Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix

Album: Are You Experienced? (1967)

License This Song

The song's name, "Manic Depression," is an old name for bipolar disorder, a mental health disorder. There is no evidence the Hendrix ever suffered from bipolar disorder himself. Hendrix was doing a press conference in London and his manager at the time, Chas Chandler, told him that he sounded like a manic depressive. So the next day Hendrix wrote this tune. >>
Suggestion credit:
Avi - Ashdod, Israel
In this song, Hendrix sings of despair and confusion, and wonders just what kind of world this is anyway. His protective haven from the chaos is "music, sweet music."
This is one of the more unusual songs performed in 3/4 waltz time. The loping time signature gives the song a very unusual feel and contributes to the feeling of disorientation.
Introducing this song in concert, Jimi Hendrix said: "We'd like to do a frustrating kind of song for you. It's called 'Manic Depression' - it's a story 'bout a cat wishin' he could make love to music, instead of the same old everyday woman."
Seal and Jeff Beck teamed up to cover "Manic Depression" for the 1993 Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix album.

Gern Blanston from Useclearly manic depression is torturin' my soul.. woman so weary the street calls in vain
Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganI'd say this song is "insane", but that might be insensitive. "Mentally ill" and "insane" are not one and the same. In fact, I know peeps who suffer from mental illness, and they are some of the most intelligent, down-to-earth dudes I've ever met. But back to the song, it KICKS! Those licks are killer and the solo is SICK! And I don't even know how I'd go about playing this song on the skins. Well done, boys.
Jimbo from CaliforniaBipolar illness is touchin' my soul...
Harry White from CaliforniaManic depression has captured my soul.
Jim from Enid, OkWell.....hello. I'm not hearing "Manic depression is touching my soul..." I'm hearing, Manic depression is SEARCHING my soul....". Anyone? This song still gives me chills. I always want to buy an electric guitar and learn the licks to this song.
Chloe from St. Louis, MoI'm surprised only one other person has commented. Incredibly beautiful, Jimi expresses everything so well- "music, sweet music"...
Gary from Seattle, WaWhen I had Mitch Mitchell on the program, he said it was one of his very favorite experience songs, because Jimi just let him "cut loose!" Mitch's drumming on Manic Depression is pure and amazing listen to his execution next time.

Crowski KZOK Seattle's One and Only Classic Rock Station 102.5
Be safe:-)