Meaning of "Lament" by The Doors

"Lament" by The Doors delves into the complexities of human existence, desire, and mortality. The opening lines express a longing for a deeper understanding and connection with one's own desires and experiences. The speaker seeks wisdom and knowledge, hoping to unlock the walls of mystery that surround them. The mentioning of a "stripshow" and "acquiring death in the morning show" alludes to the consumption of media and how it affects individuals, especially children, who absorb the mysteries and dark aspects of life.

There is an exploration of the duality between life and death, as well as pleasure and pain. The speaker finds that the death of their own desires, represented by their "cock," gives life and meaning. They acknowledge that death is not only an end but also a gateway to new beginnings and understanding. The forgiveness of "poor old people who gave us entry" may allude to societal acceptance and societal norms surrounding sexuality and desire.

The lyrics also touch on the power of music and art, represented by the "guitar player" who sings an ode to the speaker's desires. The cock is seen as a symbol of power, both in its physical form and metaphorically as a representation of desire and sexuality. The speaker desires the caress and guidance of their own desires, and they believe that the knowledge of the potential for death, represented by cancer, allows them to speak to the heart and give the gift of words, power, and trance.

The second half of the lyrics introduce the idea of women and sexuality, as they are described as "wild haired chicks" and "women flowering in their summit." The speaker recognizes the connection between different races and colors, suggesting that unity and acceptance can be found in the shared experience of desire and pleasure. The horrors of the present are contrasted with the potential horrors of the afterlife, suggesting that the complexities of existence are inherent and unavoidable.

The lyrics conclude with a sacrificial statement, as the speaker sacrifices their cock on the "alter of silence." This can be seen as a metaphorical surrender to silence, a recognition of the limitations of language and the inability to fully express one's desires and experiences. The use of sexual imagery throughout the lyrics serves to emphasize the primal and essential nature of desire and the human experience.