Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “When the Music’s Over – Live at the Hollywood Bowl, 1968” by The Doors
This psychedelic rock classic by The Doors has been interpreted as a manifestation of the inner turmoil, spiritual awakening and existential crisis. ‘When the Music’s Over’ contains a powerful message of solace, urging the listener to search within themselves and find deep understanding for what lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
The song begins with a mesmerizing aura set by frontman Jim Morrison’s invocation of a journey into an unknown realm, guided by the music’s rhythm, asking the listener to ‘make it last.’
The lyrics make reference to an inner struggle, as Morrison implores the listener ‘throw away the masks of battle disguise.’ The suggestion of removing these artificial barriers and exploring what lies within is continued in the haunting refrain of this song ‘the serpents kiss, the seventh seal.’ These images suggest spiritual and emotional enslavement, and a quest for a greater understanding of the sometimes inexplicable and convoluted nature of life.
The song culminates in a refusal to accept the supposed ‘end’ of the journey, and instead an expression of resolute determination to keep searching for a place of solace and inner peace. The line ‘when the music’s over, turn out the light’ symbolizes the ultimate decision to carry on, typing into the unknown in search of a truth or answer.