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
Bringing Me Down
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you know it ain't right
You've been running around love
Staying out all night
Get outta sight
Don't hang around
Your bringing me down
Or playing your games
Well you better get wise now
Or things gonna change
'cause your bringing me down
And you know it ain't right
You've been running around Love
Staying out all night
Get outta sight
Don't hang around
Your bringing me down
Well you used to tell me
My love was your flame
But I had you last evening
No it wasn't the same
'cause your bringing me down
And you know it ain't right
You've been running around love
Staying out all night
Get outta sight
Don't hang around
Your bringing me down
(Break)
Your bringing me down
And you know it ain't right
You've been running around love
Staying out all night
Get outta sight
Don't hang around
Your bringing me down
Well your love used to echo
From my feet to my brain
Ah but now it just whispers
Well I think your to blame
'cause your bringing me down
And you know it ain't right
You've been running around love
Staying out all night
Get outta sight
Don't hang around
Your bringing me down
Yeah your bringing me down
(Down Down Down)
Yeah your bringing me down
(Down Down Down)
Ah your bringing me down
(Down Down Down)
Yeah your bringing me down
The song Bringing Me Down by Jefferson Airplane is a classic example of psychedelic rock from the 1960s. The lyrics talk about a lover who is not faithful, and this betrayal is causing pain and distress to the singer. The song starts with the chorus "You're bringing me down / And you know it ain't right / You've been running around love / Staying out all night," which gives a clear indication of the dilemma that the singer is facing. The repeated use of "bringing me down" throughout the song adds a dramatic effect and highlights the emotional struggle that the singer is going through.
In the break section of the song, the instrumental music takes over, and the lyrics pause for a moment. This break section is a classic example of the psychedelic rock genre and showcases the brilliance of the musicians in the band. The lyrics in the second verse talk about how the singer's love is not reciprocated in the same way as before. The lyrics, "Well you used to tell me / My love was your flame / But I had you last evening / No it wasn't the same," highlight the change in the dynamics of the relationship. The song's ending is similar to the beginning, with the last words being "Your bringing me down," emphasizing the repetitive and never-ending pain that the singer is experiencing.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bringing me down
You're causing me to feel upset and unhappy
And you know it ain't right
You're aware that your behavior is not acceptable
You've been running around love
You've been unfaithful and seeing other people
Staying out all night
You're not coming home and spending time together as a couple
Get outta sight
Leave and go away from my sight
Don't hang around
Don't stay here and continue to bring me down
Well the things your doing
Your actions and behaviors
Or playing your games
Your manipulative and insincere behavior
Well you better get wise now
You need to become aware and change your behavior
Or things gonna change
Otherwise, there will be consequences and our relationship will not work out
Well you used to tell me
You used to express to me
My love was your flame
That you were deeply in love with me
But I had you last evening
But when we were together last night
No it wasn't the same
It was not like it used to be
'cause your bringing me down
Because of your negative influence on me
Well your love used to echo
Your love for me used to be intense and all-encompassing
From my feet to my brain
It affected me both physically and mentally
Ah but now it just whispers
But now it's barely noticeable or insignificant
Well I think your to blame
I hold you responsible for the change in our relationship
Yeah your bringing me down
You continue to lower my mood and happiness
(Down Down Down)
This is emphasized and repeated as a symbol of the depth of my unhappiness
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Martyn J. Buchwald, Paul L Kantner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nealix D.
Marty and Signe had a nice vocal blend together. Interesting how she and Paul Kantner had an early bond as Jefferson Airplane bandmates and then also passed all these many years later on the very same day, both at age 74.
Jack Wells
Timeless, ageless music!
kingsuji
A transitional period for Marty and the group. From folkies to blues tinged. A great LP. King Suji
Octopus Ink Tattoo
I just bought it today on vinyl 6 bucks original copy
Jack Wells
I love this song! I love Jefferson Airplane!
ye olde mahn rivah
Best album cover.
Joe Jacovino
Of all the records I lost in my storage shed debacle, this one I truly miss , it was in my collection for 30 years and I loved every song. thanks to JeffJukebox for these posts peace and many blessings
Giles Family
Fantastic bass in this
Nick D
Hey Dislikers, who're u bringin down!?
RIVER-JORDAN
Rght, these 12 thumbs downers, seek help from somebody, somewhere. This tune is blatantly thee absolute balls. How do you not hear it? All manner of f^cked up. Big love to you anyway in a taking the piss kinda way xxx