The "classic" lineup of Jefferson Airplane, from October 1966 to February 1970, was Marty Balin (vocals), Paul Kantner (guitar, vocals), Grace Slick (vocals), Jorma Kaukonen (lead guitar, vocals), Jack Casady (bass), and Spencer Dryden (drums). Marty Balin left the band in 1971. After 1972, Jefferson Airplane effectively split into two groups. Kaukonen and Casady moved on full time to their own band, Hot Tuna. Slick, Kantner, and the remaining members of Jefferson Airplane recruited new members and regrouped as Jefferson Starship in 1974, with Marty Balin eventually joining them. Jefferson Airplane was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and was presented with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Spencer Dryden died on January 11, 2005.
Both Signe Anderson and Paul Kantner died on January 28, 2016.
Marty Balin died on September 27, 2018
Somebody to Love
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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And all the joy within you dies
Don't you want somebody to love
Don't you need somebody to love
Wouldn't you love somebody to love
You better find somebody to love
Love, love
When the garden flowers, baby are dead, yes and
Your mind, your mind is so full of red
Don't you want somebody to love
Don't you need somebody to love
Wouldn't you love somebody to love
You better find somebody to love
Your eyes, I say your eyes may look like his
Yeah, but in your head, baby
I'm afraid you don't know where it is
Don't you want somebody to love
Don't you need somebody to love
Wouldn't you love somebody to love
You better find somebody to love
Tears are running down
They're all running down your breast
And your friends, baby
They treat you like a guest
Don't you want somebody to love
Don't you need somebody to love
Wouldn't you love somebody to love
You better find somebody to love
The lyrics of Jefferson Airplane's song "Somebody to Love" are filled with emotion and despair, calling for the need and want for love. The opening lines reflect a feeling of betrayal and disillusionment, where the truth is no longer trustworthy and happiness fades away. The singer pleads for a person to love and care for them, as the lack of passion and enthusiasm is suffocating.
The second verse uses imagery of lifeless plants and a mind full of "red", perhaps indicating anger or confusion, to emphasise the need for someone to love. The singer believes that love can cure even the most twisted and corrupted minds. In the third verse, the singer speaks directly to a person who may physically resemble someone else but may lack the same empathy or feelings. The lyrics call for someone who knows where love is and can offer it unconditionally.
The final verse adds a layer of sadness, where the singer is crying and their friends are treating them poorly. They reiterate the message of the song, emphasising the need for love and a connection to another human being. The song closes with the repetition of the chorus, perhaps suggesting that finding someone to love is the answer to all the troubles and pain.
Line by Line Meaning
When the truth is found to be lies
When what you thought was true turns out to be false
And all the joy within you dies
And it makes you unhappy and unfulfilled
Don't you want somebody to love
Don't you want to be loved by someone
Don't you need somebody to love
Don't you need someone to love you
Wouldn't you love somebody to love
Wouldn't it be great if there was someone who loved you
You better find somebody to love
You should try to find someone to love
When the garden flowers, baby are dead, yes and
When the beauty around you fades away
Your mind, your mind is so full of red
Your mind is consumed by negativity
Your eyes, I say your eyes may look like his
Your appearance may resemble someone else's
Yeah, but in your head, baby
But mentally, you're not the same
I'm afraid you don't know where it is
You may not know who you truly are
Tears are running down
You're crying
They're all running down your breast
Your tears are flowing down your chest
And your friends, baby
Even your friends
They treat you like a guest
Treat you like an outsider in their group
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Darby R. Slick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind