People Are Strange

Step into the curious world of The Doors' "People Are Strange." This 1967 psychedelic rock classic from the Strange Days album captivates with its eerie, cabaret-like feel and Jim Morrison's haunting vocals. A timeless exploration of alienation, its unique sound remains utterly compelling.

Featured on The Doors' second album, Strange Days, released in 1967, "People Are Strange" perfectly captured the band's distinctive atmospheric style. This psychedelic rock hit merges Jim Morrison's poetic observations with an arrangement influenced by European cabaret music, notably featuring Ray Manzarek's memorable keyboard part, possibly played on a tack piano, creating a uniquely whimsical yet melancholic mood.

Released as a successful single around September 04, 1967, "People Are Strange" became one of The Doors' most recognizable and enduring songs. Its moderate tempo, blues-inflected guitar lines by Robby Krieger, and unforgettable keyboard melody propelled it up the charts. This psychedelic rock track remains a classic, showcasing the band's unique ability to blend evocative lyrics with moody, atmospheric soundscapes in 1967.

SONG MEANING: "People Are Strange" reflects on the feeling of alienation and how the world is perceived differently when one feels like an outsider or "strange." The lyrics suggest that when you're down or feeling estranged, other people seem unwelcoming ("wicked") and unattractive ("ugly"), highlighting how personal feelings color one's perception of reality. It's a commentary on social discomfort and estrangement.