The Psychedelic Masterpiece
"The End" isn't just a song; it's a piece of performance art. Clocking in at nearly 12 minutes, this track from The Doors' 1967 debut album defines the psychedelic rock era. It combines Indian Raga influences with Greek tragedy.
To sing this well, you must channel Jim Morrison's unique "Lizard King" persona. It requires a deep, resonant Baritone chest voice, impeccable timing for the spoken word sections, and the ability to unleash a primal scream without hurting your vocal cords.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Support
Because the song is long and conversational, singers often forget to breathe deeply. Maintain diaphragmatic support even during the quiet spoken sections to keep your tone dark and authoritative.
Phase 1: The Croon (0:00 - 6:00)
The song begins in D Dorian. The opening line "This is the end" should be sung with a soft, breathy texture, but anchored in chest resonance. Keep your larynx neutral or slightly lowered to achieve Morrison's signature "crooner" tone.
The Trap: Do not rush. The instrumentation is loose and improvisational. Listen to the drums and sit back in the pocket. The AI Coach will penalize you for anticipating the beat too early.
Phase 2: The Spoken Journey (6:00 - 9:00)
Here, the singing stops and the poetry begins. "The killer awoke before dawn..." This section is about storytelling. Vary your dynamics—whisper to draw the listener in, then raise your volume slightly to build tension.
- Diction: Enunciate the consonants clearly, especially on words like "Snake" and "Ancient".
- Rhythm: Treat your voice like a percussion instrument. Lock into the groove of the bassline.
Phase 3: The Climax (9:00 - End)
The famous "Oedipal" section builds into a chaotic crescendo. As the band speeds up, your vocal energy must match them. The repeated chants of "Kill, Kill, Kill" and the final screams require a technique called vocal distortion.
To scream safely, use your false cords (vestibular folds) rather than grinding your true vocal cords together. Push from your diaphragm, not your throat. If you feel tickling or pain, stop immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sung melody is quite low, but the screams in the climax reach up to G4 or A4 depending on the live version. The chest voice melody stays mostly below D4.
In the Singing Coach AI app, you can choose "Practice Mode" to tackle specific sections (like the Intro or the Climax) without recording the full duration.
Relax your jaw and create more space in the back of your throat. Think of the sound vibrating in your chest rather than your nose (avoid nasality).
