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
Chauffeur Blues
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you see my chauffeur
I want him to drive me
I want him to drive me downtown
For he drives so easy, that I can't turn him down
But I don't want him
But I don't want him
To be ridin' these girls all around
I'm gonna steal me a pistol, shoot my chauffeur down
Going to let my chauffeur
Going to let my chauffeur
Drive me around the
Drive me around the world
Then he will be my lover boy, I will be his girl
The lyrics of Jefferson Airplane's song Chauffeur Blues tell the story of a woman conflicted by her feelings towards her chauffeur. On one hand, she is drawn to him because he is an excellent driver who makes her feel safe and comfortable. However, on the other hand, she is jealous of him because he is flirting with other women. This jealousy eventually drives her to the point where she decides to take drastic action: she plans to steal a pistol and shoot him down.
The song can be interpreted as an exploration of power dynamics and jealousy in relationships. The chauffeur represents a figure of authority who has control over the woman's movements and safety. However, she resents him because she feels like he is using his power to pursue other women. By planning to shoot him, she is reclaiming control and asserting her own power.
Overall, the lyrics of Chauffeur Blues are complex and thought-provoking, exploring themes of power, jealousy, and control in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you see my chauffeur
Can you assist me in locating my chauffeur?
I want him to drive me
I desire him to transport me.
I want him to drive me downtown
I would like him to take me to the metropolitan area.
For he drives so easy, that I can't turn him down
He drives so smoothly, I cannot refuse his services.
But I don't want him
However, I do not wish for him,
To be ridin' these girls
To be taking other females on joyrides,
To be ridin' these girls all around
To be chauffeuring these women all over the place.
I'm gonna steal me a pistol, shoot my chauffeur down
I plan on stealing a firearm and using it to kill my chauffeur.
Going to let my chauffeur
I am going to allow my chauffeur
Drive me around the
To transport me all over the
Drive me around the world
world, from one destination to the next.
Then he will be my lover boy, I will be his girl
As a result, he will become my romantic partner and I his significant other.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LESTER MELROSE, ROBERT BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
meet me in the bathroom
Wanna see my chauffeur
I wanna see my chauffeur
Want him to drive me
Want him to drive me downtown
Because he drives so easy
Here come my chauffeur now
Don't want my chauffeur
Don't want my chauffeur
Driving them girls
Driving them girls all around
I'm a gonna steal me a pistol and
Shoot my chauffeur down
(Break)
Gonna let my chauffeur
Gonna let my chauffeur drive me around
Drive me around the world
Then he'll be my lover boy
I will be his girl
Andrea Salazar
LYRICS
Won't you see my chauffeur
Won't you see my chauffeur
I want him to drive me
I want him to drive me downtown
For he drives so easy, that I can't turn him down
But I don't want him
But I don't want him
To be ridin' these girls
To be ridin' these girls all around
I'm gonna steal me a pistol, shoot my chauffeur down
Going to let my chauffeur
Going to let my chauffeur
Drive me around the
Drive me around the world
Then he will be my lover boy, I will be his girl
Mia L. Bergman (20th Century Schizoid)
Signe and her powerful voice. LOVE IT!!!
iamupinacloud
Indeed! I've gotta admit that Grace Slick was a nearly perfect replacement. Almost uncanny how similar they sound actually.
Marc Stevens
I really what would have became of Signe, had she decided to stick with singing. She sounded great to hear for the she short time that she did.
Rich Gall
Same here. I've got all their albums from that period in the 60's when they were at their peak. Bless Its Pointed Little Head is an incredible live album.
Ed Tracey
For a band to have had two female vocalists of that caliber ...... truly blessed.
Floyd Drain
they didn't. grace followed signe.
Daniel Cook
never knew they had 2 singers in their time both on par and equally great i would say
Gary Rasberry Jr.
@Capt Larry - Signe's version of "High Flying Bird" puts the Grace version from Monterey to shame.
Capt Larry -
that's cause you never heard Signe !
just sayin
Haven't heard this song I n forever
not since I was a child!Not child anymore.
This song just blows my mind!
Deep rich vocals. and guitar licks
That promise a smiley toe tappin
good time every time it's heard