ROCK MOMENT – The Doors ‘Touch Me’
‘Touch Me’ stands as one of the most distinctive and controversial songs in The Doors’ catalog, capturing a moment when the band briefly moved away from their raw, blues-based psychedelic roots and embraced a more polished, orchestrated sound. Released in December 1968, the song appeared on the group’s fourth studio album, The Soft Parade (1969), an album that marked a significant turning point both musically and personally for the band.
The song was originally written by guitarist Robby Krieger, who first titled it ‘Hit Me.’ The early version featured even more overtly sexual lyrics, which producer Paul A. Rothchild felt would limit its commercial potential. Jim Morrison revised the words, transforming the title line into “Touch me,” which retained sensuality while adding a layer of irony and ambiguity typical of Morrison’s writing. The final lyrics combined lust, bravado, and subtle satire—hallmarks of The Doors’ approach to pop success.
One of the song’s most discussed lines is Morrison’s declaration that he is “stronger than dirt.” At the time, the phrase was widely recognized as a popular advertising slogan for Ajax household cleaner, which used the tagline “Stronger Than Dirt” in television commercials throughout the 1960s. Morrison’s use of the phrase was almost certainly intentional, blending pop culture with poetic absurdity. Many fans and critics interpret the line as sarcastic or mocking, a playful jab at consumer culture that contrasts sharply with the song’s romantic and orchestral tone. Others see it as Morrison deliberately undercutting the song’s smooth, radio-friendly surface with a bizarre, almost humorous boast.
Musically, ‘Touch Me’ was a bold departure. Rothchild brought in session musicians to perform string and horn arrangements, including a standout saxophone solo by jazz musician Curtis Amy. This lush production caused tension within the band, especially with Morrison, who was growing frustrated with the elaborate studio process and increasingly erratic during recording sessions for The Soft Parade.
Despite internal struggles, ‘Touch Me’ became one of The Doors’ biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1969. Though some fans criticized its polished sound, the song endures as a fascinating artifact of the band’s experimental phase—made even more memorable by Morrison’s unexpected, advertising-inspired boast that he was, indeed, “stronger than dirt.”
