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Lot #540
The Doors: Jim Morrison Handwritten Lyrics for 'Universal Mind'

Jim Morrison's handwritten lyrics and chord chart for 'Universal Mind'

Estimate: $25000+

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Server Time: 12/20/2024 08:48:58 PM EST
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Description

Jim Morrison's handwritten lyrics and chord chart for 'Universal Mind'

Amazing handwritten lyrics by Jim Morrison for the song 'Universal Mind,' one page, 6 x 9, consisting of the main verse and chorus. In full: "I was doing time in the / Universal Mind / I was feeling fine / I was turning keys / I was setting people free / I was doing alright / Then you came along / w/ a suitcase & a song / & turned my head around / Now I'm so alone / just looking for a home / in every face I see / I'm the freedom man (3)." Above each line, Morrison adds the associated chords for the accompanying music. In fine condition, with light overall creasing.

The only version of this song to be officially released is a live recording from The Doors' second show at the Aquarius Theater in Hollywood on July 21, 1969, on their first live album, Absolutely Live. The album peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 in September 1970. A magnificent piece showcasing Morrison's poetic creativity, touching upon some of the reoccurring themes within his artistic and musical work. Few original handwritten Doors lyrics have come to market, with this fine exemplar standing as a truly one-of-a-kind item.

Originates from the collection of Morrison's close friend and UCLA classmate Frank Lisciandro, editor of the documentary film Feast of Friends, and accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance signed by him, in full: "Many of the music memorabilia items I own, or have owned, came to me due to my friendship and association with The Doors and/or Jim Morrison. During the making of the film 'HWY,' in which I played several key filmmaking roles, I worked in an office/editing room that Jim Morrison had rented in The Clear Thoughts Building. In June or July 1970, several months after the film was finished and our work was over, Jim decided to close the office. I returned the rented film production items, like the upright 35mm Moviola, and gathered the boxes of film and sound and moved them to storage. What was left were a few posters, some books, miscellaneous office and editing items (chairs, an editing table, metal reels, rolls of leader) and miscellaneous notes and papers. I talked with Jim about what to do with these items; and after examining what was left he said he had no use for any of it. I asked him if he wanted me to move anything to The Doors office for him and he said no. He told me that I could have and keep any of the items that were left in the HWY office. Jim's handwritten words for the song 'Universal Mind' was one of the items he gave me that day. I have owned and preserved the sheet of paper with the lyrics ever since. The words for the song, 'Universal Mind,' a song that appears on The Doors album, Absolutely Live, were written on a sheet of paper torn from a steno pad, perhaps a steno pad that was in the HWY office. I certify that the words on this sheet of steno pad paper were written by Jim Morrison and are in his own hand."

Also includes a full letter of authenticity from REAL and a satin-finish 10 x 8 artist's proof photograph of Morrison in a diner taken by Lisciandro, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, "AP2, JDM, 12.8.1970, Frank Lisciandro."

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Art and Literature
  • Dates: December 20, 2024 - January 08, 2025