitar riffs create a hypnotic backdrop for Morrison’s commanding voice. The lyrics, with lines like “You know the day destroys the night / Night divides the day,” encapsulate themes of breaking free from societal norms and exploring new, uncharted territories.
Morrison’s vocal performance is particularly striking, filled with urgency and a sense of defiance. His delivery of the refrain “Break on through to the other side” is both a command and an invitation, urging listeners to transcend their limitations and embrace a broader perspective. The song’s intensity is amplified by the instrumental breaks, where Manzarek’s organ and Krieger’s guitar interplay create a dynamic and immersive soundscape.
The Doors’ debut album, featuring “Break On Through,” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. This album, with its eclectic mix of tracks, showcased the band’s diverse influences and established their reputation as pioneers of the psychedelic rock genre. “Break On Through” remains a cornerstone of this album, embodying the band’s innovative spirit and their quest for artistic freedom.
For older fans, “Break On Through” is a nostalgic anthem that evokes the revolutionary ethos of the 1960s, a time when music was a powerful vehicle for social change and personal liberation. For newer listeners, it offers a glimpse into the early days of one of rock’s most iconic bands and serves as an entry point into The Doors’ rich and diverse musical catalog.
In conclusion, “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” is more than just a song—it’s a declaration of intent and a testament to The Doors’ enduring influence on rock music. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to inspire listeners to challenge the status quo and seek out new horizons, making it a true classic that continues to resonate across generations.
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Lyrics
You know the day destroys the night
Night divides the day
Tried to run
Tried to hide
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side, yeah
We chased our pleasures here
Dug our treasures there
But can you still recall
The time we cried
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Yeah
C’mon, yeah
Everybody loves my baby
Everybody loves my baby
She get high
She get high
She get high
She get high, yeah
I found an island in your arms
Country in your eyes
Arms that chain us
Eyes that lie
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through, ow
Oh, yeah
Made the scene
Week to week
Day to day
Hour to hour
The gate is straight
Deep and wide
Break on through to the other side
Break on through to the other side
Break on through
Break on through
Break on through
Break on through
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah