Hyacinth House
"Hyacinth House" is a song by the Doors, which they recorded for their final album with frontman Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman (1971). Group keyboardist Ray Manzarek composed the music, which references Frédéric Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 during the organ solo.[1] Morrison wrote the lyrics at guitarist Robby Krieger's beach house.[2]
| "Hyacinth House" | |
|---|---|
| Song by the Doors | |
| from the album L.A. Woman | |
| Released | April 1971 |
| Recorded | December 1970 – January 1971 |
| Studio | The Doors Workshop, Los Angeles |
| Genre | Rock |
| Length | 3:12 |
| Label | Elektra |
| Composer(s) | Ray Manzarek |
| Lyricist(s) | Jim Morrison |
| Producer(s) |
|
Lyrics
The use of the term Hyacinth is thought to be Morrison's way of expressing his unhappiness. Further, Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth and lover of the Greek god Apollo. According to the myth, Apollo accidentally killed Hyacinthus in a discus throwing contest when the latter ran to catch Apollo's discus in an effort to impress the god. After the unfortunate death, Apollo refused to let Hades claim the youth. Rather, from Hyacinthus' blood, Apollo created the hyacinth, a plant with a fragrant cluster of flowers.
This interpretation of "Hyacinth House" is furthermore based on the song's lyrical reference to another Doors' song, "The End" (which itself includes the line "my only friend, the end"). The line, "And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend, the end" is thought to indicate that Morrison had suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Morrison often felt pulled because of his success and talent, while lamenting that he didn't have anyone around him who would simply allow him to be what he wanted to be: "I need a brand new friend who doesn't bother me / I need a brand new friend who doesn't trouble me / I need someone, yeah, who doesn't need me".
References
- McLee, David (2003). Legacy: The Absolute Best (CD booklet). Rhino Records. R2-73889.
- Allen, Jim. "The Story behind the songs of the Doors' last hurrah, L.A. Woman". ultimateclassicrock.com.
External links
