Lament

The Doors' song 'Lament' is a complex and provocative exploration of themes such as mortality, desire, and the search for wisdom. Jim Morrison, the band's enigmatic frontman, uses vivid and often shocking imagery to delve into the human condition. The song opens with a stark and almost sacrilegious lament for the speaker's 'cock,' which can be interpreted as a metaphor for vitality, masculinity, and life force. The crucifixion imagery suggests a profound suffering and a quest for deeper understanding, as the speaker seeks 'soulful wisdom' and the ability to 'open walls of mystery.'

The song's references to death are pervasive and multifaceted. Morrison speaks of 'TV death which the child absorbs' and 'deathwell mystery,' indicating a societal desensitization to mortality and a fascination with the macabre. The 'death of my cock gives life' line juxtaposes the end of physical vitality with the birth of a new, perhaps spiritual, existence. This duality is further explored through the invocation of forgiveness for 'the poor old people who gave us entry,' suggesting a reconciliation with the past and the teachings of previous generations.

Musically and lyrically, 'Lament' is rich with references to ancient wisdom and the power of words. The 'guitar player, ancient wise satyr' symbolizes a connection to timeless knowledge and artistic expression. The song's closing lines, 'Words got me the wound and will get me well,' highlight the healing power of language and the cathartic nature of artistic creation. Morrison's lament is not just for the loss of physical prowess but for the deeper, existential wounds that words and wisdom can both inflict and heal. The song ultimately calls for a collective mourning and understanding of these profound themes, urging listeners to join in the lament and embrace the complexities of life and death.