Jefferson Airplane, a rock band based in San Francisco, California, was one… Read Full Bio ↴Jefferson Airplane, a rock band based in San Francisco, California, was one of the pioneering bands of psychedelic rock. Formed in 1965, the group defined the San Francisco Sound and was the first from the Bay Area to achieve international commercial success. They were headliners at the three most famous American rock festivals of the 1960s—Monterey (1967), Woodstock (1969) and Altamont (1969)—and the first Isle of Wight Festival (1968) in England. Their 1967 break-out album Surrealistic Pillow ranks on the short list of the most significant recordings of the "Summer of Love". Two songs from that album, "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit", are among Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

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

Come Up the Years
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
'Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me

A younger girl keeps hanging around

One of the loveliest I've ever found
Blowin' my mind, stealin' my heart
Somebody help me 'fore I fall apart

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
'Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me

The things she's doing keep turning me on
And I've been happy to go right along
I know it's time that I said goodbye
I know I can't leave no matter how hard I try

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
'Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me
(I ought to get going)
Love me (come up the years, come up the years)

Love me (I ought to get going
Won't you love me (come up the years, come up the years)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jefferson Airplane's "Come Up The Years" is about a man who is conflicted about his love for a much younger woman. He is charmingly hesitant to be with her because of their age difference. The song opens with the man confessing his desire to leave the relationship because of his apprehension, but he cannot leave because he loves her too much.

As the song progresses, the man admits that he is in love with a younger woman who keeps hanging around. She is "one of the loveliest" he has ever found and is "blowing his mind" and "stealing his heart." He knows it's time to say goodbye, but he can't leave no matter how hard he tries. The chorus of the song repeats the man's message that she must grow up and develop into a woman who can love him back, despite the vast age difference.

The song perfectly captures the innocence, fear, and excitement of a relationship when two people are of varying ages. The lyrics are poetic and honest, exploring timeless themes of love, age, and desire in a way that is relatable and authentic.

Line by Line Meaning

I ought to get going
I need to leave

I shouldn't stay here and love you
It's not a good idea to stay and love you

More than I do
I am already loving you too much

'Cause you're so much younger than I am
Your age difference from me is significant and it's becoming an issue

Come up the years, come up the years
Age up a little bit, mature with me

And love me, love me, love me
Stay with me and love me more

A younger girl keeps hanging around
There's a younger girl that keeps being near to me

One of the loveliest I've ever found
She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen

Blowin' my mind, stealin' my heart
She is taking over my feelings

Somebody help me 'fore I fall apart
I need some help before I go crazy

The things she's doing keep turning me on
She keeps making me fall in love with her

And I've been happy to go right along
I have been following along with my feelings for her

I know it's time that I said goodbye
I know it's time for me to move on

I know I can't leave no matter how hard I try
Even though I want to leave, I am finding it hard to do so

Love me
Stay and love me

Won't you love me
Please stay and love me

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Marty Balin, Paul Kantner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@neslihanh.sutpidelerkoksal5746

4y↑15

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me

A younger girl keeps hanging around
One of the loveliest I've ever found
Blowin' my mind, stealin' my heart
Somebody help me 'fore I fall apart

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me

The things she's doing keep turning me on
And I've been happy to go right along
I know it's time that I said goodbye
I know I can't leave no matter how hard I try

I ought to get going
I shouldn't stay here and love you
More than I do
Cause you're so much younger than I am
Come up the years, come up the years
And love me, love me, love me

All comments from YouTube:

@CosmoLupertazzi

10y↑50

I was in a garage band in the mid '60s and then I heard Jefferson Airplane, and in particular Come Up The Years, and my musical life changed.... I loved the Aisplane after then, forever ...

@MichaelHartman-qt4mp

11w

RIP Skip Spence, Paul Kantner, Signe Toly Anderson

@matyasmayfly

2y↑9

Criminally underrated music

@stdrum-nb6qr

1y↑3

underaged music

@combridge1

16w

Dude!! Right?!?!

@jawd1203

5y↑14

My dad used to hangout with them around San Francisco when they weren’t known and before they became big. He taught me how to appreciate great music like this. I love Jefferson Airplane!

@strangersname

2y↑2

Any fun stories he recounted to you about hangin' with those guys?

@MichaelHartman-qt4mp

11w

What was Signe Toly Anderson like? Was she friendly? Shy?

@lowtunesinc.2926

11y↑48

Always loved this song. It's so hauntingly beautiful and innocent. A lost time…

@stevennovakovich2525

3y↑7

So is 'Coming Back to Me' on Surrealistic Pillow...

@starman714

24w

and "Today" also from SP ;)

@molliem9808

6y↑29

RIP Marty Balin!

@macmacreynolds8712

And Paul Kantner

@brookstyler3666

i realize Im quite randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to stream newly released tv shows online ?

@marcodavian5487

@Brooks Tyler I use FlixZone. You can find it by googling :)

@IsabellaLeMarchantRomano

8y↑64

A bittersweet masterpiece.

@PaveCheif01

8y↑3

AH!!! So True!

@marcustate3513

5y↑1

Isabella Le Marchant Romano Yes this is true!

@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms

1y↑1

Chalk full of that incredibly questionable 60s lyrical content.

@sunkintree

23w

@@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms "youre too young go away" is a great message. Maybe you're just a snowflake?

@pieman420

14y↑15

this song represents a turning point!!!! the calm before the 1967 youthquake

@patcola7335

By 67 it was actually over

@justsayin991

2y↑3

Wow!!
The very first time I heard this album I do believe I was twelve y.o...
I'm 64 now..and can remember how I
was sooooo gripped by this music.it
invoked and validated the feelings of knowing music would later inspire
me to pick up a guitar.....and WOW!
I've been playing by ear ever since
Jefferson Airplane Takes Off...thank you.I Yes,y hairs on my arm still stand when I hear album.

@MatthewHillMusician

32w↑2

One of my favorite songs by Jefferson Airplane! ❤️

@xiolaamapola3180

30w↑1

I first heard this song when i was 14 n it forever changed how i hear n listen to music 🌼

@lefrauens

10y↑24

Great Balin vocal on this early Airplane, a classic!

@pbrucpaul

10y↑4

Man, JA set the tone for what was happening in San Francisco in the late '60's KSAN ruled with their broadcast then and now!

@christymitchell-grider1667

9y↑3

+pbruc brooks KSAN in The City; KMET in LA... I want to go back in time!

@pbrucpaul

14y↑5

This is a real tribute to Marty Balin, a real balladeer. This guy was a real mainstay with JA.

@Onlylettuce92

9y↑21

One of my favorite songs by the airplane!!!!

@RavenThom

10y↑28

Still my favorite Airplane song, Top 100 of all time

@glennmorris1807

3y↑4

The blend of folk and rock.
This album is essential in the genre
Of evolution that became a scene second to none.

@verutschkow

4y↑6

The great late Marty Balin had such a romantic mind ...

@RavenThom

2y↑3

Absolutely my favorite Airplane song

@leoretrossi6359

7y↑13

this is bittersweet I always liked this song rip signe thanks for the music.

@marcustate3513

5y↑6

This was one of their best songs!

@williammeier4534

3y↑3

This was a song I took instant liking to when I first heard it. Ralph Gleason, in writing liner notes for the back of Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, gave a tribute to this song. He mentioned that even after listening to and seeing other groups, Come Up The Years kept coming back to him. He added that that was his standard for good music, when a song sticks in his mind. 'Nuff said.

@kevinlittlefield4994

3y↑1

Great comment, William. Thank you.

@monkeeman1966

14y↑11

Great song! This got airplay in San Francisco back in 1966 on KFRC, the Big 610.

@cumomsandcureloms

Those were the days!

@gordonlandreth9550

Can't quite remembered that on the air but it is a great song ! At that time , they were a folk / pop band and had had a sweet , innocent sound . This was before Marshall amplifiers and most bands used Fender guitars.

@johnyuma1459

2y↑1

@@gordonlandreth9550 it also got lotsa airplay on kya

@justsayin991

Yes, those were the daze😎☮️🌞🎵😁🎶🤭

@greggmatson2249

40w

And KSFO, too.

1 More Replies...

@RavenThom

8y↑10

R.I.P. Signe, So wished I could have met you.. Never knew you lived so close

@davidewing5605

6y↑4

i am from the. bay area. I have seen the airplane lots of times. This is one of their best. Along with Today, Comming back to me and Tnmblin. I grew up listening to them along with all the bay area groups. I was spoiled on the great music in the 60s, 70s. and meeting and talking to the airplane, the dead, and the Sons. I was born at a great time, in a great place. I could not plan a better time being a teenager. I was truly blessed to have seen all that I did. dave in Sierra vista Az.

@sakonbutthead9829

6y↑1

david ewing hello what do you remember of the summer of love,

@Nowhereoh

2y↑2

They appeared on the POW show on KPIX TV San Francisco.
Fresh new music busting out of the tv.

@ronaldpetrin5823

My other baptism in love. Thank you...

@justsayin991

3y↑2

🎵 it's no secret, how strong my love is for you🎶 I. Love you you,Jefferson airplane.....🎵when you got me jumpin' up and down!!!🎶

@LuvzMusicToo

4y↑3

R.I.P. Paul and Signe. Four years gone today .

@smeagolhobbit6831

10y↑15

One of their best four albums.

@neslihanh.sutpidelerkoksal5746

4y↑15

@victorsingh878

3y↑3

Love the 1960s

@mikelagudo4397

2y↑1

I have 40 years old! Is my favorite group!!

@GW-og4us

2y↑2

Song hits home.i met a young incredibly lady.that we hit it off and I could fall in love with her very easy but because of our age I have to love from a far.
We are very good friends and hope at least I can have that for many years. It sucks getting older.😢❤

@theresabaeza8519

8y↑4

I know Paul must be trading guitar licks with my 1st husband Jim. Gosh, how we loved JA, especially this song. Rest in peace, both of you.

@Markswea

7y↑1

Theresa Baeza who is Ur hubby?

@chinzebo

8y↑13

I like Grace but i so love Signe. The music ala Signe is when I "met" them.

@skaterdudeprodutions

11w

This song gives heavy Rush vibes. Sounds like Xanadu. The bass, guitar, and (xylophone?) Really make it.

@sarasarah1810

17w

Remember... Jefferson Airplane Loves You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@robertgillespie5652

10y↑9

Good song.The Airplane did MANY good ones.My favorites were "Martha" and "Lather".

@1MollieM

9y↑2

Robert Gillespie Lather is a good song to this day!

@jimjarnagin5344

Martha is still pure magic!!! ❤️🌻

@charleslarson3152

5y↑1

I was in love with Ken Kraft when this came out...a million years ago. Missy

@johnnyferriter682

6y↑1

brilliant
simply brilliant - marty

@bobgordon1754

4y↑2

This song is too real.

@craiganderson3170

4y↑1

Loved Jorma on geetar these past 55 or so years.

@donaldmattia1491

6y↑4

You were so sweet Signe RIP

@ms-iz9ye

5y↑5

When you look at the girl that has your heart and you’re both high on LSD.. vibes of love and feelings can go beyond words and eyes know every emotion..

@stewartmcmurry2452

6y↑5

RIP Marty

@jhfit

1y↑1

It is chilling to listen to it

@VVc0w

8y↑7

R.I.P Paul Kantner

@Scarabaeus1

11y↑1

Always liked this one! Thanks for sharing!

@dweishome

13y↑1

gives me faith in man to hear this pure stuff. (also makes me want to smoke)

@MultiSweener

12y↑1

@pyrophore They were a band. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy were the main bones of the talented musical skeleton. They still tour as Hot Tuna and for reasons why. They keep going.

@pbrucpaul

11y↑8

What a voice Balin had! The closest I've heard was Steve Perry of Journey.

@enricorigon1925

7y↑3

RIP Signe Paul and Skip

@eoj2495

This and Don’t Slip Away my favorites, but the whole album is great!

@patiencesowa8316

2y↑1

I would love to learn this on piano

@quickeveryoneactlega

12y

yes sir I mwt them both lst summer at Mtn. jam in NY...I was speachless

@PaveCheif01

This was the album that got me into Rock and Roll, even though this is not rock and roll per se!

@davidmoran5431

8y↑9

rip signe

@woodstock217

9y↑4

Why does no one think Signe Anderson did the accompanying vocals on this?

@carrietide

12y

<3 <3 LOOOVE IT

@ShadyGrove83

5y↑1

I'd hate to be one of the 11 philistine mouth-breathers who disliked this track! What a terrible take on life!

@KevinCrosbySeattle

While organizing an all ages dance party in 1995, the alpha-girl impressed me. She ran the secret admirer board looking at each entry, so I had to sneak mine for her up there without her noticing. The look on her face reading it was wonderful, but between her infant at home with mom and, well, I was 25 and didn't expect her to be so young, bailed after the lark. Gay Bikers for Jesus gave me a secret crush, and a few years later when I was homeless due to civil servant concerns, the Bong Hits for Jesus graffiti gave me tons of hope.

@quickeveryoneactlega

12y

UGH HEART AND SOUL HOW DARE YOU SIR

@shanepolo4442

3y↑2

It's no wonder Matt Gaetz said this was his favorite Jefferson Airplane song.

@michaelkucinski4021

3y↑4

But Gaetz won't like them if they "come up the years." If they do that, they'll be too old for him.

@michaelsnider5293

52w

Leonardo DiCaprio too.

@KennBurch

13y↑2

Love the glockenspiel solo.

@straycatttt

I assume Signe played that solo as she is listed as doing “percussion.”

@olgareyes9975

4y↑1

2020!

@pbrucpaul

14y

@Purbina9 Magic!

@pbrucpaul

10y↑7

I believe Marty Balin had Paul Kantner harmonize on this.

@pbrucpaul

7y↑1

Loved listening to this on KSAN in San Francisco.

@maureendevries1904

Yes he did.

@VVc0w

R.I.P Marty Balin

@Exiles800

5y↑1

Psychedelic minuet...

@cfkrue

11y

Loveeeeee me loveeee....Wont you loveeeeeeee me??

@NoRosesForMe

12y

@gtt1996 I wish I had a hubby who has this LP. I have the LP but.....wish I knew a cat who has the record. haha! xx Cool... Peace to you "Jenny"

@Purbina9

14y

@pbrucpaul the other guy singing is paul kantner jefferson airplanes rhythm guitarist he co wrote the song with balin

@brucewasenius3643

4y↑2

A real story she’s 21 years younger than me. Married 26 years.

@albatross7677

13y

@NoRosesForMe Thanks! Sounds like she had some hard times.

@thegoatnazi

14y

@sarahcisley agreed don't forget kantner

@crunchyjuicedrink8939

what kind of glockenspiel was used for this?

@plyg

16y

Did they ever do this song with Grace Slick?

@albatross7677

13y

What ever happened to Signe Anderson?

@NoRosesForMe

13y

@albatross7677 youre very welcome :) ,,,yea I think she wanted to leave to raise her child but....some less pleasant things came along as well I s'pose. Shes great tho.

@NoRosesForMe

13y

@albatross7677 You can read more about her- just go to Wikipedia. (YT wont let me paste the link in the comments! Grrr!) Its an interesting article and - coincidentally - I was just reading the article a few days ago. ~Peace to you

@rebeccadale2413

6y↑1

I Grace slick but this lady sings really good .music of today's generation I don't like it that much music in the 1960s band's from all over the planet

@cumomsandcureloms

12y↑1

who plays the xylophone? is it the drummer, skip spence?

@maureendevries1904

5y↑2

Signe. plays the glockenspiel .

@hottexasweiner

11y↑3

Many think this was Grace Slick. I guess it was Anderson?

@auntlavinia8170

Yes. This album was before Grace Slick.

@pbrucpaul

14y

Who was doing harmony with Marty Balin?

@Diostillrocks

Paul Kantner and Signe Anderson.

@pbrucpaul

14y↑1

Jefferson Airplane? who were they? My teenager neice asked, ha ha. I played this and she just swooned! Then I just played some more JA, and she said "they just don't do this stuff today" Ain't it the truth!

@sunray7636

10 year later..

@psychedeliccarrie5921

8y↑2

Reminds me of Rush a little

@TheOne-fu1nh

+Jesse Nicholson Dave Mustaine for President!

@cumomsandcureloms

11y

That frequency is now taken up by a Christian station

@davidcadwallader8177

3y↑1

That is not Gracie Slick singing

@fitzzcarraldo

8y↑1

This is a great song I wish it wasnt about pining over a 12 year old girl.

@PaveCheif01

????

@PaveCheif01

I lived this group and have never heard anything like this!!

@basedintellectual9704

12 year old? why 12?

@PaveCheif01

Never heard that comment before! Where did you get that information?

@JooJooShrimp

7y↑4

ive seen an interview with marty balin in which he states the song was inspired by a 13 year old girl if im not mistaken. the song was written by balin

2 More Replies...