About the song
“People Are Strange” by The Doors is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into themes of alienation and perception. Released in 1967, this song is a standout from their second studio album, “Strange Days.” Written by the band’s iconic frontman Jim Morrison and guitarist Robby Krieger, “People Are Strange” is a reflection on the feelings of estrangement and isolation that can accompany life’s experiences.
The inspiration for “People Are Strange” came to Morrison during a period of depression. According to band members, a walk with Krieger through the Hollywood Hills helped lift his spirits, and by the end of the walk, Morrison had conceived the lyrics. The song’s introspective nature is encapsulated in lines like “People are strange when you’re a stranger / Faces look ugly when you’re alone,” which vividly convey the distorted perception one can experience during times of loneliness.
Musically, “People Are Strange” is characterized by its eerie, almost carnival-like sound, driven by Ray Manzarek’s distinctive keyboard work. Manzarek’s keyboard melodies create a dissonant, otherworldly atmosphere that complements the song’s themes perfectly. John Densmore’s drumming and Robby Krieger’s sharp, staccato guitar lines add to the song’s unique and unsettling feel.
Upon its release, “People Are Strange” achieved commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success was a testament to the band’s growing influence and the song’s resonance with a wide audience. The song’s unconventional structure and Morrison’s deep, resonant voice made it a distinctive and memorable addition to the musical landscape of the late 1960s.
“Strange Days,” the album from which “People Are Strange” originates, was critically acclaimed and further solidified The Doors’ reputation as one of the most innovative and provocative bands of their time. The album itself is a dark, psychedelic journey, and “People Are Strange” serves as a key highlight, encapsulating the mood and themes of the record.
Jim Morrison’s performance in “People Are Strange” is both haunting and compelling. His vocal delivery captures the essence of feeling like an outsider, with a tone that is both melancholic and defiant. The song’s lyrics, paired with Morrison’s expressive voice, invite listeners into a shared experience of feeling out of place, yet finding a kind of solidarity in that strangeness.
For older listeners, “People Are Strange” may evoke memories of the tumultuous 1960s, a time of social upheaval and personal introspection. For newer generations, it provides a timeless exploration of human emotion and the universal experience of feeling disconnected. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to speak to anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world around them.
In conclusion, “People Are Strange” remains a poignant and powerful piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences. Its combination of evocative lyrics, unique musical composition, and Morrison’s haunting performance make it a timeless classic. The song stands as a testament to The Doors’ ability to capture complex emotions and turn them into unforgettable music, ensuring their place in rock history.
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Lyrics
People are strange
When you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly
When you’re alone
Women seem wicked
When you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven
When you’re down
When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
People are strange
When you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly
When you’re alone
Women seem wicked
When you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven
When you’re down
When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
All right, yeah
When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
When you’re strange