03-Been Down So Long
The Doors Lyrics

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Well, I've been down so goddamn long
That it looks like up to me
Well, I've been down so very damn long
That it looks like up to me
Yeah, why don't one of you people
A-come on and set me free?

I said, warden, warden, warden

Won't you break your lock and key?
I said, warden, warden, warden
Won't ya break your lock and key?
Yeah, come along here, mister
Come on and a-let the poor boy be

Baby, baby, baby
Won't you get down on your knees?
Baby, baby, baby
Won't you get down on your knees?
Come on, little darlin'
Come on, a-give your love to me, oh yeah

Well, I've been down so goddamn long
That it looks like up to me
Well, I've been down so very damn long
That it looks like up to me
Yeah, why don't one you people
Come on

Come on
Come on and set me free

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Doors' Been Down So Long describe a state of being trapped in a cycle of negativity and despair, with the singer having been down for so long that any sight of hope or positivity (represented by looking up) seems out of reach. The singer calls out to the warden to break free from his confinement, but also seeks the love and salvation of a woman who can lift him up from his misery.

The repetition of the line "I've been down so very damn long / that it looks like up to me" conveys the sense of hopelessness and desensitization to any kind of positive change, emphasizing the depth of the singer's anguish. The use of the word "warden" suggests a prison-like environment or a metaphorical confinement within one's own negative thoughts and emotions.

The final stanza, with the repeated call to "come on" and set the singer free, can be interpreted as a plea for people to help each other and offer support during times of hardship. The mention of being on one's knees also adds a religious undertone, framing the plea for help as a prayer.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I've been down so goddamn long
I've been feeling low for such a long time that even things that seem good to others appear average to me.

That it looks like up to me
I've been so down that my perception of things has been severely affected, and I've started seeing things that are average or mediocre as good.

Well, I've been down so very damn long
I've been stuck in this low state for such a long period of time that it has taken an emotional toll on me.

Yeah, why don't one of you people
I wish someone could come and rescue me from this low state and make me feel better.

A-come on and set me free?
I need someone to help me break free from this emotional prison I find myself in.

I said, warden, warden, warden
I'm reaching out for help, and I'm pleading with anyone who has the power to change my situation.

Won't you break your lock and key?
I'm stuck in my current state, and I need someone to help me break free from it and move on.

Yeah, come along here, mister
I'm calling out to anyone who can help me make things better for me, begging them to come to my aid.

Come on and a-let the poor boy be
I'm in a helpless state, and I need someone to take mercy on me and help me out of my current predicament.

Baby, baby, baby
I'm desperate for attention and care from someone who can help me out of this difficult situation.

Won't you get down on your knees?
I'm pleading for someone to offer me support and help me feel better about my situation.

Come on, little darlin'
I'm trying to invoke feelings of compassion towards me, and I'm begging for someone to come to my aid.

Come on and give your love to me, oh yeah
I'm seeking refuge in someone who can provide me with love and support to help me overcome my difficulties.

Yeah, why don't one you people
I'm still in need of help and I'm making another plea for someone to come to my rescue and make things better for me.

Come on
I'm begging for someone to come to my aid and save me from this difficult situation.

Come on
I'm still pleading with anyone who can hear me to come to my aid and help me overcome my difficulties.

Come on and set me free?
I'm feeling trapped and helpless, and I need someone to come and help me break free from this cycle of negativity and despair.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Jim Morrison, John Paul Densmore, Raymond Manzarek, Robert Krieger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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