A Feast Of Friends

Jim Morrison's 'A Feast Of Friends' is a profound exploration of existential themes, societal disillusionment, and the inevitability of death. The song opens with Morrison expressing his weariness of doubt and the oppressive nature of societal structures. The 'servants' and 'dog-men' symbolize those in power who manipulate and control, creating a bleak and suffocating environment. This imagery sets the stage for Morrison's yearning for something more genuine and beautiful, as he contrasts the dour faces on TV with his desire for 'roses in my garden bower,' representing a longing for purity and natural beauty.

The song then delves into the theme of death, which Morrison personifies as an unexpected and unsettling guest. He describes death as a transformative force that 'makes angels of us all,' suggesting that it brings a form of liberation and transcendence. This perspective on death is both haunting and poetic, highlighting Morrison's fascination with the unknown and the afterlife. The 'severed garden' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the afterlife, a place that is both alluring and terrifying in its mystery.

In the final verses, Morrison rejects the superficiality of material wealth and societal expectations, opting instead for the authenticity of a 'Feast of Friends.' This choice underscores the value he places on genuine human connections over the 'Giant Family' of society, which he views as corrupt and incestuous. The 'vegetable law' symbolizes the natural order and the inevitability of decay and rebirth. By choosing a 'Feast of Friends,' Morrison embraces the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing meaningful relationships in the face of mortality.