Pere-Lachaise and Jim Morrison of "The Doors"

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Somewhere along the line during our stay in Paris, the faint memory was recalled that lead vocalist of The Doors, Jim Morrison, had died and been buried in Paris. Images were evoked in my mind of the carved bust adorning his grave, surrounded by a constant stream of flowers.

I soon learned that the cemetery where he was buried in Paris, Pere-Lachaise, is also the resting place of Frederic Chopin, Sarah Bernhardt, and other historical figures. Jacques-Louis David, court painter to Napoleon, is also buried there. However, as his revolutionary activities prevented him from entering France after exile, after his death, only his heart could be allowed into France to be interred in Pere-Lachaise.

In background reading, I learned that Jim Morrison and his common-law wife, Pamela, resided on Rue Beautreillis where we had walked only the day before. I imagined Pamela walking that same street, her long red tresses trailing behind as though to be the translation of “beautrellis” itself, the strains of “Love Street” playing in the background as it did in the film in which Meg Ryan portrayed her. There is a restaurant located on that street where Jim and Pamela argued hours before his untimely death, and was once frequented, but current owners would prefer not to be associated with that part of its history.

I explained to my brother-in-law in broken French about my interest in visiting Pere-Lachaise and he knew exactly the location and significance of the cemetery, but had only a vague recollection of The Doors. He kindly obliged in guiding us there. My beloved was not entirely sure that this was a site we really wanted to visit, but when we arrived, all three of us were amazed at the beauty and artisanship of the monuments there. We saw a statue to Russian royalty in one location, and many other statues and shrines with stained glass windows in tribute to honoraries the world over.

It was not difficult to locate the grave of Jim Morrison. Visitors were crowded all around the site. The carved bust had long ago been stolen. As an icon, a poet, and a musician, one feels a sense of melancholy for the shortened life so celebrated and wonders how things would be different had he lived to this day.

The inscription on his grave has been known somewhat enigmatically. KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY, the inscription ordered by Morrison's father, is not Russian as some websites would tell us; it is Greek. We received an e-mail from a reader, Chris Triantafyllou, that explained it better than other websites that attempt a translation:

"I know regarding the inscription's history that the phrase was drafted by Morrison's father who read a great deal of Greek, mostly New Testament Greek. His intended message was along the lines "Faithful to his own spirit." I don't know if he succeeded grammatically, but that was the intent, according to family statements. I happen to be Greek and an alternative translation is "By his demon self" implying that he got what he deserved. I am not sure which is more correct but considering the fact that he never went along with his father this could be a double meaning word game, for the fans and the rest of the world "Faithful to his own spirit" but for his father "You got what you deserved."

Thank you, Chris, as I believe that is more than even fan sites manage to explain. We are pleased to get the straight story right here on our humble travel blog!

In other places throughout the city, there is more evidence to be found of the life Jim Morrison enjoyed in Paris and people’s rememberance of him. At the Deux Magots, (“two wise men”) a popular and expensive brasserie (bar), it is well-known that Jim Morrison frequented the establishment, as well as thought that French painters conceived ideas for famous paintings there. On a small cobblestone street not far from Ivry, a mural of Morrison appears. And in the heart of Paris I found a calendar for sale featuring his arrest in New Haven, Connecticut. I found that most amusing of all, Connecticut being my home state.

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Photos

Headstone of Jim Morrison
The Greek inscription, KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY, is a cryptic message Morrison's father ordered that a reader explained can mean both "Faithful to his own spirit" and "by his own demon self."

Carved Morrsion Bust
Because of graffiti and looting, the bust was removed many years ago

The Deux Magots
Frequented by Jim Morrison in his day and impressionist painters

Wares for Sale
Trinkets for sale on a Parisian street, and the man who made New Haven, Connecticut, known in France.

Unforgotten Icon
A mural along a narrow Parisian street

Comments

[anonymous]

Last September, my parents and myself had a vacation to Europe. Only 2 days were planned in Paris, but Pere-Lachaise was MY main goal. It was a wonderful sight! Jim Morrison is well hidden, we weren't the only ones looking for him though. I have about 4 photos of the cemetary, if you wish.