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
If You Feel
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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Do you see what I mean?
Just look at her hair
And when she speaks, oh, oh
What a pleasant surprise
How do you feel?
Just look at her smile
She is looking our way
Oh, how I wish we could stay
Just stay for a while
How do you feel?
When I meet a girl like that
I don't know what to say
But to greet a girl like that
Brightens up my day, my day, oh
How do you feel?
Just look at her walk
Do you see what I mean?
She is coming our way
Oh, how my heart beats
I don't even think I can talk
How do you feel?
When I meet a girl like that
I don't know what to say
But to greet a girl like that
Brightens up my day, my day, oh
How do you feel?
How do you feel? (do you know how you feel?)
Just look at her smile (tell me, how do you feel?)
Look into her eyes (tell me, how do you feel?)
She is coming our way (tell me, how do you feel?)
Look into her eyes (tell me, how do you feel?)
She is coming our way (tell me, how do you feel?)
The song "How Do You Feel" by Jefferson Airplane is about the feeling of attraction towards someone you have just met. The singer describes the physical and personal qualities of the woman he is talking about, highlighting her hair, smile, and walk. He expresses his desire to be near her and spend more time with her. The chorus, "How do you feel?" is a question to those who are also experiencing this feeling of being captivated by someone.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is somewhat infatuated with this woman, as he becomes nervous and unable to speak when she is near. He also acknowledges that it can be challenging to approach someone you find attractive. Nevertheless, he encourages himself to take a chance and talk to her. Overall, the song conveys the thrill and uncertainty of meeting someone new and the hope of having a deeper connection with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Look into her eyes
Observe how she presents herself and try to understand what emotions she is going through
Do you see what I mean?
Are you able to comprehend what I am trying to express?
Just look at her hair
Pay attention to the way her hair flows and the beauty it exudes
And when she speaks, oh, oh
Her speaking voice is amazing and makes one feel cheerful
What a pleasant surprise
It is remarkable to encounter someone as charming as her
How do you feel?
What emotions are you experiencing right now?
Just look at her smile
Notice the way she smiles and feel the happiness it brings
She is looking our way
She is aware of our presence and acknowledges it
Oh, how I wish we could stay
It would be wonderful to be able to spend more time in her company
Just stay for a while
Just being around her for a short period of time would be heartwarming
When I meet a girl like that
When I encounter someone as captivating as her
I don't know what to say
I am speechless in her presence because of how much she affects me
But to greet a girl like that
Making her acquaintance is an uplifting experience
Brightens up my day, my day, oh
Interacting with her brings light and happiness to my entire day
Just look at her walk
Observe the way she moves and how elegant she appears
She is coming our way
She is approaching and will soon be in our immediate vicinity
Oh, how my heart beats
My heart races and beats faster with anticipation when she is near
I don't even think I can talk
Being near her leaves me almost speechless due to the effect she has on me
How do you feel?
What are your emotions like right now?
Do you know how you feel?
Are you certain about your emotions regarding this situation?
Tell me, how do you feel?
Please share what you are feeling right now
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Paul Kantner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jakeenan
That is some serious bass playing on that tune. It takes the song off the planet. A true master of the instrument. Tip of the hat to you Jack, sir.
Brian Roberson
The man could make the electric bass sound like Play-Dough.
Keith Markman
Whenever I feel constricted I play this song and I'm suddenly alive. I'm sorry that the JA couldn't stay together longer. Even for that era they were a unique band.
jenny_jenny_nc
This is a big one for me too. Especially in the car. It's great for releasing stress or anxieties of life. Letting go. Singing along. Feeling. This song feels so good. I cherish the Airplane. 💓
GARYT1956
Jorma might be the most under-rated guitarist EVER. The vocals were SO strong the guitar had to take a secondary role. Great Band.......
2468pebble
This is one of the best albums of the era, so as it never gets mentioned it must be underrated!
ppm ppm
With After bathing at Baxters
Nardis
They took psychedelic, garage band sound to a different level. Always loved them.
joseph overmyer
Jack's bass is killin' it
Ronald Bittner
Yes, which is why Jerry Garcia (on the Surrealistic Pillow jacket as "musical and spiritual adviser"; in real life, "we fired the producer and Jerry is producing) squelching his bass on Surrealistic Pillow always bothered me. After Jack's work on "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off" in 1966, I don't know why you'd mix his bass down, but Jerry did.