Meaning of "Wake Up" by The Doors

The lyrics of "Wake Up" by The Doors paint a surreal and unsettling picture of a dream where the singer is trapped in an uncomfortable and eerie situation. The presence of the pale gold snake represents danger or something unknown, symbolizing fear and unease. The hot dead prisons of sheets and the slow, century-long movements of the old woman next to the singer evoke a feeling of stagnation and inevitability, like being stuck in a suffocating situation that cannot be escaped. The imagery of the cool smooth tile and the hissing snakes of rain provide contrast to the heat and discomfort, hinting at a sense of relief or release that might come from accepting the unsettling nature of the dream. Overall, the lyrics suggest a struggle with aging, stagnation, fear, and the passage of time, creating a nightmarish and vivid portrayal of internal turmoil and unease.