I went to 2 different Doors concerts in Cleveland when I was in my early teens. The band was completely mesmerizing, and wonderful both times. Nothing like what was depicted in the movie The Doors. Jim was sipping on Colt 45 beer throughout both concerts but did not become incoherent. At one concert, toward the end of the evening, Jim invited the audience on stage and as I was standing up front already, I was able to quickly sit on stage very close to them. I took this opportunity to regularly call out and request my favorite song, “The Crystal Ship”, while Jim was speaking to the audience. He finally stopped talking, looked directly at me with impatience in his eyes, then looked out at the audience and said, “What’s the average age group here anyway?” He looked back at me and gave me a hard stare. That shut me up. I was 13. He continued to simply sit on the edge of the stage reciting his poetry, telling stories, and talking with the audience. He seemed to be really enjoying himself and smiling a lot.These concerts were wonderful. In a sense this ruined me for life going to concerts as I thought all rock concerts were going to be just as interesting and intimate. I was wrong. No concert was ever as good as The Doors concerts that I experienced! I loved the poetry, their albums (not their top 40 songs), the tightness of the group, and in many of their songs the words were visually stunning and beautiful. Last but not least, let us not forget Jim’s sensual baritone voice. He could caress you with his voice as he was singing to you a story. So many times Jim has been depicted as a jerk. Thank you Dr. Grande for your excellent analysis of Jim that reminds us he probably wasn’t like that 24/7. Linda from Grass Valley Ca.
What wonderful memories to have of this amazing band. I was 9 years old when Jim died. I would have loved to have been able to see them in concert! I was very disappointed with the movie about them. I would love to see a movie that shows how they created their music and see the side of Jim that was a poet and sweet caring person that he genuinely was.
There’s no way Morrison was narcissistic, he was the one who came up with the system that all four Doors members share in writing royalties and credit even though Morrison did the majority of the writing. He also devised the legal framework that any decisions on the band’s direction must be agreed upon by all four members giving each one veto powers. He also hated how the band was introduced as ‘Jim Morrison and the Doors’, he just wanted it to be ‘The Doors’. All of that is not narcissistic behaviour, quite the opposite. Also, he was pardoned by the governor because he was innocent, as there was zero evidence of him exposing himself and it was obvious that he was targeted and accused falsely ‘because’ of his fame, not because it was “special treatment”, he was already dead by then anyway.
His art and talent were attacked by the then War Family Oligarchy through media and legal means his work could not be used by them for propagation of the foreign war campaign's and many Americans like Jim, who opposed those aggresive empire expansions became war casualties from their struggles. Drugs and coercion were weapons then and they continue to be effective to this day. Labels from medical goons are as popular today as they were then. The medical opinions vary but those who benefit Oligarch narratives get paid better than those who oppose monopoly approved opinions.
"The only reason I went to college is because I didn't want to join the army and I didn't want to work...and that's the dam truth ". Morrison's last confession in an interview 1970.
@@milaziabchenko9997 People who try to colour the reality would say that this thinking is typical to anyone who is depressed. The reality and the stupidity, self entiltement and increasing lack of purpose of humans is depressing. Bono doesn't strike anyone as depressed. Yet when he commented on the late Leonard Cohen works, he said he was impressed by Cohen's ability to still be able to smile after having looked over the edge of reality.
@@teresaolszanka112 Have you ever been depressed? I was depressed in the past and this was the worst place to be. I admire Cohen's late works. They were released right after my mom's death, and they touched my soul deeply, but I wouldn't compare Jim Morrison to Leonard Cohen. Both of them were incredibly talented, but their personalities, their poetry and even their darkness are very different.
"Ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind." Boy, I sure can relate to that. Morrison fan for life! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to make this video, Dr. Grande.
@@paulcooper5748 that was a Morrison lyric from Peace Frog "Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleeding Ghosts crowd the child's fragile eggshell mind" from Morrison Hotel. Great record BTW.
Brooke Jandreau, Include the entire quote. It is important "Indians scattered on the Dawns Highway bleeding. Ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind". It would have been a shocking scene for an adult, let alone a child. It's a beautiful piece of poetry, the entire Ghost Song is. The accident Morrisson witnessed profoundly affected and the image haunted him his entire life. He was always saying that he believed the spirit of the dying old Indian man he saw, entered his body.
You are so lucky to have been friends with Ray! Ray and Jim both seemed like "old souls" and kindred spirits to each other. I never saw The Doors in concert but was able to see Ray and Eric Burdon on stage, along with Brian Auger.
@discdoggie Do you know that the song Riders on the Storm was inspired by spree killer Billy Cook? I would love to see Dr Grande do a video on Cook, as well as one on Charles Starkweather.
discdoggie, a few corrections: Riders on the storm Riders on the storm Into this house we're born Into this world we're thrown Like a dog without a bone An actor out alone Riders on the storm
Honestly, I just think it’s nice to see someone that is down to eart, fair, balanced and experienced talk about these topics. Great job, Dr Grande! You are a breath of fresh air on this platform and really needed in these times...
It took his dad a while to come around but he came around and accepted his son for following his own path. I think a lot of peoples dysfunctional childhoods influences their careers in the arts but at a steep price. Would Morrison have ever been so influential if he had grown up with a more loving father? But he probably wouldn't have died at 27 either. Definitely interesting but sad stuff.
One piece that is often left out of the story of Jim and his father, is that his father wrote him a letter with serious advice, which hurt Jim's feelings because he dismissed his little band and his singing, even though they had a hit album. That's what people focus on. The rest of the letter goes on to say that he hopes Jim will go back to his first love, film-making, as he has a gift for being a film director, and his father sees a great career ahead of him in film. To that end, Jim is credited with being the first, or among the first, independent film-makers in an effort to make a film which he abandoned, but which yielded the footage of him driving in the desert, screaming as he drives, and so on, all of which is fascinating. So, his father had some great insight, and unfortunately delivered it with a dismissive take on the band.
@@wingtips123 The problem with having a high ranking a successful father puts a lot of pressure on the kids, especially first sons who are expected to follow in their fathr's footsteps. Depending on the kid- some accept and want to be like their dads or others totally reject it. Jim tried to be his own man under his own terms and literaly became the opposite of whatever everyone expected from a military brat to become. I think he always saw himself as a failure in life, not living up to his father's expetations. I think this was his major problem. Not having a good relationship with your dad does damage you as a person.
"The End" by the Doors is actually expanding on the concept of the "shadow" by Jung. Apocalypse Now, the movie, takes this song and elevates Jung's concept to a whole new level thanks to Jim Morrison
How does Jim Morrison expand upon Jung's conception of the shadow, exactly? I understand that the song could be considered an artistic reflection of the shadow, but suggesting it develops upon Jung's psychoanalytic theory is giving the song too much credit, in my opinion.
@@ValiantFerguson He elevated the concept by giving it wings through the expression of his life force, and musical composition. There is nothing new, only rearranging the variables. These are finite in this physical realm by the natural laws of physics. We all stand on the shoulders of others, imo.
@@anthonymangino9662 Okay then be specific on what variables he added or reranged. I could write song about the theroy of evolution as it stands to date. But that dosent mean im expanding on it, if im not adding anything new to concept.
I was struck by how he kept so little possessions for himself, owning only the boots he was wearing as far as shoes go although he had the money to buy whatever he wanted. He treasured things to enrich the mind & altered mental states over physical possessions. And he hung out in skid row with the drunks & the homeless even after achieving fame. Not your typical person!
Ive always felt a deep connection to Morrison. Even though I was born almost 10 years after his death I remember the first time I heard his voice as a kid. I had no idea who he was but the music seemed so familiar. The almost satirical way he sings about life and death in a lot of his less known songs. The more I learned about his life i began to see so many aspects of his personality that have caused me hardships in my own life. Impulsive self destructive behavior with severe bouts of depression and anxiety leading to extended periods of substance abuse. I know all of tjat except for the fame. I also think i have a narcissistic side. Its not till now in my late 30's do I actually see how these behaviors have not helped in anyway. These days I admire Jims music but do not envy tje the destructive traits. For I am familiar with them and know its time to let them go.
I too feel the same as you in that a connection with Jim appeared in my youth. I was born 5 years after Jim died and at 13 I was writing poetry and reading alot. On of the poems I wrote I would come to learn was especially similar I would find out as one of Jim's poems and so when I started to listen to him and then researched his poetry I realized its almost like I had written in his hand. All sounds crazy but with the native American experience he went thru I did encounter something similar in my childhood and so this gave me instant connection with this older spirit. When I look at Jim I see a familiar face. Maybe someone I knew at one time. That familiarity has never left me. I am 45 now and I can still recite all his poems by heart and feel like he is a presence forever with and around me.
@@ottersgonewildful wow, I feel the same connection with Jim. I look at him, and I see someone I know, his spiritual side, physical looks, his voice, his mannerisms, everything looks so familiar to me. And, I feel his presence in so many ways. I am glad that more people are talking about the same thing, so I do not feel weird. You are most definately my tribe of people.
I sincerely love Morrison's poetry and lyrics. I believe he recognized many traits of human inadequacy and the perceived futility of it all A true poet in my opinion. Interesting analysis Dr Grande.
"The End" still gives me goosebumps. Someday we will meet the end. Jim Morrison was such (and continues to be) an inspiration, especially with his poetry.❤
@Happiness is not liveable no it isn't. Hippies were a definite type of person, with certain drop out of society ideals. The Doors in no way were anything hippy.
In fact it was because of their disdain and rejection of hippies that they did not go to Woodstock. These guys were creating in the True sense of the word creation. Their work is entirely timeless, like the Cosmos itself.
As a recovering alcoholic myself I can understand Jim's drinking. His background being a military family and moving around a lot didn't help create a stable upbringing for him and he probably had big problems creating real and lasting friendships with people his own age. That is similar to my own. My own family problems when I was growing up made me feel different from all the rest of my school friends, so much so, I didn't feel like I fitted in no matter how much I tried. I never really was able to be like a typical teenager, having fun and going to parties and doing whatever it is teenagers do. I was always on the outside looking in. This created a depressive state of mind for me. I also realised that I couldn't rely on my parents for help and support and that was from an early age as well. I couldn't trust them and actually feared them. All in all, I needed stability and security when I was growing up which I didn't get. And alcohol offered that, like a comfort blanket. As much as I didn't want to drink when I was younger, I eventually gave up trying to avoid it and gave in. I needed something to rely on. When the roots of your life are rotten it's a bit like trying to build a house on bad foundations, it'll last a while but it'll fall down sooner than other houses.
The Doors have been part of my life since my teens and Jim was the best thing since sliced bread to me. That voice and that stage presence just blew everything else out of the water. Now many years later you see him as the flawed human being he was, genius none the less. He was fabulous and that voice will never fade. Thank you Dr Grande
I can't imagine why his father was so critical of his voice. His vocals were hypnotic! Think, "Riders on the Storm". Very little use of instruments and a little Moog synthesizer; the rest was all his glorious voice. RIP Thank you for this one, Dr. Grande. I was just a little girl when The Doors were popular, but I have never forgotten that voice. Janis Joplin had great pipes, too. When one names the members of the so-called 27 Club, it could be that those musicians were among the most groundbreaking. Jimmy Hendrix's guitar skills still hold as the best; Janis proved that a woman could sing rock music; Kurt Cobain began grunge rock; and Amy Winehouse brought jazz into the 21st century.
His father was extremely straight edge, organized, and regimented. Jim was chaos. Unwilling to bend for authority, or be told what to do. they were oil and water. Complete opposites in personality. Jim was against the structure his father needed to live by completely. HE died when he was only 27 too, without a serious commitment to anyone, or the real attempt to sacrifice his own desires for anyone else. And no...he wasn't committed to Pam like that. They were more like each other's crutch, but more often enablers of destruction bonded by their shared search for someone to love them. they were partners in the quest to escape the feeling of loneliness, and their methods to cope were drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. Neither lived long enough to understand, or achieve a true feeling o being loved. Both died from their choice to run away from their mission through escapism into vices, rather than fight life head on. Doesn't mean that they both Jim and his father, or even Jim and Pam didn't love each other in their own ways. Jim was still a wandering boy when he died. He didn't live long enough to obtain a level of emotional maturity, or personal accountability that comes with the wisdom and learning that comes from life experience. He couldn't truly find happiness, love, or acceptance, and never committed to it fully.
@@DickDickstein yes, I knew that he was a member of the 27 Club. His voice, his style introduced a new genre of Rock music. He was a rebel against everything that his father represented. He was a huge talent.
"The Doors" name came from the poet William Blake, the same inspiration Oldos Huxley used for his work "The Doors of Perception". P.S. I don’t believe he was a narcissist, he was a genuinely sensitive & loving soul. Not wanting to have a normal boring life doesn’t equal to narcissism, equals to a rebellious artistic spirit.
Dr Grande, I so enjoy your non biased, science based viewpoint. I certainly envy your students and colleagues. I am a Registered Nurse of 23 years with the last 18 spent working in a locked psychiatric unit. I have since moved into a new role as an ACT team member at a CMHC. I find your content and delivery to be simply brilliant! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with those of us who seek to gain more insight, consideration, and understanding of these fascinating topics.
Great topic, Dr. Grande! I was a rabid Doors and Morrison fan in high school and used one of his poems called The Names of the Kingdoms as my senior quote: We came down the rivers and highways We came down from forests and falls We came down from Carson and Springfield We came down from Phoenix enthralled And I can tell you the names of the Kingdoms And I can tell you the things that you know Listening for a fistful of silence Climbing valleys into the shade. God loves Jim Morrison 💜🌠
Dr Grande, being able to achieve this level of artistic mastery (music, singing, writing, performing) is hard work in itself and requires constant attention for years. So this is not narcissistic to want to live from it. This is far more work and implication than most of the people will ever achieve. And well, btw, he was not like everybody else. But please remember that mastering artistic skills is hard work even if it's not "going to work from 8 to 5 to produce capitalists goods" (It’s far more hours of work actually, far more risk taking, responsibility and anxiety) And it’s important to remind that refusing to participate to a system that doesn’t match your moral values is not narcissism neither psychopathy, it’s rebellion; that those DSMV criteria seems more and more like a « novlangue » allowing to officially consider as sick whatever criticize the system producing it. It should be used with high moral caution. « Finally, many critics who are opposed to the idea that psychopathology is linked to artistic ability express concern that labeling artists as mentally ill ignores the enormous discipline, will, and rationality that are essential to truly creative work. » Kay Redfield Jamison. « Touched With Fire. » Free Press. iBooks.
He didn’t kill anyone plus he seemed okay with his style of life and he didn’t singlehandedly invent drug use. No need to medically categorize someone who wasn’t harmful to society.
people romanticizing his mental distress is exactly why he killed himself. there are plenty of creatives that are able to tow the line of insanity and mindfulness and be caring compassionate member of their community. Then there are self indulgent artist that fail to understand moderation and self control, that crumple under the weight of their own vices like Mr. mojorising over here. he’s incredibly talented, but his substance use was harmful not only to himself, but to the people who looked up to him. He should be celebrated for his success and condemned for his reckless behavior and pitied for his internal suffering.
Mireille Blacke u could read Touched with fire by Kay Redfield Jamison, wich is about bipolar disorder and creative minds. It's certainly about creative minds and bipolar disorder too ) (BD wich appears to me a better diagnosis for Morisson )
I'd say your analysis was spot on. His neuroticism probably also stemmed from his realization he didn't fit in anywhere and his creative genius was too difficult to express.
It's hard to reconcile the destruction and chaos with Jim Morrison's very thoughtful, cogent, and seemingly gentle persona while being interviewed, even badgered by reporters.
I’m very glad you explained how Jim’s father really couldn’t understand how his son was so popular. I saw the interview with his father as well. Jim’s father spoke about him as though he was still disappointed in his son even though he was famous and loved by so many.
Jim has always fascinated me, particularly since he was sensitive and poetic yet implusive and socially destructive. I used to lean that way, though never antisocial. I think a lot of his behavior had to do with his philosophy on life. Either way, he had a profound interest in mythology and understood how it can influence human beings.
In that case you should definetly watch the movie rockstar. Its about a guy who is inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. This movie covers a lot of dark philosophy and your comment really reminded me of this film, go give it a try!
Thank you so much. Your review of Jim’s life was excellent. I still get choked up thinking about him. It was 50 years ago today he passed. Since it is the 4th of July tomorrow. Jim Morrison died on July 3, 1971 at 27 years of age. If Jim had lived today I believe with a real intervention he could have been able to get sober from his alcoholism & drug usage. He was primarily an alcoholic according to his band mates. Back in 1971 there were no interventions or Betty Ford Clinics. "The Age of Miracles is Upon Us" Bill W
He was not a narcissist. He saw himself as a poet. Many of the songs that were put to music was written by JM in his notebooks years before he became famous. Read about what Mary Werebelow had to say about it. She was his first girlfriend.
“The Doors of Perception” is by Aldous Huxley. Aldous Huxley wrote “Brave New World” Since Jim Morrison and Aldous Huxley are two very influential people, and influenced me...yes, I do feel the need to clear that up.
Forman's Basement The point is that the book is about Peyote. None of the other hallucinogens were mentioned. It’s because Peyote was supposed to be a more spiritual experience. It was said you could meet God. Peyote back then was like the DMT of today. These little nuances matter.
Jim Morrison definitely lived an interesting albeit far too short life. His father basically told him that he had no musical talent which led to him completely breaking off contact with his family. Dr. Grande, could you look into situations where parents effectively try to prevent their adult children pursuing any real independence from them, and who disapprove of their adult children's choices whether in their careers and/or relationships?
@@loralee792 Quite possibly. Whilst in a different field to Morrison, I know how having a militaristic and abusive parent can cause someone with strong inner convictions to be even more determined to succeed at one's goals. Thankfully, Jim Morrison did not let his father's very negative attitude towards his love of music deter him. Interestingly, on a Jim's grave site in about 1990, Jim's father had a flat stone placed over the site and on it a bronze plaque inscribed in ancient Greek with words meaning ""true to his own spirit" which I think is quite accurate. It's just a pity Jim Morrison's father never really came to terms with accepting his son for who he was when he was alive.
@@loralee792 -- Or drove him to alcohol & drugs. If you have it in you to pursue art, art won't leave you alone. I write literary fiction and I've tried and tried to quit, but no dice. It nags at me till I pick it up again. (I've never had writers' block. But learning things like there's a casting couch for writers now, and having to put up with agents who, in the main, should be out selling cars, well.)
Awesome choice for a video! He was an intellectual and a creative genius who was so inspired by poets and philosophers. His love of philosophy was reflected in his lyrics-Nietzsche appeared to be one that kindled his soul. I hope that the quote from Nietzsche: "The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly" had meaning for him. Thank you, Dr. Grande for this video and the trip down memory lane!
You should definetly check out the movie Rockstar. The movie is based on this guy who is inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. The movie ends with him playing a guitar and a huge band with a soaring eagle in the background. I had no idea what that meant but after reading your comment it all makes sense! Definetly check the movie out
I saw him in concert, I was 12 and he actually scared me. He was drunk/high and basically just rolled around when he wasn't shouting obscenities and throwing things at the audience. I had seen Frank Zappa and the Mother's a few months before and they were absolutely amazing! Zappa was strict on sobriety.
I think part of seeing his behaviour as tolerable was also that he was so good-looking. When people are attractive anyway, certain personality traits can seem alluringly intense and exciting that might otherwise be off-putting.
He was so good looking. I thought his vocals were mediocre and his lyrics weren't all that great but together with the band everything worked (when Jim could perform without passing out). I do believe Jim's looks and sex appeal is what led the doors to be so famous -then of course the controversy surrounding Jim's sudden death at 27.
Fame and fortune doesn't hurt either. How can anyone handle all the fame, fortune, woman throwing themselves at him, anything you want and have all of those unresolved issues and addictions and survive? Morrison and Courson were like 2 runaway trains and it was just a matter of time before it went off the tracks. I think they were tortured souls as are most addicts.
@@brianwalsh1401 your comment really reminded me of this film Rockstar! It uncovers exavtly what you said. Its about a man who tries to uncover life. Inspired by Jim morrison, he tries to embody him eventually leading to the great downfall. Go give it a try!
Right on time as usual. Was actually just watching an older video of yours. As a psychology major I enjoy this content very much and appreciate your knowledge and thoroughness on your topics. 😊
Great summary, Dr. Grande. Jim is the greatest visionary songwriter who ever lived. But he was very troubled and caused much destruction around him. I think Pam is the classic empath vis-a-vis their relationship. And, let's be honest. Jim looked great.
@@bonniewatts4922 He was breathtaking in his early twenties. But after 25 his face started swelling up and he lost his looks. He was drinking a great deal by then and probably developing liver damage.
I was really drawn to Jim in my formative high school years and as I’ve become aware of the forces of my personality and mood disorders, I’ve always felt that he also dealt with a lot of the same borderline/bipolar symptoms that have plagued my self destructive dual nature.
Jim was first a great poet. He had always in his pocket the book "Illuminations" by Arthur Rimbaud. Strong knowledge of Greece History. Incredible reader. His level of knowledge of philosophy and literature was extraordinary high. Jim is a true poet. With a pure angel voice. Love his poems.
“Music is your only friend, until the end.” I’ve watched hours upon hours of your videos, each being better than the last. But you’re a legend for this one. Keep em coming doc!
In that case you should definitely watch the movie Rockstar! Based on a guy inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. Your quote truly made me remember this film because that’s how it truly ends! Well said!
Dr. Grande, your discretion when adding comedy to your videos is commendable. On another note, please do some more case studies. I’ve been through them all and I can’t wait for the next!
I'll always feel that Jim was trying to wake us up when he was at his last concert yelling out about us all being a bunch of slaves and asking how long we're going to take it. Look where we are now. Thank you for your sacrifice, Jim Morrison. I appreciate your honesty. Salute. RIP
Although Jim had friends and was very famous, he seemed to be a very lonely individual. He seemed to always be searching for the meaning of life and death. Jim was highly intellectual....his IQ of 147 is very impressive! He will always be one of my greatest inspirations. Jim was a singer/songwriter/poet/shaman/philosopher/genius. There will never be another quite like him! Rest in Power Lizard King. ❤
@@peggygenoway Kanye running for president is alarming on its own, but today at his first campaign rally, he cried. He is both highly open and deeply neurotic while being, in his own words, the most creative artist gawd ever placed on this planet, his extroverted when he has something to hype and aggressively introverted when he doesn't. And basically, he isn't agreeable to anything unless he's thought it up himself (or is taking credit for thinking something up). There! I spared Dr. Grande the pain of doing a video on Ye. You're all welcome. :-D
“He didn’t believe he should have to do work like normal people” - Dr. Grande “Trade in your hours for a handful of dimes, gonna make it baby in our prime” - Jim Morrison.
Dr. Grande, I just read in the comments a viewer requesting an analysis of John Lennon. I also would really enjoy an analysis of John Lennon, especially in regards to his controversial romance with Yoko Ono. Thank you.
I know that this will be an unpopular opinion, but from what I’ve read, Lennon was a hypocritical, philandering abusive wife beater, as well as an emotionally abusive father to his first son Julian whom he later abandoned for a period of time. I have zero respect for a cheating woman beater and a child abuser. I think an analysis would be very interesting because everything that he portrayed to the world was in direct contrast to the way he really lived his life.
The Doors performance on Ed Sullivan is classic. Allegedly the producer asked them not to say "higher" when they sang "Light My Fire". They performed the song live and said "higher" anyway. I don't think Jim did it on purpose, I believe he simply forgot. I think this was their first television appearance and they were likely nervous. It was said that Sullivan was so pissed that he refused to shake their hands after the performance. What cracks me up is that after the show they were in the dressing room and the producer comes back and said, "you guys blew it, you'll never do Sullivan again!". To which Jim Morrison responded, after taking a puff of his cigarette, "we just did Sullivan". What a rock star!!
A couple factual quibbles here. “The doors of perception” actually comes from a quote by poet William Blake: “If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.” Aldous Huxley used that phrase as the title of a book that he wrote about mescaline. Huxley also experimented with LSD, but his book focused specifically on mescaline.
Thank you for doing this video. Huge Doors fan since childhood. To the extent that Jim Morrison may have regarded his father as a "company man", I think that I can empathize a bit. I was coming of age in the late 60s thru the 70s and subjected to all of the mixed messaging of those crazy years. Social discord about civil rights and Vietnam was thunderous and an ever-present background noise. My father was a high ranking Marine Corps Officer with several combat tours under his belt and although I never doubted his love for me as his only son, he could be extremely negative and critical- shouting at me on an almost daily basis- if I displayed an interest in anything but a military career. From an early age, I was an aspiring zoologist/evolutionary biologist and that pursuit created immense friction between my father and I until he passed away a few months ago at age 89. I would never have acted out in the manner that Jim Morrison did, but I certainly understand how it feels to be condemned by one's father.
This guy says "Morrison exposed himself" at the 1969 Miami concert. Yet with over 10,000 people in the audience, and cameras and reporters present, the police could not find anyone to testify that they saw him expose himself, except for one witness who was working for the prosecution. And that witness was a fledgling Miami reporter who had attended FSU with Morrison. "Jim Morrison: Life, Death, Legend" by Stephen Davis.
I am a big fan of Jim Morrison; however, I am an even bigger fan of Dr. Todd Grande. As a graduate student in a clinical mental health counseling program, I listen to Dr. Grande regularly. His calm, soft spoken, down to earth explanations of complex psychological concepts have been helping me understand diagnoses from the DSM 5 since my days as psyc major in undergrad. Ever since an instructor that I had years ago recommended Dr. Grande to the class I have found him indispensable. Thanks for the videos Dr. Grande, you have helped me immeasurably sir.
“Theres a killer on the road his brain is squirming like a toad”. I love this analogy. Have often wondered if this is how murderers or ppl on the dark side feel. As though their brain is “squirming”
Now, you know, I love frogs and toads and that analogy just shows them in a negative light. I think Jim was writing the song, trying to come up with a word that rhymed with road...hmm, let’s see...load, mode, bowed, code, node...toad! Yeah, that sounds good - toad.
@@kimsmith819 who was his girlfriend? I've never heard he has a GF. His wife wasn't even in the same state. I've followed chris a lot and have never heard of that. Cornell has always been my favorite artist. He makes me float away.
Over the years of learning from you here each one of your programmes have been not only interesting but, for me, deeply thought provoking. Here, regarding the life and death of Jim Morrison from the perspective of mental health/personality, you have helped answer some of the ?s I have had amidst the depths of appreciation and compassionate response for such a restless and seemingly unsettled soul. Thank you for being generous with the fruits of your education/experience and for translating them into terms which even I can understand.
Jim Morrison is probably the love of my life. Introduced to Jim and the Doors when I was 15. I was never the same again. Imagine being so fascinated with a dead man when your 15 years old? And the music spoke to me like nothing had ever done before. Summer of 1985 was when Jim entered my life. He will always be in my life. We are a lot alike. Perhaps that is why the fascination was so deep. There is nothing more that I'd want than to have tea with him in heaven someday.
I am a physician (not a psychiatrist) and I found your analysis to be superb and factually clear and concise. Your summation of the rise and fall of this iconic, yet flawed genius, in my opinion, is as accurate as anything I have seen or heard. It is only regrettable that someone like you didn’t have an opportunity to intervene in his life during the chaotic period from his college years to perhaps his early to mid-20’s; not that he would necessarily listen to that person or heed any advice or insights. He certainly and historically wasn’t one to believe anybody “knew better”, as we have seen.
That’s ridiculous. Morrison was clearly rebelling against myopic, officious, arrogant, uninformed, and unimaginative people like the video creator. He simply wouldn’t have listened-and rightly so. For that matter, he very likely had at least one high school counselor who could have been this guy’s doppelgänger.
reality is what it is, plain and simple. if is precipitated by your actions or people around you, or system which you are in, some under your control, some not. one of jim's reality is his DAD, who commanded his own wishes for his son oblivious to his son' s inclinations for his own life.
While truck driving. Music would fill a void. It was like I was reborn. When I realized. So many songs I grew up listening to were by the doors. And eventually remembered. When the doors were in Louisville Kentucky. I was there. A friends dad got tickets and invited me as well. I was just a short young kid. The crowd was standing most the time. So it was difficult to see Jim and the band. What I remember was. Jim was wearing a white shirt. And the music was LOUD. I have read all the doors books . Seen the movie. Bought a $100 Jim Morrison scrap book. Yes I’m obsessed. Not sure why. But there is something very special about Jim and the doors. Jim’s life feels like an open book. Dirty laundry and all. What Is amazing to me is. Jim did not get caught up in material wealth. Light my fire hit song. Provided all the money a young man would want. And Jim’s living in a cheap motel room. No sports cars. No mansions. And that was jim. I will remember jim as a poet. Who opened the doors of rock music. Exposing humanity in the process. Gotta love the guy.
I recently bought and downloaded the Best of Doors album. I’ve been truly amazed at the great song writing, not just words but the music. No one creates music like that anymore! The Crystal Ship is my favorite but it’s a sad song. I also love Wishful Sinful and Love Street. Amazing songs, so beautiful. He died far too young. I never saw them in concert but I saw Hendrix, Joplin with Big Brother, Cream and lots more in live concert.
I don't think Jim Morrison's personality was such an enigma. These days white and black young people listen to rap and dress in hip-hop clothes to rebel against the Establishment. Jim Morrison was a conformist who thought he wasn't one. A lot of young people took drugs and revolted against the industrial-military complex in the 1960's. His father was in the Navy so it was natural to rebel against him. I believe some of his behavior was to maintain an image he hoped would sell concert tickets and albums.
@@pixiehellasweet do some research...jim confided that sad bit of info to a very few close, selected friends. they in turn did not divulge that information until years after jim's passing.
Good analysis....his child hood memories were dark and influenced him as a young adult....I have always felt that Morrison did what he did so I would not follow his way....I just watched him go the route he did...he basically sacrificed himself as an example of saying life was a spark and he was going to live it up....I have been to the edge but Morrison went over the edge.
He had a part in history from when he was born. He had experiences in life and genetics... Everyone let him go off rail..... No one stepped in. I don't blame anyone though because that was what it was like in that time.. those were the times. It's hard to say what happened, but people live and die in the same way. The old saying " you live by the sword, you die by the sword". Live hard die hard.... But The Doors are definitely one of my most hypnotic groups. When I am going off track, this is what I listen to.
He predicted the future of music, was a highly intelligent guy and it must not have been easy for him for people who didn’t dig him. It frustrated him. He really wanted to be taken seriously as a poet but he wasn’t. It pissed him off and he let himself go. R.I.P. Jim.
Jim Morrison a poet. Man he made music live, a feeling vib that shook everyone. Short life musical genius even to this day. RIP Ray and Jim. The DOORS.
My daughter loves the doors and I've even seen my grandson bobbing his head to them. Jim was a real mystery. Would love to hear you do Janis. Those two probably had a million more good songs if they had got away from the drugs.
Are you still Scorpio Moon after NASA finding another constellation. I have been a Tauren all my life, now I find myself to be an Arean, how very strange that Ophiuchus (a man holding a snake) should be found and upset everything!!! 💖from 🇦🇺♉️?♈️!
Lions in the street and roaming dogs in heat, rabid, foaming The body of his mother sitting I the summer ground he fled the town Left the chaos and disorder back there over his shoulder. Or something like that. My 15yo me would recite thousands of words and try to findbthe meaning. But it was the floating mysterious rhythms that made it all perfect. In my teen mind. Then I discovered David Bowie.
Ed "stick up his" Sullivan thought himself so great that he should censor art. Like these governors who lust for power that cannot help themselves but to try and control you with nonsensical, humiliating demands and rules like you can't buy seeds because of covid. How absurd, "girl we couldn't get much better". What an ass.
As I practice tattooing on myself, I put on a fresh playlist of Dr Grandes videos. It's incredibly therapeutic! It's a voice of reason in a chaotic world. Favorite part is when he said "old school" - that's how you know this guy is cool. And like usual, I had to stop for some of the usual hidden humor! Cheers dr!!
@@xMattOxi thank you, I appreciate that. And it's not like I'm going to be bothered by someone I dont know telling me not to do something. To each their own.
"The Doors of Perception" was about mescaline, not LSD, and it was written by Aldous Huxley (author of Brave New World). And it's amazing :) Huxley's book "The Perennial Philosophy" is essentially my "bible", it helped me to understand how to see the same essential truths in all religions, and life in general. Highly recommended!
Also, Huxley took the title of his book from William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell: “If the Doors of perception are cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.”.
And if go back further-to the poet William Blake-you’ll see the true origin of Jim’s desire to call the group The Doors. Huxley popularized the concept for the 20th century, but it was Blake whom Morrison was smitten with.
Yep, I was one of those folks who trekked to Pere Lachaise to his grave. But really, that graveyard is bulging at the seams with popular, brilliant, and famous folk.
I never found Jim’s grave but did see quite a few famous names. Oscar Wilde’s headstone was covered in red lipstick kisses- I am told there is a glass enclosure now. The day I visited was a rainy, overcast dark day. Some of the graves are in dire need of repair and maintenance. I hope that in the future there will be volunteers to honor these wonderful men and women by keeping their resting places pristine.
101taiga Yep, I am as well! Even took my son when he was a teenager, he is now 35. He has told me many times that I grew up in the best music era (I agree!). A few years ago, also saw the club on the Left Bank where he is suspected of dying and the apartment building on the Right Bank where his body was discovered. Think I’m a fan!
-there's nothing.. like real poetry... as song lyrics... poetry creates the most powerful imagery in your mind... and for some odd reason, when people speak of Jim Morrison, his voice is rarely or never mentioned... but he had a truly great voice, as well... and then, he was also a very passionate performer - so, as a lead singer.. he had it all... a great voice, real poetry as lyrics, and real onstage charisma !!!
I was born in 1953 and the Doors music had a huge influence on my life. My older brother of two years was also a bigger hippie than me. , drugs and drinking shortened my brothers life to die at age 49 back in 2000. Strange, now summer of 2020 , I am mysteriously extremely drawn back to the Doors and Jim Morrison. Most of my friends that were into the Doors back in 1969 & 70 are dead today ! Often on Door's music youtube posts ,, I see a lot of young people saying, they wish they were born earlier and feel they missed out. Well not really, today, age 67 , I am in extreme pain and use a wheelchair to get around. Extreme living caught up with me in 1981, and I got paralyzed in a horrible car accident. I DO NOT blame the Doors , but some how , like Jim Morrison many of us either have a short life or a horrible life.?
I’d like to know how much this guy actually read about Jim Morrison and how much was taken from Oliver Stones misinterpretation of him in that narcissistic portrayal by Val Kilmer (though not his Kilmer’s fault - he played the part extremely convincingly - I blame Stone for the script!) The point being that Ray Manzarek loathed the movie and frankly this psychologist seems so far removed from any ‘counter-culture that it seems he would consider anything as reckless or irresponsible! To classify Morrison as having NPD is a bit of a cop out tbh, as much of what Jim Morrison said which appeared narcissistic to a casual observer ie The Lizard King, was actually intended to be humorous and ironic. Apologies, but I think Morrison is a bit out of this guy’s league in terms of intelligence (Morrison had an IQ of 149 and his creative legacy of wasn’t a recitation of the DSM-5 either!)
There's really is not a lot of info out there on Jim Morrison. I did see an interview with his father and he seemed like a decent guy but also seemed very limited in actually seeing someone as different as Jim was. The military life isn't the most open and creative. It also didn't appear that he had tight bonds with his family or maybe anyone other than Pam. She died as well so there's really no way to understand him. His band mates are still around but don't seem to have much of an understanding about him either. His siblings haven't said much. It appears no one knew who he was. That must've been lonely.
Jim was an addict. That's how he dealt with any issues he may have had through escapism and fantasy. He was a tormented "genius" trying to express himself, and curate an image of himself as a philosopher, while being anti-authority. He died before he was able to understand fully what he wanted to say, or believe. His search lead him into an abstract adventure fueled by drugs and alcohol. The drugs and alcohol ultimately mapped his path, and claimed his life.
@@DickDickstein You hit the nail on the head. Except we are not sure how he died. No autopsy? Why wasnt his family alerted to see if they wanted him to be buried in Paris or flown back to the US? He may have had smack out of curiosity it it's possible considering his immaturity.
No, really, Dr. G, can you explain how you find the time to churn out so many videos during a pandemic? I’m a mental heath counselor and I’ve never been busier with clients.
@@mxRian4 I'm no certified counselor but have put many dozens of hours into reading about these things. Even thought it was a long time ago, I still retain an awful lot of it. Once you accumulate a certain amount of knowledge, a lot comes down to not what you know but what you remember. And then filling in the blanks where your memory has started to seep away, and some reconsideration, if you want to be scrupulous, to see if you feel and think now what you felt and thought then. My guess is that this was not so hard as you think if you're into this stuff. Like, ask Joseph Campbell what he knows about myth. I don't think you'll get a lot of stammering and confusion or simple shoulder-shrugging. You've probably got four hours coming at any random time, and an all night session if you're at his house and you can keep the beer coming.
People, if you do an extensive research on Jim, all of a sudden you will perfectly understand why Jim was the way he was. Otherwise, everybody is just saying how he is all these negative things, but nobody is asking what caused all of that in Jim.
I was born in '64 , also too young to have seen the Doors in concert. I really began listening to music as often as I could when I was around ten. First on am radio, and then a couple of years later on 45s I would by with my allowance. I bought a lot of records but never a Doors record. I didn't like them much. Now, they're my favorite band. Imagine that, at 58.
Welcome to the club! 😃 I love Jim but found some of the music jarring. Going to a live cover band concert and listening to the instruments live, changed all that!
It is sad that Mr. Morrison never knew that his dad loved him while alive...there is a certain child-like quality artists retain that is conducive to their creativity. Sometimes one perceives reality as a horrible, inescapable place. I wonder, realistic or not, how he perceived his relationship with his father: so many references in his music. Perhaps ( such speculation) he felt he lost his childhood and was famous and entitled to relive it. Like so many people not famous, these factors become entangled. I guess the work is untangling these things in a safe place: tough stuff. Thanks so much
Hi Wendy, you're obviously a creative type personality to imagine that those of us, of the creative type, who are more sensitive to the world around us, would perceive 'reality' in such an accurate way, 'a horrible, inescapable place'. Thus, James' decent into dug addiction and alcohol abuse! Regarding his father, an Admiral in the U.S. Navy, who obviously relished the strict formality and regimented dynamics of such an organisation, did love his children and I think James was probably aware of that. However, the two were poles apart, as individuals! George was a man bound by rules, impersonal, and maybe even a little harsh. Whereas James was a very intense artistic type; creative, sensitive and totally boundless, by nature! This, of course, gave way to that child-like quality of whole-souled creativity we saw in his writings! What a tortured mind this poor man must have had, to have written like he did! The world of music has suffered many losses of-such brilliant, yet tortured artists! Notably, Mr. James Morrison!
Jim was a genius with an IQ over 140 so if I were a betting man I would say Jim KNEW his Dad loved him. From what I've read that the other members of the band stated (if memory serves me right I think it was the other members of the band), Jim, unlike what was stated publicly, did visit his parents. So if this is true then I think there's the public story (like when Jim said his parents were dead) and then there was reality.
I agree that the interview with JM's father is a great i night to their true relationship. JM's father clearly loved him. I foiunx his father to be very sweet in that interview. To me what stood out is just how brokenhearted his father was to have lost JM . It also seemed JM's entire family loved him and missed him very much. I hope society's stupid glamouriizng of the 27 club is given a huge reality check. JM's death as well as the deaths of the supposed "others" are tragic for so many reasons. Mostly because of the substance abuses of young performers vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation
Yogi Tarot. JM's father may have loved his son in his way. The reality is however that the "keeping up appearances" were more important to him, along with an attempt to mould his son into something he wasn not. All required for Jim to be fully accepted. Jim detested hypocrisy. And rightly so. Sadly the US society rates high on both stupidity and hypocrisy. Jim did not belong in this type of society. The father's and the rest of the family "love" was conditional. It's not love.
Alice Cooper said Jim Morrison was a great guy when sober, everybody around him liked him as well. However, Alice said Morrison was so reckless they all were so surprised he lived to 27.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I went to 2 different Doors concerts in Cleveland when I was in my early teens. The band was completely mesmerizing, and wonderful both times. Nothing like what was depicted in the movie The Doors. Jim was sipping on Colt 45 beer throughout both concerts but did not become incoherent. At one concert, toward the end of the evening, Jim invited the audience on stage and as I was standing up front already, I was able to quickly sit on stage very close to them. I took this opportunity to regularly call out and request my favorite song, “The Crystal Ship”, while Jim was speaking to the audience. He finally stopped talking, looked directly at me with impatience in his eyes, then looked out at the audience and said, “What’s the average age group here anyway?” He looked back at me and gave me a hard stare. That shut me up. I was 13. He continued to simply sit on the edge of the stage reciting his poetry, telling stories, and talking with the audience. He seemed to be really enjoying himself and smiling a lot.These concerts were wonderful. In a sense this ruined me for life going to concerts as I thought all rock concerts were going to be just as interesting and intimate. I was wrong. No concert was ever as good as The Doors concerts that I experienced! I loved the poetry, their albums (not their top 40 songs), the tightness of the group, and in many of their songs the words were visually stunning and beautiful. Last but not least, let us not forget Jim’s sensual baritone voice. He could caress you with his voice as he was singing to you a story. So many times Jim has been depicted as a jerk. Thank you Dr. Grande for your excellent analysis of Jim that reminds us he probably wasn’t like that 24/7. Linda from Grass Valley Ca.
What wonderful memories to have of this amazing band. I was 9 years old when Jim died. I would
have loved to have been able to see them in concert! I was very disappointed with the movie about
them. I would love to see a movie that shows how they created their music and see the side of Jim
that was a poet and sweet caring person that he genuinely was.
Great Story! Thanks for sharing!
Great comment - really enjoyed it.
I'm 43
So The Doors was before my time
But I did go back and become a big fan
I envy you
For seeing them twice
Great story
Crystal Ship is one my favorite songs too.
There’s no way Morrison was narcissistic, he was the one who came up with the system that all four Doors members share in writing royalties and credit even though Morrison did the majority of the writing. He also devised the legal framework that any decisions on the band’s direction must be agreed upon by all four members giving each one veto powers. He also hated how the band was introduced as ‘Jim Morrison and the Doors’, he just wanted it to be ‘The Doors’. All of that is not narcissistic behaviour, quite the opposite.
Also, he was pardoned by the governor because he was innocent, as there was zero evidence of him exposing himself and it was obvious that he was targeted and accused falsely ‘because’ of his fame, not because it was “special treatment”, he was already dead by then anyway.
All great points.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Excellent points and I totally agree!!!!
Morrison was more of a self destructive borderline from what I understand.
Musicians and actors are narcissists.
His art and talent were attacked by the then War Family Oligarchy through media and legal means his work could not be used by them for propagation of the foreign war campaign's and many Americans like Jim, who opposed those aggresive empire expansions became war casualties from their struggles. Drugs and coercion were weapons then and they continue to be effective to this day. Labels from medical goons are as popular today as they were then. The medical opinions vary but those who benefit Oligarch narratives get paid better than those who oppose monopoly approved opinions.
people are strange...
S. D. - Never a truer word spoken!
Hey girl, we coudn't get much higher
when you're a stranger...
So true, faces come out of the rain people never remember your name.
Born into a herd of moist meat sacks repeating each other in a rhythmic unison. NoRmAl.
"I see myself as an intelligent, sensitive human, with the soul of a clown which forces me to blow it at the most important moments." --Jim Morrison
That's a revealing statement and one that shows self-awareness and humility. Too bad it was beyond the scope of this video.
Oliver Stone
He blows a clown soul??????
@@Guy-em4ck Yes, only at the most important moments though-like during church.
Some of my favorite songs.
"The only reason I went to college is because I didn't want to join the army and I didn't want to work...and that's the dam truth ". Morrison's last confession in an interview 1970.
@Sandra Pavlović
Not at all. Common sense.
@@anniedarkhorse6791 Agreed
Can you supply a source?
@@d.e.murray5105 I believe it was that Tony Thomas interview. I could be wrong.
Clearly you have never been in a band. It is more work than idiots think.
I have loved Jim Morrison and The Doors ever since I was 12 years old. He was a true artist, genius, and inspiration. God bless him!
The future's uncertain and the end is always near! I think James Douglas Morrison just understood the futility of it all.
It's a typical thinking of anyone who is depressed, but Jim had a talent to create beautiful and haunting poetry out of it.
Well he was reading Nietzsche at 16, but then again Nietzsche wasnt a nihilist as many wrongly assume.
@@milaziabchenko9997
People who try to colour the reality would say that this thinking is typical to anyone who is depressed. The reality and the stupidity, self entiltement and increasing lack of purpose of humans is depressing. Bono doesn't strike anyone as depressed. Yet when he commented on the late Leonard Cohen works, he said he was impressed by Cohen's ability to still be able to smile after having looked over the edge of reality.
@@teresaolszanka112 Have you ever been depressed? I was depressed in the past and this was the worst place to be. I admire Cohen's late works. They were released right after my mom's death, and they touched my soul deeply, but I wouldn't compare Jim Morrison to Leonard Cohen. Both of them were incredibly talented, but their personalities, their poetry and even their darkness are very different.
True. So true.
"Ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind." Boy, I sure can relate to that. Morrison fan for life! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to make this video, Dr. Grande.
Which ghosts crowded your mind.?
@@paulcooper5748 that was a Morrison lyric from Peace Frog "Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleeding
Ghosts crowd the child's fragile eggshell mind" from Morrison Hotel. Great record BTW.
Brooke Jandreau,
Include the entire quote. It is important "Indians scattered on the Dawns Highway bleeding. Ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind". It would have been a shocking scene for an adult, let alone a child. It's a beautiful piece of poetry, the entire Ghost Song is. The accident Morrisson witnessed profoundly affected and the image haunted him his entire life. He was always saying that he believed the spirit of the dying old Indian man he saw, entered his body.
@@teresaolszanka112 that is some crazy shit
paul cooper the ghosts of past lives, if not our actual own past lives the ghosts of our ancestors whose life experiences we carry through our DNA
Ray was a personal friend of mine. He loved Jim in a strong brotherly way, and often said he was a good man. Long live the Doors.
You are so lucky to have been friends with Ray! Ray and Jim both seemed like "old souls" and kindred spirits to each other. I never saw The Doors in concert but was able to see Ray and Eric Burdon on stage, along with Brian Auger.
I saw the Doors in early '67 in LA. I had never seen or heard anything like the Doors and particularly Morrison before or since. Truly explosive.
People say similar to things about Freddie Mercury in the 80s
Unto this world we’re thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out on loan
Riders on the storm...
killer on the road.
@discdoggie Do you know that the song Riders on the Storm was inspired by spree killer Billy Cook? I would love to see Dr Grande do a video on Cook, as well as one on Charles Starkweather.
@@jeffreycoogan09I didn't know that thanks for sharing.👍
discdoggie, a few corrections:
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this house we're born
Into this world we're thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out alone
Riders on the storm
2manybooks 2littletime You’re wrong. It’s “an actor out on loan”. Jim’s handwritten lyrics confirm this. “An actor out alone” doesn’t make any sense.
Honestly, I just think it’s nice to see someone that is down to eart, fair, balanced and experienced talk about these topics. Great job, Dr Grande! You are a breath of fresh air on this platform and really needed in these times...
"True to his own spirit". His father was smarter than Jim gave him credit for. May they both rest in peace.
It took his dad a while to come around but he came around and accepted his son for following his own path. I think a lot of peoples dysfunctional childhoods influences their careers in the arts but at a steep price. Would Morrison have ever been so influential if he had grown up with a more loving father? But he probably wouldn't have died at 27 either. Definitely interesting but sad stuff.
His father is responsible for putting that saying in Latin on his stone in Paris I believe.
@@jeffreardon3969 *Greek.
One piece that is often left out of the story of Jim and his father, is that his father wrote him a letter with serious advice, which hurt Jim's feelings because he dismissed his little band and his singing, even though they had a hit album. That's what people focus on. The rest of the letter goes on to say that he hopes Jim will go back to his first love, film-making, as he has a gift for being a film director, and his father sees a great career ahead of him in film. To that end, Jim is credited with being the first, or among the first, independent film-makers in an effort to make a film which he abandoned, but which yielded the footage of him driving in the desert, screaming as he drives, and so on, all of which is fascinating. So, his father had some great insight, and unfortunately delivered it with a dismissive take on the band.
@@wingtips123 The problem with having a high ranking a successful father puts a lot of pressure on the kids, especially first sons who are expected to follow in their fathr's footsteps.
Depending on the kid- some accept and want to be like their dads or others totally reject it. Jim tried to be his own man under his own terms and literaly became the opposite of whatever everyone expected from a military brat to become.
I think he always saw himself as a failure in life, not living up to his father's expetations. I think this was his major problem.
Not having a good relationship with your dad does damage you as a person.
"The End" by the Doors is actually expanding on the concept of the "shadow" by Jung. Apocalypse Now, the movie, takes this song and elevates Jung's concept to a whole new level thanks to Jim Morrison
Yes💜💜💜
How does Jim Morrison expand upon Jung's conception of the shadow, exactly? I understand that the song could be considered an artistic reflection of the shadow, but suggesting it develops upon Jung's psychoanalytic theory is giving the song too much credit, in my opinion.
@@ValiantFerguson He elevated the concept by giving it wings through the expression of his life force, and musical composition. There is nothing new, only rearranging the variables. These are finite in this physical realm by the natural laws of physics. We all stand on the shoulders of others, imo.
Where can I watch more of this? It only make sense he liked Jung. Where can I find him talking about Jung?
@@anthonymangino9662 Okay then be specific on what variables he added or reranged. I could write song about the theroy of evolution as it stands to date. But that dosent mean im expanding on it, if im not adding anything new to concept.
I was struck by how he kept so little possessions for himself, owning only the boots he was wearing as far as shoes go although he had the money to buy whatever he wanted. He treasured things to enrich the mind & altered mental states over physical possessions. And he hung out in skid row with the drunks & the homeless even after achieving fame. Not your typical person!
I agree! Did he ever buy a fancy car or house? No, he didn’t care about the money or fame.
@@vickiladu6755 : Yes, he had a Shelby Cobra Mustang, The Green Lady, that he crashed.
@@djquinn11 He got that as a gift from the record company after their first album. The blue lady i blieve it was called
The Blue Lady.
It’s what Dr Grande said, he had a fascination with death
“He was extremely destructive. Especially to himself” Astounding insight.
His girlfriend Pam was worse.
💯
@@genarosalazar2818 no she wasn’t
What's insightful about it. His destruction was so obvious
@@johnlamphier3515 irony John, irony.
Since I was 10 years old, I’ve identified with Jim more than anyone else on earth. I think your analysis is spot on!
Ive always felt a deep connection to Morrison. Even though I was born almost 10 years after his death I remember the first time I heard his voice as a kid. I had no idea who he was but the music seemed so familiar. The almost satirical way he sings about life and death in a lot of his less known songs. The more I learned about his life i began to see so many aspects of his personality that have caused me hardships in my own life. Impulsive self destructive behavior with severe bouts of depression and anxiety leading to extended periods of substance abuse. I know all of tjat except for the fame. I also think i have a narcissistic side. Its not till now in my late 30's do I actually see how these behaviors have not helped in anyway. These days I admire Jims music but do not envy tje the destructive traits. For I am familiar with them and know its time to let them go.
I too feel the same as you in that a connection with Jim appeared in my youth. I was born 5 years after Jim died and at 13 I was writing poetry and reading alot. On of the poems I wrote I would come to learn was especially similar I would find out as one of Jim's poems and so when I started to listen to him and then researched his poetry I realized its almost like I had written in his hand. All sounds crazy but with the native American experience he went thru I did encounter something similar in my childhood and so this gave me instant connection with this older spirit. When I look at Jim I see a familiar face. Maybe someone I knew at one time. That familiarity has never left me. I am 45 now and I can still recite all his poems by heart and feel like he is a presence forever with and around me.
@@ottersgonewildful you a Dead Kennedys fan?
@@ottersgonewildful wow, I feel the same connection with Jim. I look at him, and I see someone I know, his spiritual side, physical looks, his voice, his mannerisms, everything looks so familiar to me. And, I feel his presence in so many ways. I am glad that more people are talking about the same thing, so I do not feel weird. You are most definately my tribe of people.
Same
You should definitely watch the movie Rockstar! The entire movie is based on a guy like you who admires Jim Morrison and tries to embody him
I’d rather be all those things Jim was than to sit on a couch, order amazon and have nothing to offer society.
Or PUTATIVELY was. Even as an armchair analysis (always a dubious proposition) this video is pathetic.
Don't shame yourself for being a regular person living an ordinary life.
I sincerely love Morrison's poetry and lyrics. I believe he recognized many traits of human inadequacy and the perceived futility of it all
A true poet in my opinion. Interesting analysis Dr Grande.
You should definitely watch the movie Rockstar! The entire movie is based on a guy who admires Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. It’s very poetic
"The End" still gives me goosebumps. Someday we will meet the end. Jim Morrison was such (and continues to be) an inspiration, especially with his poetry.❤
riiide the snake....
"Waiting for the summer rain"
8:21 Rather to the contrary, the Doors - and especially Jim Morrison - had nothing but disdain for hippies. If anything, they were anti-hippies.
Thank you! I bristled at that.
Agreed. The Doors were Not into being hippies at all.
@Happiness is not liveable no it isn't. Hippies were a definite type of person, with certain drop out of society ideals. The Doors in no way were anything hippy.
In fact it was because of their disdain and rejection of hippies that they did not go to Woodstock. These guys were creating in the True sense of the word creation. Their work is entirely timeless, like the Cosmos itself.
An early pic of Morrison, with his father, has him shooting a AK 47
Jim Morrison was a poet and amazing talent one of a kind throughout ages.
As a recovering alcoholic myself I can understand Jim's drinking. His background being a military family and moving around a lot didn't help create a stable upbringing for him and he probably had big problems creating real and lasting friendships with people his own age. That is similar to my own. My own family problems when I was growing up made me feel different from all the rest of my school friends, so much so, I didn't feel like I fitted in no matter how much I tried. I never really was able to be like a typical teenager, having fun and going to parties and doing whatever it is teenagers do. I was always on the outside looking in. This created a depressive state of mind for me. I also realised that I couldn't rely on my parents for help and support and that was from an early age as well. I couldn't trust them and actually feared them. All in all, I needed stability and security when I was growing up which I didn't get. And alcohol offered that, like a comfort blanket. As much as I didn't want to drink when I was younger, I eventually gave up trying to avoid it and gave in. I needed something to rely on. When the roots of your life are rotten it's a bit like trying to build a house on bad foundations, it'll last a while but it'll fall down sooner than other houses.
So insightful.
The Doors have been part of my life since my teens and Jim was the best thing since sliced bread to me. That voice and that stage presence just blew everything else out of the water. Now many years later you see him as the flawed human being he was, genius none the less. He was fabulous and that voice will never fade. Thank you Dr Grande
I can't imagine why his father was so critical of his voice. His vocals were hypnotic! Think, "Riders on the Storm". Very little use of instruments and a little Moog synthesizer; the rest was all his glorious voice. RIP
Thank you for this one, Dr. Grande. I was just a little girl when The Doors were popular, but I have never forgotten that voice.
Janis Joplin had great pipes, too. When one names the members of the so-called 27 Club, it could be that those musicians were among the most groundbreaking. Jimmy Hendrix's guitar skills still hold as the best; Janis proved that a woman could sing rock music; Kurt Cobain began grunge rock; and Amy Winehouse brought jazz into the 21st century.
Well said.
Spot on!
His voice in "Touch Me Babe" is so sexy, passionate and mesmerizing. "I'm gonna love you till the stars fall from the sky for you and I !"
His father was extremely straight edge, organized, and regimented. Jim was chaos. Unwilling to bend for authority, or be told what to do. they were oil and water. Complete opposites in personality. Jim was against the structure his father needed to live by completely. HE died when he was only 27 too, without a serious commitment to anyone, or the real attempt to sacrifice his own desires for anyone else. And no...he wasn't committed to Pam like that. They were more like each other's crutch, but more often enablers of destruction bonded by their shared search for someone to love them. they were partners in the quest to escape the feeling of loneliness, and their methods to cope were drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. Neither lived long enough to understand, or achieve a true feeling o being loved. Both died from their choice to run away from their mission through escapism into vices, rather than fight life head on.
Doesn't mean that they both Jim and his father, or even Jim and Pam didn't love each other in their own ways. Jim was still a wandering boy when he died. He didn't live long enough to obtain a level of emotional maturity, or personal accountability that comes with the wisdom and learning that comes from life experience. He couldn't truly find happiness, love, or acceptance, and never committed to it fully.
@@DickDickstein yes, I knew that he was a member of the 27 Club. His voice, his style introduced a new genre of Rock music. He was a rebel against everything that his father represented. He was a huge talent.
"The Doors" name came from the poet William Blake, the same inspiration Oldos Huxley used for his work "The Doors of Perception". P.S. I don’t believe he was a narcissist, he was a genuinely sensitive & loving soul. Not wanting to have a normal boring life doesn’t equal to narcissism, equals to a rebellious artistic spirit.
I think Jim perfectly embodied "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"
There is a fine line between Genius and Insanity! Jim Morrison fits the bill. Still, I am a huge fan!
Death makes angels of us all and give us wings where we had shoulders smooth as raven's claws.
My favorite quote.
Dr Grande, I so enjoy your non biased, science based viewpoint. I certainly envy your students and colleagues. I am a Registered Nurse of 23 years with the last 18 spent working in a locked psychiatric unit. I have since moved into a new role as an ACT team member at a CMHC. I find your content and delivery to be simply brilliant! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with those of us who seek to gain more insight, consideration, and understanding of these
fascinating topics.
Great topic, Dr. Grande! I was a rabid Doors and Morrison fan in high school and used one of his poems called The Names of the Kingdoms as my senior quote:
We came down the rivers and highways
We came down from forests and falls
We came down from Carson and Springfield
We came down from Phoenix enthralled
And I can tell you the names of the Kingdoms
And I can tell you the things that you know
Listening for a fistful of silence
Climbing valleys into the shade.
God loves Jim Morrison 💜🌠
Dr Grande, being able to achieve this level of artistic mastery (music, singing, writing, performing) is hard work in itself and requires constant attention for years. So this is not narcissistic to want to live from it. This is far more work and implication than most of the people will ever achieve. And well, btw, he was not like everybody else. But please remember that mastering artistic skills is hard work even if it's not "going to work from 8 to 5 to produce capitalists goods"
(It’s far more hours of work actually, far more risk taking, responsibility and anxiety)
And it’s important to remind that refusing to participate to a system that doesn’t match your moral values is not narcissism neither psychopathy, it’s rebellion; that those DSMV criteria seems more and more like a « novlangue » allowing to officially consider as sick whatever criticize the system producing it.
It should be used with high moral caution.
« Finally, many critics who are opposed to the idea that psychopathology is linked to artistic ability express concern that labeling artists as mentally ill ignores the enormous discipline, will, and rationality that are essential to truly creative work. »
Kay Redfield Jamison. « Touched With Fire. » Free Press. iBooks.
Yes, the artistic temperament is not something that is well-understood in behavioral health (and I say that as a licensed counselor).
He didn’t kill anyone plus he seemed okay with his style of life and he didn’t singlehandedly invent drug use. No need to medically categorize someone who wasn’t harmful to society.
people romanticizing his mental distress is exactly why he killed himself. there are plenty of creatives that are able to tow the line of insanity and mindfulness and be caring compassionate member of their community. Then there are self indulgent artist that fail to understand moderation and self control, that crumple under the weight of their own vices like Mr. mojorising over here. he’s incredibly talented, but his substance use was harmful not only to himself, but to the people who looked up to him. He should be celebrated for his success and condemned for his reckless behavior and pitied for his internal suffering.
Mireille Blacke u could read Touched with fire by Kay Redfield Jamison, wich is about bipolar disorder and creative minds. It's certainly about creative minds and bipolar disorder too ) (BD wich appears to me a better diagnosis for Morisson )
Toototabon "why being sane in a sick society" said Krishnamurti
I'd say your analysis was spot on. His neuroticism probably also stemmed from his realization he didn't fit in anywhere and his creative genius was too difficult to express.
It's hard to reconcile the destruction and chaos with Jim Morrison's very thoughtful, cogent, and seemingly gentle persona while being interviewed, even badgered by reporters.
The doors are on of my favorite bands. I am glad you did this. Jim Morrison was someone I was always fascinated by.
I’m very glad you explained how Jim’s father really couldn’t understand how his son was so popular. I saw the interview with his father as well. Jim’s father spoke about him as though he was still disappointed in his son even though he was famous and loved by so many.
Jim has always fascinated me, particularly since he was sensitive and poetic yet implusive and socially destructive. I used to lean that way, though never antisocial. I think a lot of his behavior had to do with his philosophy on life.
Either way, he had a profound interest in mythology and understood how it can influence human beings.
In that case you should definetly watch the movie rockstar. Its about a guy who is inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. This movie covers a lot of dark philosophy and your comment really reminded me of this film, go give it a try!
Thank you so much. Your review of Jim’s life was excellent. I still get choked up thinking about him. It was 50 years ago today he passed. Since it is the 4th of July tomorrow. Jim Morrison died on July 3, 1971 at 27 years of age. If Jim had lived today I believe with a real intervention he could have been able to get sober from his alcoholism & drug usage. He was primarily an alcoholic according to his band mates. Back in 1971 there were no interventions or Betty Ford Clinics.
"The Age of Miracles is Upon Us"
Bill W
Absolutely agree whith you macthing whith my own. The agressivness of his alcoholism Its been always considered as a third plot
He wasn't narcissist , actually he hated the idea of being idolised , he was shy behind the stage
correct. and this guy is full of sh--.
Jim was a reluctant rock star! A sweet soul RIP!!!
I agree totally, he might have had traits from time to time but he wasn't really.....compared to lots of other celebrities he was pretty normal
@@manlymen552 yeah, everyone on the band got mansions, he just keep renting that old apartment as usual, all he wanted is to write poetry and songs
He was not a narcissist. He saw himself as a poet. Many of the songs that were put to music was written by JM in his notebooks years before he became famous. Read about what Mary Werebelow had to say about it. She was his first girlfriend.
‘The Doors of Perception’ is about Mescalin (from the Peyote cactus), not LSD.
Is that do important to you that you need to clear that up lol
So*
“The Doors of Perception” is by Aldous Huxley. Aldous Huxley wrote “Brave New World”
Since Jim Morrison and Aldous Huxley are two very influential people, and influenced me...yes, I do feel the need to clear that up.
Forman's Basement The point is that the book is about Peyote. None of the other hallucinogens were mentioned. It’s because Peyote was supposed to be a more spiritual experience. It was said you could meet God. Peyote back then was like the DMT of today. These little nuances matter.
@@lorraineforte9175 Yes, it's that important. Precision is a valuable commodity in communication.
Jim Morrison definitely lived an interesting albeit far too short life. His father basically told him that he had no musical talent which led to him completely breaking off contact with his family. Dr. Grande, could you look into situations where parents effectively try to prevent their adult children pursuing any real independence from them, and who disapprove of their adult children's choices whether in their careers and/or relationships?
@@loralee792 Quite possibly. Whilst in a different field to Morrison, I know how having a militaristic and abusive parent can cause someone with strong inner convictions to be even more determined to succeed at one's goals. Thankfully, Jim Morrison did not let his father's very negative attitude towards his love of music deter him. Interestingly, on a Jim's grave site in about 1990, Jim's father had a flat stone placed over the site and on it a bronze plaque inscribed in ancient Greek with words meaning ""true to his own spirit" which I think is quite accurate. It's just a pity Jim Morrison's father never really came to terms with accepting his son for who he was when he was alive.
No musical talent? His dad couldn't have had much taste. No wonder Jim was rebellious.
@@loralee792 -- Or drove him to alcohol & drugs. If you have it in you to pursue art, art won't leave you alone. I write literary fiction and I've tried and tried to quit, but no dice. It nags at me till I pick it up again. (I've never had writers' block. But learning things like there's a casting couch for writers now, and having to put up with agents who, in the main, should be out selling cars, well.)
Considering the odds of being successful as a singer are very small, if the father really said that, he was just being practical, like most parents.
jim made claims that he had been sexually abused as a child. honestly, i think he wanted to die.
Awesome choice for a video! He was an intellectual and a creative genius who was so inspired by poets and philosophers. His love of philosophy was reflected in his lyrics-Nietzsche appeared to be one that kindled his soul. I hope that the quote from Nietzsche: "The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly" had meaning for him. Thank you, Dr. Grande for this video and the trip down memory lane!
You should definetly check out the movie Rockstar. The movie is based on this guy who is inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. The movie ends with him playing a guitar and a huge band with a soaring eagle in the background. I had no idea what that meant but after reading your comment it all makes sense! Definetly check the movie out
I saw him in concert, I was 12 and he actually scared me. He was drunk/high and basically just rolled around when he wasn't shouting obscenities and throwing things at the audience. I had seen Frank Zappa and the Mother's a few months before and they were absolutely amazing! Zappa was strict on sobriety.
I think part of seeing his behaviour as tolerable was also that he was so good-looking. When people are attractive anyway, certain personality traits can seem alluringly intense and exciting that might otherwise be off-putting.
He was so good looking. I thought his vocals were mediocre and his lyrics weren't all that great but together with the band everything worked (when Jim could perform without passing out). I do believe Jim's looks and sex appeal is what led the doors to be so famous -then of course the controversy surrounding Jim's sudden death at 27.
@@5954ldydi BS those songs and the band are classic. What a narrow-minded POV you have.
Fame and fortune doesn't hurt either. How can anyone handle all the fame, fortune, woman throwing themselves at him, anything you want and have all of those unresolved issues and addictions and survive? Morrison and Courson were like 2 runaway trains and it was just a matter of time before it went off the tracks. I think they were tortured souls as are most addicts.
Spot on.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@@brianwalsh1401 your comment really reminded me of this film Rockstar! It uncovers exavtly what you said. Its about a man who tries to uncover life. Inspired by Jim morrison, he tries to embody him eventually leading to the great downfall. Go give it a try!
This is the strangest life I've ever known...
He was right.
What he mumbled after saying that is totally creeped out.
Right on time as usual. Was actually just watching an older video of yours. As a psychology major I enjoy this content very much and appreciate your knowledge and thoroughness on your topics. 😊
right? when Dr grande touches on a topic you know well, the level of preparation he puts in becomes apparent.
Great summary, Dr. Grande. Jim is the greatest visionary songwriter who ever lived. But he was very troubled and caused much destruction around him. I think Pam is the classic empath vis-a-vis their relationship. And, let's be honest. Jim looked great.
They were drug addicts together and he did not look great in the end.
@@bonniewatts4922 He was breathtaking in his early twenties. But after 25 his face started swelling up and he lost his looks. He was drinking a great deal by then and probably developing liver damage.
I was really drawn to Jim in my formative high school years and as I’ve become aware of the forces of my personality and mood disorders, I’ve always felt that he also dealt with a lot of the same borderline/bipolar symptoms that have plagued my self destructive dual nature.
You should definitely watch the movie Rockstar! The entire movie is based on a guy like you who admires Jim Morrison and tries to embody him
Jim was first a great poet. He had always in his pocket the book "Illuminations" by Arthur Rimbaud. Strong knowledge of Greece History. Incredible reader. His level of knowledge of philosophy and literature was extraordinary high. Jim is a true poet. With a pure angel voice. Love his poems.
I am always amazed with your balanced, objective presentations, Dr. Grande.
“Music is your only friend, until the end.”
I’ve watched hours upon hours of your videos, each being better than the last. But you’re a legend for this one. Keep em coming doc!
In that case you should definitely watch the movie Rockstar! Based on a guy inspired by Jim Morrison and tries to embody him. Your quote truly made me remember this film because that’s how it truly ends! Well said!
Dr. Grande, your discretion when adding comedy to your videos is commendable. On another note, please do some more case studies. I’ve been through them all and I can’t wait for the next!
I'll always feel that Jim was trying to wake us up when he was at his last concert yelling out about us all being a bunch of slaves and asking how long we're going to take it. Look where we are now. Thank you for your sacrifice, Jim Morrison. I appreciate your honesty. Salute. RIP
Although Jim had friends and was very famous, he seemed to be a very lonely individual. He seemed to always be searching for the meaning of life and death. Jim was highly intellectual....his IQ of 147 is very impressive! He will always be one of my greatest inspirations. Jim was a singer/songwriter/poet/shaman/philosopher/genius. There will never be another quite like him! Rest in Power Lizard King. ❤
Would love to hear your take on Kanye West's mental health.
Yes same. That's a great recommendation.
But...isn't this "running for President" thing just a poke at seeing how a clone with AI would do in office? Joking...sort of...
Yes!
@@peggygenoway Kanye running for president is alarming on its own, but today at his first campaign rally, he cried. He is both highly open and deeply neurotic while being, in his own words, the most creative artist gawd ever placed on this planet, his extroverted when he has something to hype and aggressively introverted when he doesn't. And basically, he isn't agreeable to anything unless he's thought it up himself (or is taking credit for thinking something up). There! I spared Dr. Grande the pain of doing a video on Ye. You're all welcome. :-D
@@peggygenoway But remember, Peggy, women are too emotional to be president. *wink wink* *nudge nudge*
“He didn’t believe he should have to do work like normal people”
- Dr. Grande
“Trade in your hours for a handful of dimes, gonna make it baby in our prime”
- Jim Morrison.
Dr. Grande, I just read in the comments a viewer requesting an analysis of John Lennon. I also would really enjoy an analysis of John Lennon, especially in regards to his controversial romance with Yoko Ono.
Thank you.
Rejane Oliveira That one may have a two-part video.
I think it's interesting that Jim Morrison was born on December 8, the same day years later that John Lennon would be murdered.
That's a great suggestion 🧡
I know that this will be an unpopular opinion, but from what I’ve read, Lennon was a hypocritical, philandering abusive wife beater, as well as an emotionally abusive father to his first son Julian whom he later abandoned for a period of time. I have zero respect for a cheating woman beater and a child abuser. I think an analysis would be very interesting because everything that he portrayed to the world was in direct contrast to the way he really lived his life.
@@boysenberryjamfan2570 Now I'm even more interested... 🙂
The Doors performance on Ed Sullivan is classic. Allegedly the producer asked them not to say "higher" when they sang "Light My Fire". They performed the song live and said "higher" anyway. I don't think Jim did it on purpose, I believe he simply forgot. I think this was their first television appearance and they were likely nervous. It was said that Sullivan was so pissed that he refused to shake their hands after the performance. What cracks me up is that after the show they were in the dressing room and the producer comes back and said, "you guys blew it, you'll never do Sullivan again!". To which Jim Morrison responded, after taking a puff of his cigarette, "we just did Sullivan". What a rock star!!
A couple factual quibbles here. “The doors of perception” actually comes from a quote by poet William Blake: “If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.” Aldous Huxley used that phrase as the title of a book that he wrote about mescaline. Huxley also experimented with LSD, but his book focused specifically on mescaline.
The killer awoke before dawn, he put his boots on.
He went into the room where his sister lived...
And then he . . .
@@jeanettewaverly2590 he walked on down the hall
@@stever507 Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?
@@Bladblazers Very very frightening
Talented, Handsome, Addicted!! RIP Jim Morrison
Thank you for doing this video. Huge Doors fan since childhood. To the extent that Jim Morrison may have regarded his father as a "company man", I think that I can empathize a bit. I was coming of age in the late 60s thru the 70s and subjected to all of the mixed messaging of those crazy years. Social discord about civil rights and Vietnam was thunderous and an ever-present background noise. My father was a high ranking Marine Corps Officer with several combat tours under his belt and although I never doubted his love for me as his only son, he could be extremely negative and critical- shouting at me on an almost daily basis- if I displayed an interest in anything but a military career. From an early age, I was an aspiring zoologist/evolutionary biologist and that pursuit created immense friction between my father and I until he passed away a few months ago at age 89. I would never have acted out in the manner that Jim Morrison did, but I certainly understand how it feels to be condemned by one's father.
I would give you 5 thumbs up if I could.
This guy says "Morrison exposed himself" at the 1969 Miami concert. Yet with over 10,000 people in the audience, and cameras and reporters present, the police could not find anyone to testify that they saw him expose himself, except for one witness who was working for the prosecution. And that witness was a fledgling Miami reporter who had attended FSU with Morrison. "Jim Morrison: Life, Death, Legend" by Stephen Davis.
Yea many say he never exposed himself. A roadie has said he stood right there and made sure he didnt because Ray told him to watch Jim
I am a big fan of Jim Morrison; however, I am an even bigger fan of Dr. Todd Grande. As a graduate student in a clinical mental health counseling program, I listen to Dr. Grande regularly. His calm, soft spoken, down to earth explanations of complex psychological concepts have been helping me understand diagnoses from the DSM 5 since my days as psyc major in undergrad. Ever since an instructor that I had years ago recommended Dr. Grande to the class I have found him indispensable. Thanks for the videos Dr. Grande, you have helped me immeasurably sir.
“Theres a killer on the road his brain is squirming like a toad”. I love this analogy. Have often wondered if this is how murderers or ppl on the dark side feel. As though their brain is “squirming”
Now, you know, I love frogs and toads and that analogy just shows them in a negative light. I think Jim was writing the song, trying to come up with a word that rhymed with road...hmm, let’s see...load, mode, bowed, code, node...toad! Yeah, that sounds good - toad.
More like their soul is burning.
I think the analogy leads to the image of a toad trying to squirm out of a child's hands. His childhood, it seems, truly haunted him.
this line looks like a reminiscence of his experimental movie "Highway".
@@geslinam9703 Yeah...but neither loads, nor modes, nor bows, nor codes nor nodes "squirm"!!!
One of my favourite bands and front men. Thanks for covering.
Chris Cornell. He talked about suicide a lot in his music and I'd be interested to get your take on his situation.
I think they think it was his girlfriend that killed him
@@kimsmith819 who was his girlfriend? I've never heard he has a GF. His wife wasn't even in the same state. I've followed chris a lot and have never heard of that. Cornell has always been my favorite artist. He makes me float away.
Or let's hear it for John Frusciante, he's still alive though...
Him and Chester Bennington, both have completed and were good friends. I'd like to see a video on them as well.
I think he knew he was snorting heroin and what that would do. Morrison was depressed
Over the years of learning from you here each one of your programmes have been not only interesting but, for me, deeply thought provoking. Here, regarding the life and death of Jim Morrison from the perspective of mental health/personality, you have helped answer some of the ?s I have had amidst the depths of appreciation and compassionate response for such a restless and seemingly unsettled soul. Thank you for being generous with the fruits of your education/experience and for translating them into terms which even I can understand.
Jim Morrison is probably the love of my life. Introduced to Jim and the Doors when I was 15. I was never the same again. Imagine being so fascinated with a dead man when your 15 years old? And the music spoke to me like nothing had ever done before. Summer of 1985 was when Jim entered my life. He will always be in my life. We are a lot alike. Perhaps that is why the fascination was so deep. There is nothing more that I'd want than to have tea with him in heaven someday.
Jim was spot on.. "People are strange"
Interesting video.. Thank Dr Grande 🙂
'Hell is other people' Albert Camus
I am a physician (not a psychiatrist) and I found your analysis to be superb and factually clear and concise. Your summation of the rise and fall of this iconic, yet flawed genius, in my opinion, is as accurate as anything I have seen or heard. It is only regrettable that someone like you didn’t have an opportunity to intervene in his life during the chaotic period from his college years to perhaps his early to mid-20’s; not that he would necessarily listen to that person or heed any advice or insights. He certainly and historically wasn’t one to believe anybody “knew better”, as we have seen.
Pam was a long term Heroin addict; it was said by people around him that he probably mistook heroin for cocaine, and ... the Abyss.
That’s ridiculous. Morrison was clearly rebelling against myopic, officious, arrogant, uninformed, and unimaginative people like the video creator. He simply wouldn’t have listened-and rightly so. For that matter, he very likely had at least one high school counselor who could have been this guy’s doppelgänger.
“Reality is just a controlled hallucination”
“I think reality is for people who can’t handle drugs”
reality is what it is, plain and simple. if is precipitated by your actions or people around you, or system which you are in, some under your control, some not.
one of jim's reality is his DAD, who commanded his own wishes for his son oblivious to his son' s inclinations for his own life.
@Jose Gonzalez 💯💯💯 *I mean, was the man right, or was he right??*
@@mariaalano3077 well said
@@Griselda_Puppy Yates and Watts very wise and groovy dudes
I may nay not agree with what you say, but I'll fight to the death for your right to say it.
While truck driving. Music would fill a void. It was like I was reborn. When I realized. So many songs I grew up listening to were by the doors. And eventually remembered. When the doors were in Louisville Kentucky. I was there. A friends dad got tickets and invited me as well. I was just a short young kid. The crowd was standing most the time. So it was difficult to see Jim and the band. What I remember was. Jim was wearing a white shirt. And the music was LOUD. I have read all the doors books . Seen the movie. Bought a $100 Jim Morrison scrap book. Yes I’m obsessed. Not sure why. But there is something very special about Jim and the doors. Jim’s life feels like an open book. Dirty laundry and all. What
Is amazing to me is. Jim did not get caught up in material wealth. Light my fire hit song. Provided all the money a young man would want. And Jim’s living in a cheap motel room. No sports cars. No mansions. And that was jim. I will remember jim as a poet. Who opened the doors of rock music. Exposing humanity in the process. Gotta love the guy.
I recently bought and downloaded the Best of Doors album. I’ve been truly amazed at the great song writing, not just words but the music. No one creates music like that anymore! The Crystal Ship is my favorite but it’s a sad song. I also love Wishful Sinful and Love Street. Amazing songs, so beautiful. He died far too young. I never saw them in concert but I saw Hendrix, Joplin with Big Brother, Cream and lots more in live concert.
The gifted child with authority issues.
jim made claims that he had been sexually abused as a child. honestly, i think he wanted to die.
I don't think Jim Morrison's personality was such an enigma. These days white and black young people listen to rap and dress in hip-hop clothes to rebel against the Establishment. Jim Morrison was a conformist who thought he wasn't one. A lot of young people took drugs and revolted against the industrial-military complex in the 1960's. His father was in the Navy so it was natural to rebel against him. I believe some of his behavior was to maintain an image he hoped would sell concert tickets and albums.
@@johnrunion5357 stop spreading lies and misinformation.
@@johnrunion5357 WTF! R U INSANE!!! How dare you even make such an unholy statement like that!
@@pixiehellasweet do some research...jim confided that sad bit of info to a very few close, selected friends. they in turn did not divulge that information until years after jim's passing.
I simply love the kindness you express to every single analysis, Dr. Grande 😊
Good analysis....his child hood memories were dark and influenced him as a young adult....I have always felt that Morrison did what he did so I would not follow his way....I just watched him go the route he did...he basically sacrificed himself as an example of saying life was a spark and he was going to live it up....I have been to the edge but Morrison went over the edge.
He had a part in history from when he was born. He had experiences in life and genetics... Everyone let him go off rail..... No one stepped in. I don't blame anyone though because that was what it was like in that time.. those were the times. It's hard to say what happened, but people live and die in the same way. The old saying " you live by the sword, you die by the sword". Live hard die hard.... But The Doors are definitely one of my most hypnotic groups. When I am going off track, this is what I listen to.
He predicted the future of music, was a highly intelligent guy and it must not have been easy for him for people who didn’t dig him. It frustrated him. He really wanted to be taken seriously as a poet but he wasn’t. It pissed him off and he let himself go. R.I.P. Jim.
Jim Morrison a poet. Man he made music live, a feeling vib that shook everyone. Short life musical genius even to this day. RIP Ray and Jim. The DOORS.
My daughter loves the doors and I've even seen my grandson bobbing his head to them. Jim was a real mystery. Would love to hear you do Janis. Those two probably had a million more good songs if they had got away from the drugs.
Are you still Scorpio Moon after NASA finding another constellation. I have been a Tauren all my life, now I find myself to be an Arean, how very strange that Ophiuchus (a man holding a snake) should be found and upset everything!!! 💖from 🇦🇺♉️?♈️!
@@demmimorelle4654 lol. True. Actually it's my moon sign though. Western astrology even uses astroids. It won't matter what they find that's new.
“Jim Morrison and a bunch of lizards.” YAS!
WiteDahlia This is what I hope heaven is like.
Lions in the street and roaming dogs in heat, rabid, foaming
The body of his mother sitting I the summer ground he fled the town
Left the chaos and disorder back there over his shoulder.
Or something like that. My 15yo me would recite thousands of words and try to findbthe meaning. But it was the floating mysterious rhythms that made it all perfect. In my teen mind. Then I discovered David Bowie.
Humanimal me too. I’m still into Jim’s poetry. It’s phenomenal
Ed "stick up his" Sullivan thought himself so great that he should censor art. Like these governors who lust for power that cannot help themselves but to try and control you with nonsensical, humiliating demands and rules like you can't buy seeds because of covid. How absurd, "girl we couldn't get much better". What an ass.
Sold his soul 😢
As I practice tattooing on myself, I put on a fresh playlist of Dr Grandes videos. It's incredibly therapeutic! It's a voice of reason in a chaotic world. Favorite part is when he said "old school" - that's how you know this guy is cool. And like usual, I had to stop for some of the usual hidden humor! Cheers dr!!
Please stop tattooing yourself.
Just stop.
@@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488 but it's so much fun and feels so good.
@@xMattOxi thank you, I appreciate that. And it's not like I'm going to be bothered by someone I dont know telling me not to do something. To each their own.
@@xMattOxi for sure, stick and poke is what I've been doing, takes a lot longer but for me it's more precise
@@xMattOxi for sure bro, thx! Hopefully you can stand the other crap I put up 😂
"The Doors of Perception" was about mescaline, not LSD, and it was written by Aldous Huxley (author of Brave New World). And it's amazing :) Huxley's book "The Perennial Philosophy" is essentially my "bible", it helped me to understand how to see the same essential truths in all religions, and life in general. Highly recommended!
Your are correct and I read this book at 14.Hard read must say.
Also, Huxley took the title of his book from William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell:
“If the Doors of perception are cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.”.
And if go back further-to the poet William Blake-you’ll see the true origin of Jim’s desire to call the group The Doors. Huxley popularized the concept for the 20th century, but it was Blake whom Morrison was smitten with.
Thank god someone commented this
What a sober, composed and well-curated analysis! Thank you.
Yep, I was one of those folks who trekked to Pere Lachaise to his grave. But really, that graveyard is bulging at the seams with popular, brilliant, and famous folk.
I never found Jim’s grave but did see quite a few famous names. Oscar Wilde’s headstone was covered in red lipstick kisses- I am told there is a glass enclosure now. The day I visited was a rainy, overcast dark day. Some of the graves are in dire need of repair and maintenance. I hope that in the future there will be volunteers to honor these wonderful men and women by keeping their resting places pristine.
101taiga Yep, I am as well! Even took my son when he was a teenager, he is now 35. He has told me many times that I grew up in the best music era (I agree!). A few years ago, also saw the club on the Left Bank where he is suspected of dying and the apartment building on the Right Bank where his body was discovered. Think I’m a fan!
marie-elena Waldrip - I think it is fenced off now.
I'd be like, Jim Morrison ok. Now on to Voltaire, Moliere, Oscar Wilde, Emile Zola, Georges Bizet....
He was a poet singer, really a smart guy but wild and impulsive, often moody too. Good analysis Dr. G
THE DOORS The GOAT of American Rock n Roll. Facts.
Agree 🤘🏻😎🍻
I agree.
loser
Agree
Yes!!! Perfect description
-there's nothing.. like real poetry... as song lyrics... poetry creates the most powerful imagery in your mind... and for some odd reason, when people speak of Jim Morrison, his voice is rarely or never mentioned... but he had a truly great voice, as well... and then, he was also a very passionate performer - so, as a lead singer.. he had it all... a great voice, real poetry as lyrics, and real onstage charisma !!!
I was born in 1953 and the Doors music had a huge influence on my life. My older brother of two years was also a bigger hippie than me. , drugs and drinking shortened my brothers life to die at age 49 back in 2000. Strange, now summer of 2020 , I am mysteriously extremely drawn back to the Doors and Jim Morrison. Most of my friends that were into the Doors back in 1969 & 70 are dead today ! Often on Door's music youtube posts ,, I see a lot of young people saying, they wish they were born earlier and feel they missed out. Well not really, today, age 67 , I am in extreme pain and use a wheelchair to get around. Extreme living caught up with me in 1981, and I got paralyzed in a horrible car accident. I DO NOT blame the Doors , but some how , like Jim Morrison many of us either have a short life or a horrible life.?
Damn. That sucks dude. I'm sorry to hear that.
I love Jim Morrison. Clicked so fast(:
And total eye candy too
jim made claims that he had been sexually abused as a child. honestly, i think he wanted to die.
John Runion where can I find this?
@@johnrunion5357 he never claimed that !!
There isn't an interview done where he hints to anything of the kind .
You are mistaken .
I’d like to know how much this guy actually read about Jim Morrison and how much was taken from Oliver Stones misinterpretation of him in that narcissistic portrayal by Val Kilmer (though not his Kilmer’s fault - he played the part extremely convincingly - I blame Stone for the script!) The point being that Ray Manzarek loathed the movie and frankly this psychologist seems so far removed from any ‘counter-culture that it seems he would consider anything as reckless or irresponsible! To classify Morrison as having NPD is a bit of a cop out tbh, as much of what Jim Morrison said which appeared narcissistic to a casual observer ie The Lizard King, was actually intended to be humorous and ironic. Apologies, but I think Morrison is a bit out of this guy’s league in terms of intelligence (Morrison had an IQ of 149 and his creative legacy of wasn’t a recitation of the DSM-5 either!)
There's really is not a lot of info out there on Jim Morrison. I did see an interview with his father and he seemed like a decent guy but also seemed very limited in actually seeing someone as different as Jim was. The military life isn't the most open and creative. It also didn't appear that he had tight bonds with his family or maybe anyone other than Pam. She died as well so there's really no way to understand him. His band mates are still around but don't seem to have much of an understanding about him either. His siblings haven't said much. It appears no one knew who he was. That must've been lonely.
Actually there are quite a few books out there about Morrison..and many interviews Ray did talking about Jim's alcoholism and life.
Jim was an addict. That's how he dealt with any issues he may have had through escapism and fantasy. He was a tormented "genius" trying to express himself, and curate an image of himself as a philosopher, while being anti-authority. He died before he was able to understand fully what he wanted to say, or believe. His search lead him into an abstract adventure fueled by drugs and alcohol. The drugs and alcohol ultimately mapped his path, and claimed his life.
@@DickDickstein You hit the nail on the head. Except we are not sure how he died. No autopsy? Why wasnt his family alerted to see if they wanted him to be buried in Paris or flown back to the US? He may have had smack out of curiosity it it's possible considering his immaturity.
I don't think Jim knew who he was.
@@bonniewatts4922 -- How many of us do?
So, you made 8 videos within a week...
That's either some real talent or a great team that you have!
No, really, Dr. G, can you explain how you find the time to churn out so many videos during a pandemic? I’m a mental heath counselor and I’ve never been busier with clients.
@@mxRian4 lollll. probably has assistants as brain mentioned
@@mxRian4 I'm no certified counselor but have put many dozens of hours into reading about these things. Even thought it was a long time ago, I still retain an awful lot of it. Once you accumulate a certain amount of knowledge, a lot comes down to not what you know but what you remember. And then filling in the blanks where your memory has started to seep away, and some reconsideration, if you want to be scrupulous, to see if you feel and think now what you felt and thought then. My guess is that this was not so hard as you think if you're into this stuff. Like, ask Joseph Campbell what he knows about myth. I don't think you'll get a lot of stammering and confusion or simple shoulder-shrugging. You've probably got four hours coming at any random time, and an all night session if you're at his house and you can keep the beer coming.
@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 It's more the video editing that baffles me, so maybe there is a team we don't see.
People, if you do an extensive research on Jim, all of a sudden you will perfectly understand why Jim was the way he was. Otherwise, everybody is just saying how he is all these negative things, but nobody is asking what caused all of that in Jim.
I was born in '64 , also too young to have seen the Doors in concert. I really began listening to music as often as I could when I was around ten. First on am radio, and then a couple of years later on 45s I would by with my allowance.
I bought a lot of records but never a Doors record.
I didn't like them much.
Now, they're my favorite band.
Imagine that, at 58.
Welcome to the club! 😃 I love Jim but found some of the music jarring. Going to a live cover band concert and listening to the instruments live, changed all that!
It is sad that Mr. Morrison never knew that his dad loved him while alive...there is a certain child-like quality artists retain that is conducive to their creativity. Sometimes one perceives reality as a horrible, inescapable place. I wonder, realistic or not, how he perceived his relationship with his father: so many references in his music. Perhaps ( such speculation) he felt he lost his childhood and was famous and entitled to relive it. Like so many people not famous, these factors become entangled. I guess the work is untangling these things in a safe place: tough stuff. Thanks so much
Hi Wendy, you're obviously a creative type personality to imagine that those of us, of the creative type, who are more sensitive to the world around us, would perceive 'reality' in such an accurate way, 'a horrible, inescapable place'. Thus, James' decent into dug addiction and alcohol abuse! Regarding his father, an Admiral in the U.S. Navy, who obviously relished the strict formality and regimented dynamics of such an organisation, did love his children and I think James was probably aware of that. However, the two were poles apart, as individuals! George was a man bound by rules, impersonal, and maybe even a little harsh. Whereas James was a very intense artistic type; creative, sensitive and totally boundless, by nature! This, of course, gave way to that child-like quality of whole-souled creativity we saw in his writings! What a tortured mind this poor man must have had, to have written like he did! The world of music has suffered many losses of-such brilliant, yet tortured artists! Notably, Mr. James Morrison!
Jim was a genius with an IQ over 140 so if I were a betting man I would say Jim KNEW his Dad loved him. From what I've read that the other members of the band stated (if memory serves me right I think it was the other members of the band), Jim, unlike what was stated publicly, did visit his parents. So if this is true then I think there's the public story (like when Jim said his parents were dead) and then there was reality.
I agree that the interview with JM's father is a great i night to their true relationship. JM's father clearly loved him. I foiunx his father to be very sweet in that interview. To me what stood out is just how brokenhearted his father was to have lost JM . It also seemed JM's entire family loved him and missed him very much. I hope society's stupid glamouriizng of the 27 club is given a huge reality check. JM's death as well as the deaths of the supposed "others" are tragic for so many reasons. Mostly because of the substance abuses of young performers vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation
Yogi Tarot.
JM's father may have loved his son in his way. The reality is however that the "keeping up appearances" were more important to him, along with an attempt to mould his son into something he wasn not. All required for Jim to be fully accepted. Jim detested hypocrisy. And rightly so. Sadly the US society rates high on both stupidity and hypocrisy. Jim did not belong in this type of society. The father's and the rest of the family "love" was conditional. It's not love.
I listened to the Soft Parade album twice today.
Fantastic album !!!
As a longtime fan of the Doors, and someone who has been watching your channel for some time, I gotta say that Im very pleased with this video!
Alice Cooper said Jim Morrison was a great guy when sober, everybody around him liked him as well. However, Alice said Morrison was so reckless they all were so surprised he lived to 27.