The Doors, Back Door Man | COVERS

In the 20^th edition of COVERS (2025), The Doors delivers a compelling rendition of “Back Door Man,” originally performed by Howlin’ Wolf.   

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 20^th  edition of COVERS (2025), The Doors delivers a compelling rendition of “Back Door Man”, originally performed by Howlin’ Wolf.

“Yeah, I’m a back door man / I’m a back door man.” 😳… Now, before you get your panties 🩲 in a wad, ladies, or your boxers 🩲 in a wad, fellas (or whatever underwear 🩲 you prefer), “Back Door Man”, the beloved classic by The Doors, is NOT about anal sex. I repeat, this song is NOT about anal sex! This song is often misinterpreted, and those of us with dirty minds probably want this song to be about back door play.  Butt, rather, but, Jim Morrison (1943 – 1971) was singing about having an affair with a married woman and sneaking out the back door. That is what the slang means.  While The Doors’ rendition is a big, big deal, it was NOT an original by the band. Willie Dixon wrote “Back Door Man.” It was originally recorded and released by blues musician Howlin’ Wolf (1910 – 1976). The Doors’ version, which dramatically contrasts with Howlin’ Wolf’s one-chord original, appears as the seventh track on their 1967 album, The Doors.

Jim Morrison tears it up on “Back Door Man.” The frontman was electrifying – quite the presence. From the beginning, Jim is on, encouraging us, “Yeah, c’mon.” Turned up, he drops the epic chorus, asserting, “‘Cause I’m a back door man / The men don’t know / But the little girls understand.” The chorus is the centerpiece, but the other sections of the song kick some serious ass, too! Getting all the gals, Morrison brags, “I eat more chicken / Than any man ever seen.” Earlier, he informed us, “Hey, all you people that tryin’ to sleep / I’m out to make it with my midnight dream, yeah.” That man is a bad, bad boy! But, honestly, look at Jim – he was hot!  Of course, it’s not all Jim or the lyrics regarding clandestine romantic experiences.  The band cooks. The guitar and bass (Robby Krieger) and drums (John Densmore) are locked in. Arguably, the key ingredient is the keyboard playing of Ray Manzarek (1939 – 2013), particularly his organ playing via the legendary Vox Continental, sigh. In the hands of The Doors, “Back Door Man” is epic.  More thorough analysis could be relayed butt, again, but, this gem is best experienced and understood through listening.