"People Are Strange" is a 1967 single by The Doors, featured on their second album, Strange Days. Written by Jim Morrison and Robby Krieger, the song is known for its haunting melody, theatrical cabaret influences, and lyrics that explore alienation and the outsider experience12.
Inspiration and Writing
The song’s genesis is rooted in Jim Morrison’s personal struggle with depression and feeling disconnected. According to bandmates, Morrison arrived at Krieger’s house in a deeply depressed state. After taking a walk together in Laurel Canyon, Morrison returned "euphoric" and quickly wrote the lyrics, inspired by a moment of clarity while looking out over Los Angeles132. Morrison later explained that the song’s theme came to him as he realized his depression was tied to feeling different: "if you’re strange, people are strange".
Another layer of inspiration comes from Morrison’s experiences in New York City. After a night at Andy Warhol’s Factory, Morrison walked through the city at dawn, observing people emerging from the subway. This vision of "creatures crawling out from underground" contributed to the song’s imagery and its sense of urban alienation56.
Lyrics and Meaning
"People Are Strange" uses simple, direct language to evoke feelings of not fitting in:
"People are strange when you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly when you’re alone
Women seem wicked when you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven when you’re down"
The song is a meditation on alienation, vulnerability, and the distorted perceptions that come with loneliness. It resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider, whether due to personal struggles, countercultural identity, or substance use12. Critics and scholars have noted the song’s "Expressionist idea of alienation and distanciation," and its embrace of strangeness as a universal human experience2.
Musical Style and Reception
Musically, "People Are Strange" reflects The Doors’ fascination with European cabaret, featuring Ray Manzarek’s organ and tack piano, Robby Krieger’s slide guitar, and a mid-tempo, theatrical arrangement12. The song reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a fan favorite for its compelling blend of melody and mood132.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Doors |
| Album | Strange Days (1967) |
| Writers | Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger |
| Theme | Alienation, outsider status, vulnerability |
| Inspiration | Morrison’s depression, Laurel Canyon walk, NYC subway scene |
| Style | Theatrical, cabaret-influenced psychedelic rock |
| Chart Performance | #12 Billboard Hot 100 |
| Legacy | Anthem for outsiders, widely covered and referenced |
Summary
"People Are Strange" is The Doors’ evocative anthem of alienation, inspired by Jim Morrison’s personal battles and his observations of urban life. Its haunting melody and direct lyrics capture the universal feeling of being an outsider, making it a lasting touchstone for anyone who has ever felt "strange"125.
