Sam J.
Yelp
Are You Experienced?
A walk through the Jimi Hendrix park, paying homage to Seattle's own son, and the answer will likely be "yes."
The guitar shaped park is a truly beautiful experience, from Jimi's artistic, purple signature, on to the six stools which represent the tuning knobs. Next, the neck is the pathway of his journey, with each fret serving as a marker of every highlight of his life and career. The experience continues with the lyrics of Angel and Little Wing engraved along the side of the walkway, like the yellow brick road, leading to the body of the guitar blooms. Here, the outdoor instrument blooms like a flower with a wing sheltered amphitheater, its unique shape becoming a waterfall when it rains. Butterfly gardens, rain gardens and cedars guard the park, as nature joins in the tribute. The crown jewel of the park is about 100 feet long and 40 feet high, reflecting Jimi's larger than life persona, with his face and shadows in a stunning magical display, called the Shadow Wave Wall. Even the utility boxes are painted with images of Jimi in concert.
Jimi referred to himself as, "The Westcoast Seattle Boy." Growing up in what is known as the Central District of Seattle molded him into the greatest guitarist in the world. And here in this place dedicated to his life and artistic legacy, the presence of his musical vibe can be felt. Off on the horizon, Mount Rainier can be seen, snowcapped and as majestic now as it was when Jimi was growing up in the Emerald City.
The Jimi Hendrix Park welcomes people of all ages, cultures and beliefs, just as he did when he performed his music. He offered a safe place in his songs, where any and everyone was allowed to be himself or herself. The Jimi Hendrix Park offers the same.
Are you Experienced? Ask yourself as you experience the park and maybe play the song, during your stroll. Again...the answer will likely be "yes."
Are You Experienced?
If you can just get your mind together
Then come on across to me
We'll hold hands and then we'll watch the sun rise
From the bottom of the sea
Are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
Well, I know, I know you'll probably scream and cry
That your little world won't let you go
But who in your measly little world are trying to prove?
That you're made out of gold and -a can't be sold
So, are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
Ah, let me prove it to you
Hooray, I awake from yesterday
Alive but the war is here to stay
So, my darling and me
Decide to take our last walk through the noise to the sea
Not to die but to be reborn
Away from lands so battered and torn
Forever
So, you see it's really such a mess
Every inch of earth is a fighting nest
Giant pencil and lipstick-tube shaped things
Continue to rain and cause screamin' pain
And the arctic stains from silver blue to bloody red
As our feet find the sand
And the sea is straight ahead
Straight ahead
Straight ahead
Trumpets and violins, I hear in the distance
I think they're calling our names
Maybe now you can't hear them, but you will, you will
If you just take hold of my hand
Are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
Not necessarily stoned
But beautiful