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
Greasy Heart
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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How come?
Wonder why he wants more if he's just had some
Boys, she's got more to play with in the way of toys
Lady's eyes go off and on with a finger full of glue
Lips are drawn upon her face in come-to-me tattoo
Creamy suntan color that fades when she bathes
Paper dresses catch on fire and you lose her in the haze
Because he's just had his hair done and he wants to use your wig
He's going off the drug thing 'cause his veins are getting big
He wants to sell his paintings but the market is slow
They're only paying him two grams now
For a one-man abstract show
Don't ever change people even if you can
You are your own best toy to play with, remote control hands
Made for each other
Made in Japan
Woman with a greasy heart, automatic man
Don't ever change people
Your face will hit the fan
Don't ever change people even if you can
Don't change before the empire falls
You laugh so hard you crack the walls
The lyrics to Jefferson Airplane’s song Greasy Heart speak to the superficiality of relationships and the dangers of changing oneself to suit the desires of another. The opening lines address a woman’s insecurity about why her partner likes her and why he still wants more from her despite already having some of her. The following lines describe the woman using her physical appearance as a way to hold onto her partner, experimenting with makeup and fashion to maintain his interest. The chorus urges against changing oneself for someone else, encouraging individuality and self-love.
The second verse focuses on the male partner, who is portrayed as shallow and self-centered, using the woman’s wig and seeking to sell his art despite limited interest. The lyrics call out the drug culture of the time, highlighting the negative effects on the body and fading counterculture. The final lines of the song emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of societal pressures and expectations, and to not change even as the world around us crumbles.
Overall, Greasy Heart is a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's identity and individuality in order to fulfill the needs and desires of others. The lyrics also speak to the changing cultural landscape of the late 1960s and the disillusionment felt by many who were once part of the counterculture movement.
Line by Line Meaning
Lady, you keep asking why he likes you
The lady is perplexed why her partner likes her.
How come?
Why is that so?
Wonder why he wants more if he's just had some
She wonders why her partner desires more even after he's had enough.
Boys, she's got more to play with in the way of toys
The lady has more options to experiment with.
Lady's eyes go off and on with a finger full of glue
The lady is in a state of frenzy, trying to keep it together.
Lips are drawn upon her face in come-to-me tattoo
The lady has tantalizing tattoos that make people fall for her, pulling them closer.
Creamy suntan color that fades when she bathes
The lady's color complexion is a facade that fades when she goes in for a bath.
Paper dresses catch on fire and you lose her in the haze
If her paper-thin dresses catch fire, she disappears amid the confusion.
Don't ever change lady, he likes you that way
Her partner likes her for who she is and doesn't want her to change.
Because he's just had his hair done and he wants to use your wig
Her partner just got a new hairstyle and wants to try out her wig.
He's going off the drug thing 'cause his veins are getting big
He wants to quit drugs as it's taking a toll on his body.
He wants to sell his paintings but the market is slow
He wants to sell his art, but it's a lull period for the market.
They're only paying him two grams now
Art collectors are not offering much money for his paintings.
For a one-man abstract show
Despite being the sole artist, his work doesn't meet the market's demand.
Don't ever change people even if you can
Don't alter oneself to please others.
You are your own best toy to play with, remote control hands
You are in full control of yourself and can have fun with yourself without the dependence of external sources.
Made for each other
They are meant for each other.
Made in Japan
They are loving each other, much like how Japanese products are reliable and loveable.
Woman with a greasy heart, automatic man
The woman has a selfish and materialistic heart, and she's with the man who is passive and automatic.
Don't ever change people
Don't ever change who you are.
Your face will hit the fan
If you change yourself, you're going to face the consequences.
Don't ever change people even if you can
Don't change yourself for another's sake, even if you have the ability to.
Don't change before the empire falls
Don't alter your ways before your downfall.
You laugh so hard you crack the walls
Laughter can be so captivating that it can bring down the house.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Grace Wing Slick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kimxkarma
LYRICS
Lady, you keep asking why he likes you how come
Wonder why he wants more if he just had some
Boys, she's got more to play with in the way of toys
Ladies eyes go off and on with a finger full of glue
Lips are drawn upon her face in come-to-me tattoo
Creamy suntan color that fades when she bathes
Paper dresses catch on fire & you lose her in the haze
Don't ever change lady, he likes you that way because
He just had his hair done and he wants to use your wig
He's going off the drug thing cause his veins are getting big
He wants to sell his paintings but the market is slow
They're only paying him two grams now for a one-man abstract show
Don't ever change people even if you can
You are your own best toy to play with remote control hands
Made for each other made in Japan
Woman with a greasy heart automatic man
Don't ever change people your face will hit the fan
Don't ever change people even if you can
Don't change before the empire falls
You'll laugh so hard you'll crack the walls
@madamefeast4824
Grace Slick is my favorite female vocalist of all time. Hands down
@phyllispodesva2323
Her voice is incredible
@gannongus2419
i realize it's kind of randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to watch new tv shows online?
@kalelhank1924
@Gannon Gus Ehh I would suggest flixportal. Just search on google for it :) -kalel
@gannongus2419
@Kalel Hank thanks, I went there and it seems to work :D Appreciate it !
@kalelhank1924
@Gannon Gus no problem :)
@lyonslaforet
Jefferson Airplane were one of the finest American bands of the sixties!
@michaelcraig9449
One of the best bands anywhere, not just here in USA.
@Thundergod-
Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service were also great psychedelic bands from S.F. Bay Area from that era....
@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms
Love,The Enfeilds,Velvet Underground,Jimi Hendrix,The Electric Prunes,The Starfyres,and The Litter also.