Been Down So Long
The Doors · L.A. Woman [1971]
That it looks like up to me
Well I've been down so very damn long
That it looks like up to me
Yeah why don't one you people
C'mon and set me free?
I said warden, warden, warden
Won't you break your lock and key?
I said warden, warden, warden
Won't you break your lock and key?
Yeah come along here mister
C'mon let the poor boy be
Baby, baby, baby
Won't you get down on your knees?
Baby, baby, baby
Oh won't you get down on your knees?
Come on little darlin'
Come on and give your love to me
Well I've been down so god damn long
That it looks like up to me
Well I've been down so very damn long
That it looks like up to me
Why don't none of you people
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon and set me free?
Been Down So Long
Released on The Doors' 1971 album L.A. Woman, "Been Down So Long" stands as a defining track of the band's psychedelic rock evolution. The song features Jim Morrison's iconic vocal performance, characterized by his distinctive falsetto and poetic delivery, which became a signature element of his stage presence. Musically, the recording blends the group's signature blend of rock with elements of blues and psychedelia, creating an atmospheric soundscape that reflects the era's cultural landscape. As a key component of L.A. Woman, the track exemplifies the band's ability to craft complex, emotionally resonant compositions that pushed the boundaries of their discography. Its enduring legacy lies in its powerful vocal delivery and its status as a quintessential example of late 1960s and early 1970s rock music.