About the song
“Touch Me,” a standout track from The Doors’ 1969 album *The Soft Parade*, encapsulates the band’s evolution into a more expansive musical territory. Written by guitarist Robby Krieger, the song departed from their earlier blues-rock roots by integrating lush orchestration, including prominent brass and strings, marking a departure from their previous works. The addition of saxophonist Curtis Amy further enriched the composition with a soulful jazz solo, a daring move at the time for a rock band.
Released as a single in late 1968, “Touch Me” swiftly ascended the charts, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the Cashbox Top 100 in early 1969, marking it as The Doors’ third American number-one single. Its success extended internationally, reaching No. 1 on the RPM Canadian Singles Chart and breaking into the top 10 in Australia’s Kent Music Report. Despite these achievements, the song curiously failed to chart in the UK, highlighting the varied reception of The Doors’ music across different markets.
The song’s lyrical content underwent several transformations during its creation. Originally titled “Hit Me,” it flirted with themes of risk and allure, echoing a blackjack metaphor that lead singer Jim Morrison later revised to avoid potential misinterpretation during live performances. Morrison’s lyrical adjustment, substituting “hit me” with “touch me,” infused the track with a more sensual and introspective tone, aligning with the broader themes of love and connection explored throughout the album.
Musically, “Touch Me” blended elements of pop and psychedelic rock, bridging these genres with its sophisticated arrangements and Krieger’s inventive guitar work, which included a riff borrowed from The Four Seasons’ “C’mon Marianne.” This eclectic mix not only distinguished the song but also positioned it as an early precursor to the progressive rock movement that would flourish in subsequent years.
Over time, “Touch Me” has been recognized as a pivotal moment in The Doors’ discography, celebrated for its bold musical experimentation and cultural impact. Its enduring popularity was reaffirmed by subsequent releases, including remixes and appearances in video games, underscoring its timeless appeal and enduring relevance in the rock canon.
Video
Lyrics
Yeah
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now, touch me, babe
Can’t you see that I am not afraid?
What was that promise that you made?
Why won’t you tell me what she said?
What was that promise that you made?
Now I’m gonna love you
Till the heavens stop the rain
I’m gonna love you
Till the stars fall from the sky
For you and I
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now, touch me, babe
Can’t you see that I am not afraid?
What was that promise that you made?
Why won’t you tell me what she said?
What was that promise that you made?
I’m gonna love you
Till the heavens stop the rain
I’m gonna love you
Till the stars fall from the sky
For you and I
I’m gonna love you
Till the heavens stop the rain
I’m gonna love you
Till the stars fall from the sky
For you and I
Stronger than dirt