The Lyrics

Jimi Hendrix was such an extraordinary guitarist, it can be easy to forget that just as much passion, soul and precision went into his lyrics. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Hendrix was a fearless lyrical innovator, willing to let his imagination guide him to landscapes of words hitherto unexplored within the realms of pop music. This extraordinarily personal book includes numerous examples of Jimi’s handwritten lyrics, often scribbled on hotel stationery, and photos of Jimi accompanying every song. From the existential euphoria of “I Don’t Live Today” to the elusive beauty of “Little Wing” to the psychedelic blues of “My Friend” to the otherworldly “1983 (… A Merman I Should Turn to Be),” the lyrics of Jimi Hendrix remain among the greatest in the pantheon of rock, infused with the same inventiveness, virtuosity and courage that informed his guitar playing. Readers will of course also thrill to see such Hendrix classics as “Purple Haze,” “Foxey Lady,” “Voodoo Chile,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Dolly Dagger” and “Are You Experienced?”. Jimi Hendrix: The Lyrics is sure to be one of the leading gift books of the season and a perennial favorite for Hendrix fans for years to come. Hardcover with full-color and b/w photos and illustrations throughout.