Song of the Week #64 – “Light My Fire”
Written by admin on July 25, 2011 – 10:17 am -| The Doors’ rock classic “Light My Fire” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons.
“Light My Fire” was released on the Doors’ self-titled debut album in January 1967 and then three months later on single, backed with “The Crystal Ship.” |
 |
“Light My Fire” was The Doors’ breakthrough hit in America. Their previous single, “Break On Through,” had failed to break into the Billboard Hot 100, but “Light My Fire” really captured the imagination of the youth of America.
The song was not obvious single material in its original form, which ran for 7:05, thanks largely to the lengthy instrumental break, which took inspiration from John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.” To secure more airplay, the song was edited down, removing much of the break. Although the break does highlight the strong chemistry between guitarist (Robby Krieger), keyboardist (Ray Manzarek) and drummer (John Densmore), the edit retains the song’s key elements.
The keyboard work of Ray Manzarek is a major highlight of the song. His intro is particularly memorable and is repeated to great effect after the lengthy instrumental break. Ray Manzarek spoke to Collider.com last year about the composition of “Light My Fire”:
| “After I came up with that organ part – and that was the last thing left to do – we were at the beach house in Venice and I told John, Robbie and Jim “Hey, go out to the beach and let me think about this for a second. You guys just go.” And they walked out to the beach or walked out to the ocean because we were on the beach and I went (hums melody) and it just sort of fell into place as the introduction, the last thing needed for Light My Fire. I said to the guys, “C’mon back in. I got it.” And putting all of that together, Robby’s brilliant creation, A minor to F sharp minor, Light My Fire, the solo section, that opening passage, that opening introduction, Jim’s second verse, John’s drumming, all of that coming together into this creation. See how good it is for brethren to dwell together in harmony, in oneness.” |
This great clip from the documentary “Classic Albums – The Doors” features the remaining members of the Doors talking about “Light My Fire”:
The Doors famously upset Ed Sullivan by agreeing to amend the line “Girl, we couldn’t get much higher” when performing the song on his show, but then going back on the decision. The Ed Sullivan sponsors asked for the change because it was believed that the lyric referred to drug taking. The band were not invited back. However, Morrison did not sing the offending line in the exaggerated fashion suggested when the scene was reconstructed for the Oliver Stone movie in 1991.
The Doors – “Light My Fire” (album version)
Authorship
The full band (Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Jim Morrison) are credited as composers on “Light My Fire.”
Recording date/location
“Light My Fire” was recorded in August 1966 at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA. These were the sessions that produced the Doors’ self-titled debut album.
Musicians
The following musicians appeared on “Light My Fire”:
- Jim Morrison – vocals
- Robby Krieger – guitar
- Ray Manzarek – Vox Continental organ
- John Densmore – drums
- Larry Knechtel – bass.
The Doors did not have a regular bassist, so session musician Larry Knechtel was used. As a member of the Wrecking Crew, Knechtel is one of those unsung heroes of rock ‘n’ roll who featured on countless classic recordings by artists as diverse as Simon & Garfunkel, Elvis Presley, the Byrds and the Beach Boys.
Chart performance
“Light My Fire” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 23, 1969 and remained on top for three weeks.
The song was also a number one hit in Ireland, but peaked at 49 in the UK. In 1991, in the wake of the popular movie “The Doors,” it was reissued on single in the UK and reached a more impressive number seven.
The band’s debut album, “The Doors,” reached number two on the Billboard album chart and would go on to become a multi-platinum selling album.
Covers
José Feliciano – “Light My Fire”
José Feliciano’s 1968 cover was hugely successful and would become a bigger influence on some subsequent cover versions than the Doors original. The organ part that made The Doors’ version so memorable is eliminated from Feliciano’s cover. Instead, the emphasis is on latin rhythms and flamenco guitar lines, which takes the song into easy listening territory.
Feliciano’s cover of “Light My Fire” won him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1969.
Stevie Wonder – “Light My Fire”
Stevie Wonder recorded a soulful, heavily orchestrated cover of “Light My Fire” for his 1969 album “My Cherie Amour,” which included a trademark harmonica solo. The Feliciano arrangement of the song had some influence on Wonder’s cover, particularly during the chorus.
There will be a new Song of the Week on August 1.
“Light My Fire” is available on the album “The Doors.”
| Title |  |
 |
 |
|
The Doors (CD) |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Tags: Jim Morrison, Jose Feliciano, Light My Fire, stevie wonder, The Doors
Posted in American Rock, Song of the Week |
