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

IT'S ALRIGHT
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics

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It's Alright I came back from where I been
I've been out, all about now I'm back in
I'm free so critise me, I'm free you'll never realise why I touch you

It's alright with me now understand me,
I don't need you here, I can stand free
Your mind has built a fence, it dont make any sense someday you'll see.
Someday you'll see

That its alright with me now, I'm not alone my friend
It's alright
It's alright
I dont need your hand anymore more more more more!

Its alright with me now please believe me
I don't need your poor tounge to deseve me.

Well it dont seem right to me, to keep your mind so tight they close, you can't see me now, oh no.
It's alright let your hair fall down in my eyes
It's alright

It's alright
It's alright!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of It's Alright by Jefferson Airplane have a clear message of freedom and independence. The opening lines talk about coming back from being out and free, despite the criticism that may come with it. The singer asserts their independence, telling listeners that they don't need anyone else and can stand on their own. However, they also recognize that others may not see things in the same way and have built mental barriers that prevent them from understanding. In the end, the singer offers a sense of reassurance that everything is going to be okay, and a call to let loose and let their hair down.

Looking more closely at the song, it's interesting to note the use of repetition and imagery. The phrase "it's alright" is repeated numerous times throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of independence and self-assurance. Additionally, the imagery of letting one's hair down serves as a metaphor for breaking free from mental barriers and inhibitions. The use of colloquial language, such as "poor tongue," also adds to the song's sense of informality and laid-back attitude.

Overall, It's Alright by Jefferson Airplane is a song about self-assurance and freedom. It's a message to listeners that they don't need to conform to societal norms or the expectations of others. Instead, they should be confident in their own independence and let their hair down.

Line by Line Meaning

I came back from where I been
I have returned from a journey or experience.

I've been out, all about now I'm back in
I have been away exploring, but now I have returned to where I belong.

I'm free so critise me, I'm free you'll never realise why I touch you
I am unbound by rules and norms so you can judge me as much as you want. You will never understand why I am drawn to you.

It's alright with me now understand me,
I am content with myself, so please try to truly comprehend who I am.

I don't need you here, I can stand free
I am self-sufficient and do not need your presence to thrive.

Your mind has built a fence, it dont make any sense someday you'll see.
Your closed-mindedness is creating barriers that do not make sense. One day, you will realize this.

Someday you'll see
At some point, you will come to realize the truth.

That its alright with me now, I'm not alone my friend
I am at peace with myself, and I don't need anyone else to keep me company.

I dont need your hand anymore more more more more!
I can walk on my own, and I don't need your help or guidance.

Its alright with me now please believe me
I am fine, and I hope you can trust me on this matter.

I don't need your poor tounge to deserve me.
I do not want your flattery or compliments to feel worthy of myself.

Well it dont seem right to me, to keep your mind so tight they close, you can't see me now, oh no.
I do not appreciate how closed-minded you are. Your unwillingness to see things differently is blinding you, and you cannot understand me now.

It's alright let your hair fall down in my eyes
Let go of your inhibitions and let your hair down in front of me.

It's alright
Everything is okay, and you do not need to worry.

It's alright!
Everything is okay, and you do not need to worry.

Contributed by Maria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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