Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “The Soft Parade” by The Doors
The Soft Parade is a song about life’s sometimes difficult journey and making changes to stay true to oneself. The song is a reflection on how the human spirit never backs down in the face of adversity and the subtle changes that come with time.
The lyrics open with a promise of life’s ever evolving nature: “Once, When I was young/my heart was of gold”. Here we see the optimism of youth and the belief that the future holds a better life than the one we experience now. The song then speaks of life’s struggles and hardships, metaphorical battles that we all must face: “But time marches on, and the soft parade has now begun. Step right up, and see what’s going down”. These lyrics suggest that despite the stormy seas of life, one can still persevere and find success.
The chorus then provides a sense of reassurance: “And it’s the only life I’ve ever known/Just keep on pushing on.” Here, we’re given the simple message that life should not be feared, but embraced and that in order to make it to the other side, you must have courage and faith. The bridge of the song speaks of the life gone past and how it can shape the future: “When the palace is burned,/ you’ll find me in the fire.” This line suggests a burning away of the old and a metamorphosis into something new.