It’s currently summer here in Australia and I’ve been listening to Jimi Hendrix on repeat, especially “Purple Haze”. Every time the song starts your head nods to the beat and Hendrix’s guitar riff. I instantly fell in love with the song the first time I heard it a few years ago. Here in Melbourne, we’ve experienced a heatwave and I hate the hot weather but the magic of Hendrix keeps me going and I’m sure that his music has influenced you in many ways.
“Purple Haze” was the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s second record single, released on March 17 1967. Jimi Hendrix’s song writing is often open to interpretation which is great because that’s art! The lyrics in “Purple Haze” can be interpreted as a psychedelic experience or a love song. Jimi Hendrix said that the song is “About a dream I had that I was walking under the sea.” He later described his song writing, saying he liked to “write a lot of mythical scenes.” However, Hendrix explained the song after “Purple Haze’s” release saying that the protagonist in his song “likes this girl so much, that he doesn’t know what (state) he’s in… A sort of daze.” Harry Shapiro, author of “Jimi Hendrix, Electric Gypsy” believes that the 2 verses in “Purple Haze” relate to an experience Hendrix had in New York. Apparently, he thought that a girl was using voodoo magic to trap him which resulted in him becoming ill.
“Purple Haze all around, don’t know if I’m coming up or down. Am I happy or in misery, whatever it is that girl put a spell on me.”
“Purple Haze” is no doubt one of Jimi Hendrix’s best known songs. As you can see, there’s more than one interpretation of the song and many people have different views on it but like I always say, just enjoy the music! Which, isn’t hard because it’s Jimi Hendrix after all. If you haven’t listened to it then I highly suggest you do because it’s electrifying. Search it up or buy the album “Are You Experienced” you won’t be disappointed. “Excuse me while I kiss the sky!” Enjoy!
– Alicia
Shades of Music 