I’ve told this story before but I bought LA Woman at a family’s yard sale in the 80s for 10 cents I believe…it was in mint condition. I went through a Doors phase that a lot of teens go through. I never liked all they had but I do like a lot of their music. This song was love at first listen. This and the debut album are my favorite Doors’ albums.
Morrison could be a handful at times for the band. His singing always sounded ominous to me…like something was about to happen. The guitar riff in this song is light but very catchy and the song will stick with you.
Hyacinthus was a young love of the Greek God Apollo. Apollo accidentally killed him, and from his blood sprang the hyacinth, a plant with a fragrant cluster of flowers.
The line, “I see the bathroom is clear” could refer to the bathroom in the studio where the song “L.A. Woman” was recorded. At the time, Jim Morrison insisted on recording the vocal track remotely from the bathroom rather than in the studio with the rest of the band.
The song was written at guitarist Robby Krieger’s house, which inspired some of Morrison’s lyrics with its flowers (hyacinths) and cats (“lions”).
Hyacinth House
What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?
What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?
To please the lions in this day
I need a brand new friend who doesn’t bother me
I need a brand new friend who doesn’t trouble me
I need someone and who doesn’t need me
I see the bathroom is clear
I think that somebody’s near
I’m sure that someone is following me, oh yeah
Why did you throw the Jack of Hearts away?
Why did you throw the Jack of Hearts away?
It was the only card in the deck that I had left to play
And I’ll say it again, I need a brand new friend
And I’ll say it again, I need a brand new friend
And I’ll say it again, I need a brand new friend, the end
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Paid 10 cents and out the Door! lol
I’ve long been a pretty big fan of the Doors, though I’ll admit some of their work is rather weak. And you are a prolific blogger! I wish I had the energy and discipline to write as many posts as you and Hanspostcard.
Yea I went through a Doors phase as most people do but it didn’t stick with a lot of their music.
I’m trying to cut back… When I’m up at 1am writing a post…it’s time back up the truck…but thank you.
Cool tune, which I admittedly had to look up. I’m much more familiar with other songs from “L.A. Woman”. “Riders On the Storm” is one of my favorites by The Doors.
Yea I like digging out an album cut every now and then…it’s one of the songs on the album that I first knew…just placing the needle down and listening.
Yea I like Riders of the Storm a lot.
I never had a clue what this song was about. Poor Hyacinthus, a Spartan youth killed by a discus.
lol…yea me either…I liked it though. It is catchy.
First time hearing this one. Nice one. You’re right, there is something husky and menacing about Morrison’s voice. I don’t think it would be possible for him to sing a happy, upbeat song.
Glad you liked it. It was one of the first Doors songs I really liked…just dropped the needle there by chance.
You’re right about most people having a ‘doors’ phase…not me though….think velvet underground scratched a similar itch
I did and this album did it…I just don’t like Morrison…talented band though.
He’s got a distinctive voice. Doesn’t suit every song though — but on the darker stuff it works well. Given the guy’s stage presence and charisma, think they would have been at their best live.
Unless he was flashing the audience or doing more drugs than Keef.
Yeah perhaps not every concert would have been good
This one is way too depressing to me. But, I am fascinated with how low Jim’s voice goes. Wow.
It’s the first song on the album that I really liked when I got it.
I’ve been in a Doors phase for a long time. When I revisit, like this song it keeps me there.
I’m glad to find other people who know the song. This is one of the first songs that hooked me to this album.
It’s cool how we all come to certain music. You jumped on board with a good album. On a given day they would be going to the Island,
I have four in mind for the next four picks…One is a live album…
They were a special band. When they were on they were one of the best in my pile.