The Doors' People Are Strange offers timeless perspective

Posted Dec. 18, 2022

By Elise Said

Cub Reporter

When people think of strangers, they are probably thinking of elementary school “stranger danger” and all of the accompanying safety issues that come with it.  The Doors' classic 1967 People Are Strange explores how different the world looks when someone is in a different situation than what they are used to. It explores the feelings of uncertainty and fear with the singer at the end accepting the situation and all that accompanies it.

Opening with lead singer Jim Morrison’s slightly raspy vocals, this guitar and piano piece is a catchy tune. The lyrics take note of how odd and almost scary being an unknown. The song makes the listener feel like they are walking down a street and silently being watched by everyone on it emphasizing the loneliness of the song. Morrison wrote the song after realizing that strangers are unknown to the people who look at them and vice versa.

Listening to this song, many will notice the old-timey-sounding piano used in this song which greatly enhances the song. That and a great guitar part only serve to enhance the song with the quick tempo and lyrics. The lyrics are a bit repetitive but they perfectly manage to convey the meaning and the feeling of the song.

With a top chart position of #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and released as both a single and as part of an album, this song is considered to be one of the Doors and by proxy, Jim Morrison’s most well-known tunes. Easily recognizable and memorable, this song has proved to be a classic late 60s song. 

This song has a multitude of positive attributes that help draw in listeners. From its tempo, lyrics, and instrumentation, this song can draw listeners from all sorts of different music tastes and preferences.