Guitar, bass and drums were all played backward as part of the effects. The part at the beginning may have been ahead of its time, as it sounded a lot like the record scratching Hip-Hop DJs began using years later.
Hendrix also played the piano on this track.
Are You Experienced?
Jimi Hendrix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then come on across to me
We'll hold hands an' then we'll watch the sun rise from the bottom of the sea
But first
Are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
I know, I know
You'll probably scream n' cry
That your little world won't let you go
But who in your measly little world are trying to prove that
You're made out of gold and -a can't be sold
So-er, are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
Ah, let me prove it to you
Trumpets and violins, I can hear in the distance
I think they're calling our names
Maybe now you can't hear them, but you will
If you just take hold of my hand
Ah! But are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful
The lyrics to Jimi Hendrix Experience's song "Are You Experienced?" suggest that the singer is trying to share an experience with someone who has not yet had it. He is asking the listener to "get your mind together," and join him in an adventure in which they will "watch the sun rise from the bottom of the sea." To do this, the singer is trying to convince the listener that they need to be open-minded and willing to experience new things. He asks the listener if they have ever been experienced, suggesting that he has had experiences that have opened his mind and that he can show the listener the same.
The singer seems to be aware that this message will not sit well with everyone. He predicts that the listener will "scream n' cry" and that their "little world won't let them go." He acknowledges that the listener might feel obligated to prove their worth, but suggests that this is a fruitless pursuit. In the conclusion, the singer insists again that the listener needs to be experienced and should take his hand to hear the trumpets and violins he hears in the distance.
Line by Line Meaning
If you can just get your mind together
If you can focus and be present
Then come on across to me
Then connect with me
We'll hold hands an' then we'll watch the sun rise from the bottom of the sea
We'll be together, witness the beauty of nature and feel its magic
But first
Are you experienced?
But first, do you have life experience?
Have you ever been experienced?
Have you ever felt truly alive?
Well, I have
Well, I have and I want to share it with you
I know, I know
You'll probably scream n' cry
I know it might be scary and overwhelming for you
That your little world won't let you go
That your everyday life and routine are holding you back
But who in your measly little world are trying to prove that
You're made out of gold and -a can't be sold
But who are you trying to impress and why? You are unique and valuable.
So-er, are you experienced?
So, do you feel truly alive?
Ah, let me prove it to you
Let me share my experiences with you
Trumpets and violins, I can hear in the distance
I perceive and feel the beauty and depth of life
I think they're calling our names
I think we are meant to embrace life together
Maybe now you can't hear them, but you will
If you just take hold of my hand
Maybe you don't understand it now, but you will if you let me guide you
Ah! But are you experienced?
Ah! But do you truly embrace and celebrate life?
Have you ever been experienced?
Have you ever felt the depth and beauty of life?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful...
Not necessarily under the influence of drugs, but aware of the beauty of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMI HENDRIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Devin Kennedy
on Spanish Castle Magic (alternate take)
Is this really the alternete take