Light My Fire by The Doors

Album: The Doors (1967)

Charted: 7 1

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Most of "Light My Fire" was written by Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, who wanted to write about one of the elements: fire, air, earth, and water. He recalled to Uncut: "I was living with my parents in Pacific Palisades – I had my amp and SG. I asked Jim, what should I write about? He said, 'Something universal, which won't disappear two years from now. Something that people can interpret themselves.' I said to myself I'd write about the four elements; earth, air, fire, water, I picked fire, as I loved the Stones song, 'Play With Fire,' and that's how that came about."

Krieger came up with the melody and wrote most of the lyrics, which are about leaving inhibitions behind in flames of passion.

At first, the song had a folk flavor, but it ignited when Jim Morrison wrote the second verse ("our love become a funeral pyre...") and Ray Manzarek came up with the famous organ intro. Drummer John Densmore also contributed, coming up with the rhythm. Like all Doors songs of this era, the band shared composer credits.
This became The Doors' signature song. Included on their first album, it was a huge hit and launched them to stardom. Before it was released, The Doors were an underground band popular in the Los Angeles area, but "Light My Fire" got the attention of a mass audience.
On the album, which was released in January 1967, the song runs 6:50. The group's first single, "Break On Through (To The Other Side)," reached just #126 in America. "Light My Fire" was deemed too long for airplay, but radio stations (especially in Los Angeles) got requests for the song from listeners who heard it off the album. Their label, Elektra Records decided to release a shorter version so they had producer Paul Rothchild do an edit. By chopping out the guitar solos, he whittled it down to 2:52. This version was released as a single in April, and the song took off, giving The Doors their first big hit.

To many fans, the single edit was an abomination, and many DJs played the album version once the song took off.

Elektra founder Jaz Holzman recalled to Mojo magazine November 2010: "We had that huge problem with the time length - seven-and-a-half minutes. Nobody could figure out how to cut it. Finally I said to Rothchild, 'Nobody can cut it but you.' When he cut out the solo, there were screams. Except from Jim. Jim said, 'Imagine a kid in Minneapolis hearing even the cut version over the radio, it's going to turn his head around.' So they said, 'Go ahead, release it.' We released it with the full version on the other side."
This was the first song Robby Krieger wrote to completion. Jim Morrison did most of the songwriting for the album, but he needed some help and asked Krieger to step in. The 20-year-old guitarist asked him what to write about, and Morrison replied, "Something universal."
Jim Morrison indicated in his notebooks that he disliked this song and hated performing it. He also seemed to resent that the popularity of the band derived from this song, which he had just a small part in writing. >>>
Suggestion credit:
John - Topeka, KS
There are some pretty basic, but effective, rhymes in this song:

fire
liar
higher
mire
pyre

A "funeral pyre" is a platform used in ceremonial cremations. The image evokes spirituality and ancient mythology, as well as death, one of Jim Morrison's favorite topics. Robby Krieger objected to the line at first, but Morrison convinced him it would work in opposition to the love-based lyrics that dominate the song.
This was produced by Paul Rothchild and was recorded in late 1966 and then released in April 1967.
The song topped the Hot 100 for the first three weeks of July 1967. It sold over one million copies and was the first #1 hit for their record label Elektra. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Kain - Charleston, SC, for above 2
The producers of The Ed Sullivan Show asked the band to change the line "Girl we couldn't get much higher" for their appearance in 1967. Morrison said he would, but sang it anyway. Afterwards, he told Sullivan that he was nervous and simply forgot to change the line. This didn't fly, and The Doors were never invited back.
This was the first rock song to feature both a guitar and keyboard in the instrumental section.
A blind, Puerto Rican singer named Jose Feliciano recorded a Latin-tinged version of this song that reached #3 in 1968 and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, Male. For Feliciano, who also won the Best New Artist Grammy that year, the song was his breakout hit and introduced his style of acoustic, woodwind-heavy arrangements. Based on his "Light My Fire" performance, Feliciano was asked to sing the The Star Spangled Banner before Game 5 of World Series between the Tigers and Cardinals. He delivered the first non-traditional take on the National Anthem at a major sporting event, doing a slow, acoustic version and causing an uproar. Feliciano capitalized on the controversy by releasing his Anthem performance as a single, and it reached #50 in the US.
In 1968, Buick offered The Doors $75,000 to use this song in a commercial as "Come on Buick, light my fire." With Morrison away, Krieger, Densmore, and Manzarek agreed to allow it. When Morrison found out, he pitched a fit and killed the deal.

In 2013, drummer John Densmore based a whole book on the Buick commercial incident. In The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison's Legacy Goes On Trial, Densmore uses the story to explore questions about artistic integrity, selling out, and the legacy Jim Morrison left behind.

Densmore claims the band was never quite the same after the commercial because Morrison no longer trusted them as a band of brothers.
This was the last song Jim Morrison performed live. It took place at the Doors concert at The Warehouse in New Orleans on December 12, 1970. Midway through the song, Morrison became exasperated and smashed his microphone into the floor, ending the show.

It was also the last song The Doors played live as a trio, as they continued without Morrison after his death. Their final performance took place at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on September 10, 1972.
According to Ray Manzarek on BBC Radio 2's program Ray Manzarek's Summer of Love, the baseline to "Light My Fire" was inspired by Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill."
Manzarek told About.com how the keyboard solo came about: "It was exactly what we were doing at the time at Whisky a Go Go - letting the music take us wherever it might lead in a particular performance, just improvising. And that?s exactly the same way that solo came about." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France
The Doors didn't have a bass player, but there is some bass on this song. Determining who played it is an inexact science, as session musicians were not formally credited at the time, but Carol Kaye claims it was her.

She was a first-call studio pro at the time and had performed on a lot of the hits that were recorded in Los Angeles, including many of Phil Spector's productions. She told Songfacts regarding her involvement: "The Doors weren't there. Just a couple of the guys were there in the booth. We cut the track. I'm playing on that, but I don't like to talk about it, because there's too many fanatics about that stuff. I'm a prude. I don't do drugs. I think it's stupid. I think for people to be into drugs and to die on stage, I think that's so stupid, and totally unnecessary. So I stay away from even talking about that. But I am on the contract, yeah, I played on the hit of that."
The extended organ and guitar solos in the album version of the song are based on two of John Coltrane's works: his 1961 track "Ole," and his jazz cover of the song "My Favorite Things" from the motion picture The Sound of Music. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Sam - Lincoln, NE
Robby Krieger told Clash Music he put "every chord I knew into this song." Most of the group's songs to this point were three-chord compositions, so he wanted to do something more "adventurous."
In concert, Robby Krieger never played the same guitar solo on this song. He would sometimes mix in bits of the Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby."
In a 2021 interview with TheSDRShow, Krieger explained that he wrote the song to end with the line, "Come on baby light my fire." Morrison suggested they switch to the more provocative and poetic, "Try to set the night on fire." Krieger later found out that Morrison had taken the line from one of the notebooks he wrote poetry in during his high school years.
Train covered "Light My Fire" on the 2000 Doors tribute album Stoned Immaculate. Lead singer Pat Monahan sang with the remaining members (Manzarek, Krieger, Densmore) on the VH1's Storytellers dedicated to the Doors. Other artists to cover the song include Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Will Young, UB40, B. J. Thomas and Beastie Boys.
There's a long scene about the song's origin in Oliver Stone's 1991 film The Doors. Robby Krieger suggested the scene to Stone because he was annoyed that so few people knew he wrote it.

Comments: 119

Julez from Las VegasOn The Ed Sullivan Show, there was a bass player on Light my Fire. Who was that bass player?
Billy M from UsaI remember driving with my uncle down sunset strip and seeing the larger than life billboard of the album. Go figure the influences on this track, making this song timeless. It’s no wonder Feliciano made a hit covering it. Think of the rock classics that you’ve heard thousands of times. Stairway/ Bohemian don’t hold up. If stranded on a desert island, and I only had 50 songs, this would be one of them for sure!
Robert X from 57701This... I love this. So much great stuff. I always perk up when "Light My Fire" comes on. So my question: did Jimi Hendricks' "Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire" influence Robby Krieger, or the other way around? They both came out in '67 but probably were in the works for months before and maybe there was some intersecting influence. I'd love to know if you got somethin' - or know there's, perhaps, nothing.
Meocyber from Alma. Co.At first, I didnt get into the Doors. They had that jazz buzz that I grew into. But, Rays organ really made that unreal hook. About '70 they got my attention, respect. The lyrics, Jims commanding, deep vocals & top shelf instrumentation were completely awesome. For me, they r the primo American rock group, along w/ CCR...
Greg from Glendale, Ca At One TimeIt was the spring of 1967 but I don't remember the month or day, but I saw The Doors play a concert At Crescenta Valley High School in SoCal! They played about 3 or 4 songs. Light My Fire was newly released and they finished with it. When they got to the second verse, they lost the sound to the mikes. They continued with the instrumental and finished the song. I was never sure if the sound cut off because the lyrics were too controversial for the school administration or the high school stage crew just sucked! It just amazed me The Doors booked a high school gig!
George from Vancouver, CanadaI'm usually no fan of live performances, but the Live in Europe (1968) verson of this song is excellent -- it runs 9:58 with scads of excellent solos by all. . .
Randy from Houghton Lake, MiI was 11 years old when this song came out. It seemed like every time you turned on the radio it was playing. I got sick of it and didn't really appreciate it or "The Doors" until I was in my 30s. I read "No One Here Gets Out Alive" and became obsessed with them. My daughter was about 3 or 4 years old then but I guess from hearing so much of their music she got hooked on them too. Many years later she sent me a picture standing in front of the "Whiskey A Go Go" saying look when I am dad.
Spence Fletcher from Ms Delta Great example of Robbie’s solo using “My Favorite Things” is at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame with Eddie Vedder and Don Was on bass. Listen at the 4:39 mark. No doubt what u hear.
Thanks for posting the Coltrane bit for confirmation.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 24, 1970, Dick Clark interviewed Rhetta Hughes on his ABC-TV Saturday-afternoon program, 'American Bandstand'...
Ten months earlier on March 9th, 1969 her covered version of "Light My Fire" peaked at #37 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, and it spent six weeks on the chart...
She never had a record that made Billboard's Top 100 chart...
Thirteen years later on April 17th, 1983 her "Angel Man (G.A.)" peaked at #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart...
In 1984 she received a Tony Award nomination for 'Best Actress in a Musical' for the play 'Amen Corner'...
Ms. Hughes celebrated her 64th birthday two months ago on November 9th {2017}.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 3rd 1967, the Doors performed at the Santa Monica Civic Center in California...
At the time the quartet's debut chart record, "Light My Fire", was at #12 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; twenty days later on July 23rd it would peak at #1 {See posts below}...
Sadly; exactly four years later on July 3rd, 1971 Jim Morrison would pass away at the young age of 27...
May he R.I.P.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 14th 1967, the Doors performed at 'The Scene' nightclub in New York City...
At the time the quartet's debut chart record, "Light My Fire", was at #50 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; a little over five weeks later on July 23rd, 1967 it would peak at #1 for three weeks {See second post below}...
In the audience that night was a 24 year-old guitar player from Seattle, WA name Jimi Hendrix; and twenty days later on July 4th, 1967 he would play ‘The Scene’, then one month later on August 20th, 1967 "Purple Haze" would enter the Top 100.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 10th 1967, the Doors performed at the 'The Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival’ in Marin County, California...
At the time the quartet's debut charted record, "Light My Fire", was at #61 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; just over six weeks later on July 23rd, 1967 it would peak at #1 {for 3 weeks} and it stayed on the chart for 17 weeks...
They played a four song set; "When the Music's Over", "Break on Through (to the Other Side)", "Soul Kitchen", and ended with "Light My Fire".
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn April 9th 1967, the Doors played the Cheetah Club in Santa Monica, in Venice, CA...
Just under two months later the quartet's charted debut record, "Light My Fire", entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart on May 28th, 1967 at position #98, eight weeks later on July 23rd, 1967 it would peak at #1 for three weeks...
Sharing the bill with the Doors was the Jefferson Airplane, and at the time their debut record, "Somebody to Love", was at #68 on the Top 100, and on June 11th, 1967 it would peak #5 for one week.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 27th 1967, the Doors performed "Light My Fire"* on the CBS-TV program 'The Jonathon Winters Show'...
The 'Winters show' was a taped performance; for on Dec. 27th the group was appearing at Winterland in San Francisco, and during their set, they paused, and a TV was wheeled onstage so they could watch themselves on television...
* They performed two songs on the 'Winters show', the other was "Moonlight Drive", which was track six of side one from the quartet's second studio album, 'Strange Days'.
Johnhardesty from Bardstown, KentuckyThe "Bass," was played by Ray Manzarek, he played it masterly on his keyboard!
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn August 25th 1968, "Light My Fire" by the Doors re-entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #91, it remained on the chart for six weeks, peaking at #87...
And the week it re-entered the Top 100, Jose Feliciano's covered version of the song peaked at #3 {for 3 weeks} and the Doors were at #4 with "Hello, I Love You".
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 22nd 1967, the Doors performed "Light My Fire" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
And on the day of this appearance on 'Bandstand' the song was at position #3; the next day it moved into the #1 spot on the Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, and stayed there for 3 weeks...
(See the next post below).
Barry from Sauquoit, Ny'The Lizard King' arrives!!!
On May 28th 1967, the Doors' debut on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #98 with "Light My Fire"; and on July 23rd it peaked at #1 (for 3 weeks) and spent 17 weeks on the Top 100...
A Personal Note: Besides being a great song, I love this record because it was #1 on the day I was discharged from the U.S. Navy (07-30-1967).
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn March 1st 1991, the bio-movie 'The Doors' opened in theaters across the U.S.A. and Canada...
Six days earlier on February 23rd, 1991 the movie had its world premier in Los Angles, CA
The movie's soundtrack album, 'The Doors: Original Soundtrack Recording', reached #8 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart...
R.I.P. Ray Manzarek (1939 - 2013) and to 'The Lizard King' (1943 - 1971).
Meocyber from Alma, Co To show the pure quantity of great, great music then, I didn't initially "get" l.m.f. About a year later, it seeped into my mind. I realized it had one 0f the top 3 organs [ Brighter shade of Pale, Let It Be] in rock history. Then as The Doors put out more and more masterpieces they became my very top American rock band. Excellent musicians and Morrison top 4 or 5 lead vocals!
James from Los Angeles, CaG: (out of tune) I never noticed the band was out of tune. On the other hand, the studio did speed-up -- or slow down (I forget which) -- the the track slightly, so the entire song does sound off-tune compared to the rest of Side 1. I used play along with the album when I was learning the guitar. If I was in tune for "Break on Through" I would always have to retune for LMF.
James from Los Angeles, CaAndrew, if you give the song five stars but call it plastic...then I guess you like plastic a lot! What are the drug references? Surely you don't think "light my fire" just means to spark up a joint. You can light lots of things, like--um--a regular cigarette, which is technically speaking also a drug, but I don't think that's what you mean.
James from Los Angeles, CaAdrian: I agree with you about Robbie Krieger on most of the early work, but he was still a great group player. Even then he worked really well especially with John Densmore, and the two often seem to be reading each other's minds.

Apart from the solos let's not forget the vocal reprise and chorus at the end. If ever there was a moment that defined the concept of the vocalist-frontman-rock and roll god, this was it. That last scream of "FIYURRRR!!!" never fails to send shivers down my spine.
James from Los Angeles, CaSamuel R. Smith: It's interesting you should say that about Krieger being influenced by Santana. I never noticed it on the studio recording, but in the live version on the "Alive She Cried" LP, I sure do notice the similarity. Speaking as a guitarist myself, their styles are similar in many ways, although at the time of the debut LP Krieger wasn't a technical powerhouse on the guitar. Nor was he by the last album, but you can sure hear how his playing and improvisation matured through the band's career.
Steve from Whittier, CaThe song was the longest album track to hit as short version at the time! [pun alert] For what it's worth, the single you hear on radio or have in many collections may NOT BE the original, as that was soon and still is very rare. It's the MONO mix, faster and audio positions in several ways and with a few seconds more edited.

Oh, and the ALBUM was ALSO mono in some versions, too.:wink:
3/20/2010
Bobby from Grand Rapids, MiThe instrumental part of this song makes me want to get in a fast car get on the E WAY and drive, it could be little longer. I once told a friend that this is a 100 MPH song.
Jj from Washington, DcMy favorite Doors song of all time!!
Jesse from San Antoino, TxOh and in the Movie (not very good part of Oliver Stone) He exaggerates the 'Higher' ALOT compared to the real footage on the show
Jesse from San Antoino, Txprobably the best solo for Ray is Live in Boston 1st show. I dont really know how he does it with one hand. hes like a freaken octapus with eight arms playing. Anyway good solo and the bast band ever. Even if you dont like them you still admire them for what they have done
Don from Novato, CaI can't recall if I've actually seen the Ed Sullivan broadcast but I saw the Doors movie. I think the request to leave out "girl we couldn't get much higher" was a backlash against the perceived drug use of the time. I also recall hearing that someone (maybe Ed Sullivan) wanted the Stones to change "let's spend the night together" to "let's spend some TIME together" but they wouldn't do it.
Jessica from Brookings, SdDoes anyone like this song sober? Lyrically complex?!?! Since when does finding words that rhyme with fire make you an "American Poet"?
San from San Fransisco, CaThis song is The Doors' most famous and known song. Although the original song is 7 minutes long, radios edit it down to 2-3 minutes cutting out almost all the instrumental parts.
Roman from Barrie, Onre: Valerie @ Eureka; I'm glad to share my experiences with you and anyone else that stumbles into this gold pit of musical treasures (this website). seems like most of the oldies I hear are by either retired or dead artists - they seldom even venture out on the casion concert circuit or Public Television. enjoy them when you can.....
Valerie from Eureka, Cato Roman in Ontario Canada,
i read your Doors experience. Cool! I never got to see the Doors in person. I lived in Massachusetts way back then. Just before they were scheduled to play in Boston, Mass, the Doors played New Haven, Connecticut. Well we all know what happened there! I still have the original Look magazine article about the whole thing. Anyway, once the New Haven incident took place, the Doors were not allowed to enter Massachusetts. Well there went my plans to get tickets...the next thing was Miami..the beginning of the end..no joke intended. BUT I can recall a summer in 1960something when I heard a song on the radio called Light My Fire. I had no idea who the Doors were but I went out and found the lp (the recordings were called lp's in those days..for long playing) and bought it..the Strange Days lp is my all time favorite. I am rambling now but I remember early mornings drinking coffee while listening to Strange Days and looking out on the fresh fallen snow still purple from the early morning light. Great memories.
Eric from State Collge, PaGood Song, Good Band, I have the 45 floating around my home somewhere
Roman from Barrie, Onin the late 60's while driving home from work the DJ on the radio said that the CBC studio (in Toronto) needed an audience for a rock and roll special they were taping that evening. turned out it was the Doors and one could walk up to within 6 feet of the stage. by the response from the crowd, not too many people were familiar with the music; I happened to have the first album at home. Jim seemed to be obsessed with performing to the camera with the red light on at the time rather than to the audience. the show was free and the experience was unforgettable. in the early 2000's I happened to catch the encore of the concert they performed at the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary in Barrie Ont.- Ray and Robbie sounded just as good as they had 30 odd years before
Alan from Greene, RiThe dark carnival atmosphere of the Doors' songs is pretty unique. Morrison was often refered to as
Mr. 8 x 10 Glossy, the 'nickname' of singer Robert Goulet, for his clear vocals.
John from New York, NyI saw the Doors 3 x,once @ Singer Bowl Ny 68, riot ended concert(which was opened by the Who)Light My Fire was the anthem for the "Summer of Love" 1967.I think this group was the American Beatles and this song will live forever as classic.Still gives me goosebumps.Had pleasure of meeting Ray years later after new Doors concert.
G from Potomac, MdThis song is waaaay out of tune. Even for the Doors.
Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Cathis record was heard in every apartment
and dorm of young folks during the love era...
it was truly an anthem for that time.
Sibella from Pretoria, South AfricaI love that he refused to change the "higher" part!
Susan from Toronto, CanadaAccording to the Morrison biography NO ONE HEAR GETS OUT ALIVE Jim did not "despise" the song. Regarding his not wanting it used in a Buick ad, he told the other Doors that although he was tired of performing the song live, he still considered it "sacred."
Roy from Granbania, MaThe Doors (the album) was released in January of 1967, not April. However, the song was released as a single in April. This is one of my favorite songs ever!
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaYou're obviously going by what you saw on the movie. i have the footage on dvd and Morrison did nothing of the sort, i dont think he even did it intentionally. some of you should really invest in some Morrison biographies.ilovejimmorrisonmorethanyoucoulddream
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaJim wrote his first poem when he was 10 called 'The Pony Express' and im pretty sure a 10 year old doesnt drop acid
Michael from Jacksonvillw, Fl"funeral pyre" has been used in poetry since Catallus. Many poets in the western world have used it. Morrison just took advantage of it.
Maha from Auckland, New ZealandTo all those debating the significance of the "funeral pyre song", the answer is pretty obvious: Who was Jim Morrison obsessed with during the later part of his life? Alexander the Great! I've always thought that it was a reference to him, since it was tradition back then to light a funeral pyre for the deceased. I always got an image of the funeral pyres for Alexander and his friend Patrocles when I heard that line. I think that was the inspiration for it. Funeral pyres were not "destructive", they were a symbol of going forward into the afterlife. That's why I think the line 'love becomes a funeral pyre" is actually meant to be a statement of love's grandeur, not anythng to do with death or the the death of love.
Jim from Se, RiJust passing through.
but after reading this whole thread, i noticed two things that were brought up and never elaberated on. First "funeral pyre" is in some cultures (some American Indian tribes) a ritual involving the building of a small raised woodin platform where on the deceased is placed. A large fire is then set to the structure.

second, someone mentioned "mr mojo risin". this is an anogram. The letters (when re-arranged) spell- Jim Morrison
Lance from Malibu, CaGreat song. On a documentary shown on VH1 Classic it was noted that Jim intentially sang the higher part to piss of Ed Sullivan. It was also noted that they only wanted to do the show one time and they did
Tom from Dozier, AlIn 1967, I first heard "Light My Fire." The radio edit. I have hated the long version since I first heard it. 4 minutes-- more or less--absolutely wasted. Give me the radio edit anyday!
Susan from Toronto, CanadaRay said his piano playing in this was influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach
Mark from Byrdstown, Tnwell hate it and move on, man.go back to listening to your Depeche Mode CDs.
Tom from Atlanta, Arit is 7 minuets i will never get back in my life
i would rater tear my own ears off than listen to this song
Tom from Atlanta, Arthis song is rubbish i hate it till the day i die
Dave from Lacrosse, WiIt's really OVER played on the oldies rock stations around here. I wish they'd give some other Doors stuff some airplay, especially Crystal Ship.
Tron from Boston, Mathis song repeats itself way to much it is not a good song
Evan from Riverside, NjIn this song the guitarist wasn't trying to write a song about one of the elements. He assumed that If he were to compete with any of Jim Morrison's songs they'd have to either be about Earth, snakes, or fire
Mark from Byrdstown, TnThis song was like nothing Id ever heard before.It completely blew me away.I wanted to know about The Doors after hearing this song and found out it was just the tip of the iceberg of what this great group had recorded.I spent a whole summer home from college painting a huge house and listening to The Doors on 8-track.The smell of paint and The Doors will forever be linked for me.

Im doubting any recording act has ever put out a better and stronger first album than The Doors did with their first one.
William from San Diego, CaI agree with Ralph (in Portland). Stone truly missed it altogether. Bitter disappointment. Trash.
MOJO (as in Mr. Mojo Risin)
Andrew from Adelaide, AustraliaThis is one of the best rock songs ever. But it sounds a little plastic, don't you think? Definite drug references in there.

The songs easily worth five stars
Musicmama from New York, NyThe organ solo is really good. But the rest of the song is boring and derivative. If Jim Morrison hadn't taken drugs, he wouldn't have had anything to say.
Craig from Melbourne, AustraliaKreiger actually wrote a large proportion of the bands hits. His guitar style was not influenced by Santana at all. His style was influenced by Wes Montgomery. In a recent guitar mag, Kreiger said if he had his time over again he would use a pick instead of his fingers!

Light my fire is easily one of the greatest songs of all time.
Samuel R. Smith from Evansville, Indiana, United StatesI love the entire song but Krieger's guitar solo was definitely influenced note by note by a relatively unknown San Francisco guitarist of the time by the name of Carlos Santana.
Ralph from Portland, OrOliver stone made Jim look like a drunk and a selfish idiot , I heard he was quite sensitive who's words were well chosen and thats the side Oliver never portrayed in the Movie ! I think the movie should be a Do-OVER ! Nice try Oliver but no cigar
Red from Los Angeles, Cathis song was NEVER used in a commercial for an Opel Buick. Jim said if the company used Light My Fire for their commercial, he would make a tv commercial of his own; one of him smashing an Opel with a baseball bat.
Michael from Jacksonvillw, FlYes, Light my Fire is on the level of Stairway and Freebird, etc. But Light my Fire is one of the worst Doors' songs. Light my Fire is also the best song to have playing during sex.
Ruby from Cc, TxSteve, Jim killed the deal.
Steve from Winnipeg, Canadai no this song so good, it was sold without jim's permission to be used on a buick commerical, called "com on buick light my fire" and i hate em' for it
Ekristheh from Halath, United StatesRay Manzarek is God on this song.
Joel from Lawrence, KsEd Sullivan did not want them to sing the "higher" line. Morrison did it anyway and the Doors were not invited back.
Ray from Memphis, TnTruly one of the top Rock songs of all times. Stairway to Heaven is not even close to this one. Freebird either.
Steve from MarkhamGreat song - I also have a bootleg copy of it performed live by Zeppelin
Taylor from Barnum, Mnlight my fire is a one of those great long soloed physadelic songs of the 60's.rays intro was genuis. robby's guitar solo was perfect.and jim topped it off.forever 27
Stink from Tasmania, AustraliaI love Jim Morrison and the Doors. I have the doors movie directed by oliver stone, i have their songs and i also have couple of books about them. Now i am reading Ray's "light my fire". he is such a great musician. i mean, can anyone play bass and the piano at the same time??? about "light my fire", i love that song. little disappointed coz it wasnt jim's song though. but the line about "funeral pyre", that is just genious. and the solos? classic!
Jon from Gotham, NyThe guitar solo in Light My Fire is incredible, well ahead of its time. The middle of the song is like a great jazz improvisation with keyboards, drums, and Kriegers guitar playing off each other. To me the song is more enjoyable for the instrumentation and musicianship than King Baritone's vocals. And I'm not being sarcastic: Jim Morrison is the greatest baritone rock singer of all time. This was the Doors song signature, not his. I think of LA Woman as the signature Morrison song, with The End not far behind.
Veronica from Melbourne, Australiarobby krieger did a great job writeing this song,
but i think that jim morrison did an even better
job singing it.
this is one of my fav songs, whenever i here it on the radio, i cant get it out of my head.
Blake from Toronto, CanadaJim Morrison smoked 4 ounces of dope in one day, and when the Doors first got together the went out in search of peyote, but they didnt find any
Spencer from Mcbride, CanadaThe doors(except jim because he hated that he didnt write it) all called into every radio station they could think of requesting light my fire by the doors to increase popularity.
Joe from Lockport, IlWhen I saw Ed Sullivan's reaction to Jim not altering the lyrics, I almost peed my pants.
Cameron from Irvine, CaIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was released in 1968
Brettt from Grapevine, TxOnce Jim Morrison asked a drinking friend of his what he thought of Ligh My Fire and his friend said he loved it except for the line "Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre"
which was the only lines the Morrison contributed to the song
Jeremy from Michigan, Miif you watch the Doors movie, during the sullivan show val kilmer jumps at the camera during the "girl we couldnt get much higher" line trying to show that morrison meant to say it. But download the real sullivan version and morrison doesn't even move or look up when he sings the line. I think it was just added in the movie for more of a rebelous edge.
Chris from Paradise, CtI think this is a great song.....i love the Ray Manzarek keyboard.....i think one of the best songs ever recorded and one of the best songs that ever will be recorded....by far the best doors song...Yeah go DOORS
-Chris Galea-
Dirk from Nashville, TnI guess anything could be inspired by anything else. But for the record, "My Favorite Things" was written by a very famous Broadway composer named Richard Rodgers for the Broadway play "The Sound of Music." Sometime after it was made into one of the most successful movies of all time (starring Julie Andrews), jazz horn giant John Coltrane adapted the song into a beautiful jazz instrumental. Whatever.... I seriously doubt any of this was on the minds of The Doors in 1967. If anything, they were simply trying to record something to top "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
Howard from St. Louis Park, MnA classic classic rock hit. The opening guitar solo is fabulous. I really liked Jose Feliciano's slowed down, Latin beat remake.
Bex from Yorkshire, EnglandIt isn't about death..."Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre"...it's about sex and losing virginity...I'm sure you can all guess what type of fire he's talking about...burning desire and all that...hence the "pyre"...
Dan Baker from Chicago, IlMy anecdotal experience -- Light My Fire made FM radio what it is today.

Everybody I knew listened to Beatles songs on AM until Light My Fire was released in 1967.

There ways a mass migration to FM, mainly to listen to the full version of Light My Fire.

I wish I had access to data on the growth of FM before 1967 and after to proof this point.

This has to be the most influential rock-n-roll song ever.
Carolyn from Roch Hills, Mibrandon- how did you think of that lighter thing?? lol.. that was random
Carolyn from Roch Hills, Miid just like to say that this song has one of the longest musical solos or whatever of any song that i will actually listen to. it rocks
Alana from Porcupine, CanadaThe most brillant song ever made in man kind.
Megatron from Aurora, IlRay Manzarek made up half the band. They would be nothing without ray. He was a bass player and keyboardest at the same time. Also note that robbie wrote lots of songs: love me two times, light my fire, Touch Me, Yes the River knows to name some.
AuÃ°urv. from Reykjavik, IcelandThis song is pure genius!!. Although Jim later started to hate it because in every concert they were begged to play this song and he didn´t write it, Robbie Krieger did!! Except for the lines "wallow in the myre" and "funeral pyre"(not sure about that line but it sure sounds like Jim´s writing) Long live Jim Morrison ....AND John Densmore. The rest of the band are a**holes, trying to re-live the glory days, but they are like 100 years old and getting Ian Astbury, J.M wannabe, to sing is just plain STUPID!! But Jim is the most poetic, expressive and most human musician ever...without nearly any musical training!!Just out of the blue!!
Think about it. Peace
Ross from Independence, MoThis is #35 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest songs.
Matt from Millbrae, CaGreat song. I love how Jim said "he got nervous" on the Ed Sullivan show. Wow were those different times, not being able to say girl we couldn't get much higher. Now Eminem can say "ass like that" 50 million times in a song.
Cameron from Cairns, Australia
Um, well I know that a few people have said it already, but I have seen the Ed Sullivan performance, and Jim didn't scream "Girl, we couldn't get much higher". By the way, the look on Ed's face when the Doors finished was priceless!!!

Cameron
14
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScI don't have the Ed sullivan version but, i saw it, and I don't think Jim screamed the line 'Girl we couldn't get much higher". I think the line he screamed was "try to set the night on fire" or whatever the words are.
John from Boston, MaI have the song from Ed Sullivan as well, and he does scream a line, but he screams "Try to set the night of fire!" and not "Girl, we couldn't get much higher!"
Swaman from St Louis, MoMorrison deserves to still live man.And ya lee the organ solo rocks and so does every aspect of the song
Justin Mcshea from Columbia, MoFor the first couple of years on tour, Jim Morrison would only face the band throughout most of the show. This made many fans angry, especially when they played this song and The End. However, Jim said it just added to his passion of performing his heart out.
Foxy Lady from Fresno, Cathe doors are the best band ever,the lizard king will live forever
Calum from Edinburgh, ScotlandFound 'wallowing in the mire' for you too - it's from the Bible.

2 Peter 2:20-22 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world ... the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire"
Calum from Edinburgh, ScotlandMire is muddy sloop sloppiness. It could be used to describe a muddy marsh.
Bavo from Oostrozebeke, BelgiumI love this song! It's really relaxing and the the sang, words and instruments are so good! But I have one question: What does myre means?
Xavier from Melbourne, AustraliaSomebody said earlier that their dad watched the Doors on Ed Sullivan and he SCREAMED the line 'girl we couldn't get much higher'

Well your daddy is a liar

Contrary to what Oliver Stone portrayed in the Doors movie, Jim sang this line as eloquently as any line preceeding.
He was a poet, not some grotesque, suggestive sleaze. He sang the line gracefully, not forcefully as if starved for attention.
I've seen the recording!
Will from Schoharie, NyI always thought this song was about lighting a joint: "get much higher...light my fire." Anyone?

And, for Kyle, you probably made that dream up, but just in case you didn't, I'm gonna ask you to see a therapist, 'cause you've got some serious Freudian implications going on there.
Sparky from Pitcarin, PaRay is a really talented musician. It's a shame he has to open his mouth and reveal how much of a spacehead he is
Anthony from Quincy, MaRobbie Krieger wrote this song after one rehearsal when Jim told the band members to each go home and write a song. he told them to think of the four elements when writing the song
Nut Sac from Long Beach, CaRobbie said that he told to write a song. He thought the only way to keep up with Jims words were to include the elments. Oh by the way Ray thought of the organ intro. Read Light my fire By Ray MAnzarek
John from Anytown, United Statesrobby quotes elinor rigby in the live version
Kathy from Jasper, Al Another one of my all time favorites! I was a big Doors fan and I was especially crazy about Jim Morrison! It's too bad he had to die at such a young age!
Karen from Dallas, TxYet again The Doors involve death in their lyrics.... "funeral pyre"
Art from Bellflower, CaWithout a doubt, the greatest rock and roll song ever recorded. It has it all. At least IMHO anyway. I'm pretty sure many of you feel the same. I was fortunate enough to see the Doors at the Hollywood Bowl at age 9 thanks to my older brother sneaking me out of the house.
Will from Portland, Orwhen you hear the lyrics in the first compared to the second, you realize how good a singer/lyricist morrison was
Sylvan from Berkeley, CaThe extended version clocks in at 7:08
Adrian from Wilmington, DeHighlights the talent of Manzarek and Krieger. In general, Krieger's guitar solos early on weren't that great, but this one is an exception.
Adrian from Wilmington, DeI think it's pretty obvious that Krieger wrote the first verse and Morrison wrote the second. The second is so much more lyrically complex.
Will from Portland, Oryeah that is my favorite doors song.
My dad said that when he watched that episode of the Ed Sullivan Show, he didn't just say the line "girl we couldn't get much higher," He screamed it!
Scott from Bismarck, NdThe members of the doors and their studio crew helped this song grow in popularity in their native California by calling in at all times of day requesting "light My fire" by the Doors
Lee from Durham, Ncray's organ intro and solo rocks

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