Unit 2 Friends

Listen and answer the questions:

1. What does he need?

2. What kind of friend does he need?

3. What do you think is the meaning of this song?

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/doors/hyacinthhouse.html

"Hyacinth House" is a 1971 song by The Doors which appears on their final album with frontman Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman. The music was written by Ray Manzarek, while Morrison wrote the lyrics at guitarist Robby Krieger's beach house; though the song's writing credits are additionally credited to Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The lyrics "I see the bathroom is clear / I think that somebody's near / I´m sure that someone is following me" is a reference to the vocals of the album being recorded from the bathroom of The Doors Workshop studio for a fuller effect. The use of the term Hyacinth is thought to be Morrison's way of saying he was unhappy. Further, Hyacinthus was a young love of the Greek god Apollo. According to the myth, Apollo accidentally killed him in a discus throwing contest, and Apollo refused to let the boy go to Hades. Thus, from his blood, Apollo created the hyacinth, a plant with a fragrant cluster of flowers. This has been linked to the lyrics that echo the song "The End": "my only friend, The End.". Further, the line, "And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend, the end" is thought to indicate that Morrison had suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Morrison felt pulled because of his success, and his talent that he didn't have anyone around him that was just allowing him to be what he wanted to be. It is thought that Jim left for Paris because he was unhappy and wanted to escape his rock star lifestyle to pursue poetry. This would link the song to Jim being unhappy as he left to live in Paris to pursue poetry only three months after L.A. Woman was complete, never to perform with The Doors again. What is clear is the sadness and maturity within Morrison's voice, further enhanced by the acoustics in the studio bathroom.^[1][2]

Morrison's at The Doors Workshop in January 1971 where Hyacinth House was recorded.

Inspiration[edit]

Manzarek's composition references Fryderyk Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 during the organ solo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyacinth_House

Read the passage and answer the questions:

1. What were the inspirations for this song?

2. What influence did the recording location have on the lyrics.

3. What kind of "friend" does he want?

4. Are you surprised by this further information?



"Hyacinth House"

What are they doing in the Hyacinth House? 
What are they doing in the Hyacinth House? 
To please the lions this day 

I need a brand new friend who doesn't bother me 
I need a brand new friend who doesn't trouble me 
I need someone, yeah, who doesn't need me 

I see the bathroom is clear 
I think that somebody's near 
I'm sure that someone is following me, oh yeah 

Why did you throw the Jack of Hearts away? 
Why did you throw the Jack of Hearts away? 
It was the only card in the deck that I had left to play 

And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend 
And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend 
And I'll say it again, I need a brand new friend, the end

FRIENDS DISCUSSION

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1)	What do friends mean to you?
2)	What makes a friend a best friend?
3)	What makes you a good friend?
4)	Is it easy for you to make friends?
5)	Do you have any particularly close friends?
6)	Do you stay in touch with all of the friends you’ve made?
7)	Which long-lost friend would you like to see again?
8)	Is there a difference in friendship between your male friends and female friends?
9)	What would life be like without friends?
10)	Do you ever worry about losing your friends?

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FRIENDS DISCUSSION

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1)	Are friends sometimes more important than family?
2)	Would you have a friend from another country?
3)	How similar are you to your friends?
4)	Do you think you have a special understanding with your friends?
5)	At which stages of life is it easier to make friends?
6)	Are your childhood friends those you have strongest bonds with?
7)	What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for your friends?
8)	How often do you fall out with your friends?
9)	If you could choose any friend in the world, who would it be?
10)	What is the most valuable thing you have to offer as a friend?