I'm truly proud to state that I haven't outgrown my phase of being a die-hard fan of Jim Morrison and the Doors. Thirty years ago, I was captivated by Jim's profound lyrics and the Doors' unique and eclectic blend of the blues, jazz, rock, and carnival music. Recently, upon revisiting their albums and delving deep into Jim's lyrics and poetry once again, I find that I'm still as much of a big fan as ever.

The American Night turned out to be far better than I had anticipated. Considering it's the final collection of Jim's work and was published many years after his untimely death, I initially thought it might be a mere "scraping of the barrel" kind of effort. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a solid compilation of interesting, original, and highly entertaining poetry.

As I've alluded to before, it's rather challenging to objectively judge the external writing endeavors of one's favorite songwriters. Part of the enjoyment surely lies in noticing the references to their lives, experiences, or albums, along with a general sense of high-octane rock 'n' roll excitement, which includes plenty of elements related to sex, drugs, and rebellion. Often, while reading, you can be completely enthralled, yet a part of you wonders if what you're reading is actually of great quality. I firmly believe that Jim's poetry is the real deal, and it's truly a pity that he didn't live longer to further develop his unique voice and the substance of his work.

This collection is put together very nicely. It's evident that it wasn't just a hasty cash-in attempt to capitalize on Jim's fame and celebrity status. The contents encompass 'An American Prayer,' the two performance pieces that morphed into songs, namely 'A Celebration of the Lizard' and 'The Soft Parade,' Jim's poems from The Village Reading, various sets of poems from his journals, several of his lyrics, and the last poems he penned as his 'Paris Journal.' It's a quite diverse offering, and there is an illuminating description of the origin of each section's poems.

I think it's indeed true that Jim's lyrics are, overall, stronger than his poems. Perhaps this is because he selected the best poems to transform into lyrics and then refined them into tighter and somewhat more coherent works. Nevertheless, his poems are utterly fascinating to me, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jim Morrison's lyrics and the Doors.

Dark, gothic, honest and poignant. These are the words that come to mind when thinking about the work of the dark poet at work. His words have the power to transport us to a world of shadows and mystery, where emotions run deep and truth is laid bare.

Each line he pen is like a brushstroke on a canvas, painting a vivid picture of the human experience. The darkness that he explores is not one of fear or despair, but rather one of self-discovery and acceptance. He forces us to look within ourselves and face the parts of us that we may try to hide.

The dark poet at work is a master of his craft, using language to create a mood and atmosphere that is both captivating and disturbing. His words linger in our minds long after we have read them, making us question our own beliefs and values. #whereareyoujimmorrison

Stripped down images and thick, visceral lines.

I have always been an ardent admirer of Morrison's poetry. It has a unique allure that draws me in, even the unfinished, glowing moon-daft fragments.

His amazing song lyrics are just the tip of the iceberg. Even when his brain was alcohol soaked and LSD sparked, the words he produced were alive and they cried out with a raw intensity.

There is a certain magic in his writing that makes it stand out from the rest. It's as if he is able to tap into a deeper well of emotions and express them in a way that is both powerful and profound.

Morrison's poetry is a testament to his creativity and his ability to see the world in a different light. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden beauty and meaning that lies within.

Whether it's a complete poem or a fragmented thought, each piece of his work has the potential to touch our hearts and souls.

I can't wait to see what other masterpieces he will create in the future.

This work is clearly an exploitation of the cultural phase that was being lived. At that time, in the early 1990s, there was a permanent cult to The Doors and Jim Morrison. The movie was in the cinemas and the publisher took the opportunity to release this volume which is just a compilation of loose poems that Jim left scattered in various places, some already published.

In any case, it is a very beautiful work that allows us to get to know the poetry of Jim Morrison. His words are like a window into his soul, revealing his deepest thoughts and emotions. The poems are filled with vivid imagery and powerful language that can transport the reader to another world.

Whether you are a fan of The Doors or simply interested in poetry, this volume is definitely worth checking out. It offers a unique perspective on one of the most influential figures in rock music history and provides a glimpse into the creative mind of Jim Morrison.

He was a truly powerful visionary.

His mind was filled with countless innovative ideas and concepts that had the potential to revolutionize the world.

With unwavering determination, he pursued his dreams, unafraid of the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead.

His vision was not only limited to the present but extended far into the future, envisioning a world that was more advanced, more harmonious, and more prosperous.

He had the ability to see opportunities where others saw only difficulties, and his leadership and charisma inspired those around him to follow his path.

His ideas and actions had a profound impact on society, leaving a lasting legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.

He was a remarkable individual, a true force to be reckoned with, and his story serves as an inspiration to us all.

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1st Read: January 24, 1996 - January 25, 1996 (*** Rating)

I have a similar opinion about this book of poetry as I had about Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison, Volume 1. The author truly had an amazing talent for words and writing.

However, I much prefer listening to their music. Especially the songs that the media hasn't overplayed a million times! I would be extremely shocked and happy if I heard "Take it as it Comes", "Moonlight Drive" or something from the overlooked album The Soft Parade on those so-called "Classic Rock" radio stations. Seriously...I love The Doors, but how many times do we really need to hear "Roadhouse Blues"? It's a great song, but don't overdo it! That's my rant!

2nd Read: June 10, 2017 - June 11, 2017 (*** Rating)

I've enjoyed this one more than "Wilderness", as it contains quite a few songs that were on The Doors albums. In that regard, they made more sense to me. Still, his poetry goes against what poetry was supposed to be. Some of it leaves me confused as it lacks clear meaning or inspiration.

I've been a die-hard fan of Morrison for countless years. His allure and talent have always fascinated me deeply. In fact, when I was just 16 years old, I was so inspired by him that I wrote a short story dedicated solely to him. Morrison was not just a musician; he was a dark poet in the truest sense. His words had the power to transport you to a different realm, a place filled with mystery, passion, and raw emotions. Reading his poems was an experience like no other. It could make you feel something that you simply couldn't get by just listening to The Doors' music. The depth and complexity of his poetry allowed you to truly understand the inner workings of his mind and soul. It was as if he was baring his heart and sharing his most intimate thoughts and feelings with the world through his words.

You don't know how hard it is to perform "LA Woman" until you decide to karaoke it.

This man, Jim Morrison, was truly a poetic genius. His lyrics in "LA Woman" are like a vivid画卷 that unfolds the essence of the city and the complex emotions within.

The song's rhythm and melody add to its allure, making it a classic that has stood the test of time.

When attempting to karaoke "LA Woman", one quickly realizes the challenge of capturing Morrison's unique vocal style and the passion he infused into every word.

It's not just about singing the notes; it's about embodying the spirit of the song and bringing its story to life.

Morrison's talent as a poet and musician is truly remarkable, and "LA Woman" is just one example of his extraordinary body of work.

Jim Morrison, who was the front man for the band The Doors in the 1960s, was a remarkable figure.

He had a penchant for writing highly controversial lyrics in his songs, delving into themes such as war, death, sex, and love.

Morrison always regarded himself more as an American poet rather than just a rock star.

This collection of his poems and songs truly showcases his status as a great poet.

The collection is diverse, ranging from poems that had never been published before to songs that were hits back in the 1960s.

Most of his poems possess a certain order and rhyme scheme, while some are rather scatterbrained and extremely out there. However, they remain highly interesting and entertaining.

I have truly enjoyed "The American Night" and all of Morrison's poetry collections.

His works offer a unique and captivating insight into his creative mind and the era in which he lived.

They continue to resonate with audiences today, proving the enduring power of his artistry.

Whether you are a fan of rock music or a lover of poetry, Morrison's collections are well worth exploring.

My favorite poems:

VI
(POWER).

I can make the earth stop
in its course, I have done
the most remote things, I can change
the course of nature.
I can locate myself in any place of
space and time.
I can summon the dead.
I can perceive events of other worlds,
in the deepest and most hidden part of my mind,
and in the minds of others.
I can.
I am.

XXXIII
(THE OPENING OF THE CHEST).

— Moment of inner freedom
when the mind opens and
the infinite universe is revealed,
and the soul is free to wander
searching amazed and confused,
here and there masters and friends.

XLIII
(IF IT'S NOT A PROBLEM…).

If it's not a problem, why mention it? Everything said means that: it is its opposite and everything else. I am alive, I am dying.

XLVIII
(HURRICANE AND ECLIPSE).

I wish a storm would come
and carry away far,
or that a bomb
would burn the city and purify.
I wish the clean death,
would come to me.

My lines:

/ Eternal consciousness in the Void (making judgment and prison seem almost friendly) /

/ These lines are written to convey the message; to ignore the warning; to go on a spree up, among the voices of torture; to visit the subterranean seas. Believe. Things more horrible than war, things outside of stories, great beasts that are becoming extinct. /

/ The child surrenders to the nightmare, while the adult fears his fear /

/ — I called you to anoint the earth. I called you to announce the sadness that falls like burned skin. I called you to wish you well, to delight in yourselves like a new monster, and now I call you to pray. /

/ We are not constant. We are an arrow in flight, the sum of the angles of variation. /

/ Let's steal the eye that sees us all. /

/ We should try to find a new answer instead of a path. /

I really enjoyed this for the most part.

However, I have to give it 4 stars because it just doesn't quite measure up to the first volume.

The story had its engaging moments, and the characters were still interesting.

But there were some aspects that felt a bit lacking compared to the previous installment.

Maybe it was the pacing, or perhaps some of the plot developments didn't have the same impact.

Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series progresses.

I hope that the next volume will bring back the magic and excitement that made the first one so great.

Overall, it's a solid addition to the series, but it does have some room for improvement.