Been Down So Long

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty blues track "Been Down So Long" by The Doors from their iconic 1971 album L.A. Woman, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw energy. This song, steeped in themes of depression, liberation, and sexuality, draws its title from Richard Fariña’s novel Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me, a nod that reflects frontman Jim Morrison’s literary influences. In a retrospective light, the song feels prophetic, capturing Morrison’s exhaustion and yearning for a quieter life, as he was worn out from the chaos of fame and legal troubles. Critics like Robert Christgau have called it a “take-off” on the album, though he found it one of the less stellar tracks alongside “L’America.” Meanwhile, Rolling Stone’s Will Hermes praised it as a “garage-style classic,” highlighting its rambunctious aggression and Robby Krieger’s distinct slide guitar. The song also echoes the band’s early club days, with its slow, stomping blues style reminiscent of their raw performances.

Adding to the song’s lore, Elektra Records president Jac Holzman shared in an L.A. Weekly interview that Morrison fancied himself the world’s greatest blues singer, often challenging others’ abilities while intoxicated. This passion for the blues shines through in “Been Down So Long,” which also references Morrison’s onstage imprisonments, a nod to his arrests during chaotic live shows, like the infamous 1967 New Haven concert. A live version of the track, recorded on May 8, 1970, at Detroit’s Cobo Arena, later surfaced on the 2000 compilation The Bright Midnight Sampler, giving fans a taste of its live intensity. Social media posts from @TheDoors on X, like one from June 18, 2021, urge fans to crank up the song to shake off the blues, emphasizing its uplifting, cathartic vibe despite its heavy themes.

The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965, sparked by a chance encounter on Venice Beach between Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, both alumni of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. Morrison, a poet with a penchant for provocative lyrics, confided he’d been writing songs, inspired by a “fantastic rock concert” in his head, as he later told Rolling Stone. Manzarek, captivated by Morrison’s vision, recruited guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore, and the quartet named themselves after Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, quoting William Blake. Their genre-blending sound—mixing rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelic elements—catapulted them to fame with their 1967 debut album, featuring hits like “Light My Fire.” The band’s provocative lyrics and Morrison’s erratic stage persona made them counterculture icons, though his legal issues, including a 1969 Miami arrest for indecent exposure, often overshadowed their music.

Fans can dive deeper into The Doors’ legacy through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates, archival photos, and tributes to their music. The official website offers a treasure trove of band history, discography, and merchandise. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the Doors Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant community sharing memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s enduring impact. Another fan hub, The Doors History, chronicles their timeline with detailed articles and images, perfect for diehards craving more. Whether you’re grooving to “Been Down So Long” or exploring the band’s roots, The Doors’ rebellious spirit continues to resonate.