Queen Of The Highway
The Doors
The Enigmatic Journey of the 'Queen Of The Highway'
The Doors' song 'Queen Of The Highway' paints a vivid and somewhat surreal picture of a young woman, referred to as a princess and the queen of the highway. The lyrics suggest a sense of freedom and rebellion, as she travels along the road, symbolizing a journey through life. The 'sign on the road' that says 'Take us to Madre' could be interpreted as a call to return to a place of origin or a maternal figure, hinting at a deeper search for identity and belonging.
The song introduces a 'blind tiger,' a metaphorical figure who is the only one capable of saving the princess. This character, described as a monster dressed in black leather, could represent a dark, rebellious force or a protector who understands the wild and untamed nature of the princess. Their union, described as a wedding, signifies a merging of these two contrasting elements, leading to a new beginning.
As the song progresses, the imagery of the couple being 'naked as children' and 'wild as can be' in the meadow evokes a sense of innocence and primal freedom. The mention of offspring and starting it all over again suggests a cyclical nature of life and the continuation of their legacy. The final verses reflect on the American identity, with references to the 'American boy' and 'American girl,' highlighting their beauty and the cultural melting pot of the frontier Indian swirl. The song ends on a hopeful note, wishing for the continuation of this journey, albeit with an underlying sense of impermanence.