The Doors – Light My Fire – 1967

About The Song

“Light My Fire” is a classic rock song by The Doors, released in 1967 as the second single from their self-titled debut album. The song is known for its distinctive organ riff, Jim Morrison’s charismatic vocals, and its influential role in the psychedelic rock movement of the 1960s.

Five facts about The Doors’ “Light My Fire”:

1. Extended Version: The album version of “Light My Fire” runs over seven minutes, but the single release was edited down to just under three minutes for radio play. The extended instrumental break in the full version became iconic for its improvisational and psychedelic qualities.
2. Chart Success: “Light My Fire” became The Doors’ first major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967. The success of the single significantly contributed to the band’s rise to fame.
3. Robby Krieger’s Guitar Solo: The song features a memorable guitar solo played by Robby Krieger. His distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing, particularly during the solo, contributed to the song’s unique sound and is often celebrated as one of the great rock guitar solos.
4. Ray Manzarek’s Organ: The hypnotic keyboard riff that opens the song and runs throughout is played by Ray Manzarek on a Vox Continental organ. The use of the organ is a key element of the song’s sound and was influential in shaping the psychedelic and progressive rock genres.
5. Lyricism and Morrison’s Vocals: Jim Morrison’s soulful and passionate vocals, combined with the provocative and poetic lyrics, added to the song’s mystique. The line “Come on baby, light my fire” became an iconic and oft-quoted phrase associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Video

Lyrics

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on, baby, light my fire
Come on, baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on, baby, light my fire
Come on, baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on, baby, light my fire
Come on, baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on, baby, light my fire
Come on, baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire