Max's Musings

Soundtrack, Feb 20, Riders on the Storm

"Riders of the Storm" was the last song recorded by the Doors and the last song recorded by Jim Morrison before his death in 1971. It was inspired, in part, by the country classic "(Ghost) RIders in the Sky," but has an altogether different vibe. Appearing in 1971, it's roots in the psychedelic anthems of the sixties are obvious. It was also influential in later develops in rock music, including punk rock and heavy metal.

Morrison attended a 1963 lecture on Martin Heidegger at Florida State University, a lecture which exerted deep influence on his life and art. In partiular, the lyrics of "Riders on the Storm" relfect this influence.. In Heidegger's view, humans are "thrown" into the world, left to confront issues such as personhood, mortality, and the dilemma of being surrounded by other humans while ultimately being alone. The song's lyrics reflect Heidegger's beliefs about existence:

Riders on the storm...
into this world we are thrown,
Like a dog without a bone

In "Chapter 10--Rider on the Storm"  of "Dreamin' Life Away" , the protagonist Dante must finallly face the reality of his life. The storm that drums against the windows of his home echoes the consequences of the Faustean bargains he's made. The Doors song, starting with the sound of thunder and rainfall, followed by a keyboard riff leading to Morrison's haunting voice, is the perfect soundtrack for this chapter. Thiis is the penulitmate chapter of a novella that is, ultimately, about the questions Heidegger raised.





Max Griffin
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