The October 1966 to February 1970 lineup of Jefferson Airplane, consisting of Marty Balin (vocals), Paul Kantner (guitar, vocals), Grace Slick (vocals, keyboards), Jorma Kaukonen (lead guitar, vocals), Jack Casady (bass), and Spencer Dryden (drums), was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.[4] 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 Balin eventually joining them. Jefferson Airplane received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Members
Paul Kantner – rhythm guitar, vocals (1965–1972, 1989, 1996; died 2016)
Jorma Kaukonen – lead guitar, vocals (1965–1972, 1989, 1996)
Marty Balin – vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion (1965–1971, 1989, 1996; died 2018)
Signe Toly Anderson – vocals (1965–1966; died 2016)
Bob Harvey – double bass (1965)
Jerry Peloquin – drums (1965)
Skip Spence – drums, percussion (1965–1966; died 1999)
Jack Casady – bass, rhythm guitar (1965–1972, 1989, 1996)
Grace Slick – vocals, piano, recorder, keyboards (1966–1972, 1989)
Spencer Dryden – drums, percussion (1966–1970, 1996; died 2005)
Joey Covington – drums, percussion (1970–1972; died 2013)
Papa John Creach – violin, vocals (1970–1972; died 1994)
John Barbata – drums, percussion (1972; died 2024)
David Freiberg – vocals, rhythm guitar (1972)
My Best Friend
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Till the end of time you won't see me
Ah you're my best friend, and I see you, it seems
Now I can see I've fallen into your love stream
I'll follow your dream
Do you know what I mean, yeah
I'll follow you wherever time will take me toForever I'll be one with you, one with you, one with you
Ah you're my best friend, am I all that you're seeing
I'll set you free, and then just like me you'll be being
In love with me
Do you know what I mean, yeah
Do you know what I mean,
I'm gonna set you free
You'll be in love with me,
You're my best friend, now
Ah you're my best friend, and I love you so well
Till the end of time you won't see me
Ah you're my best friend, and I see you, it seems
Now I can see I've fallen into your love stream
I'll follow your dream
Do you know what I mean,
Do you know what I mean,
You'll be in love with me,
I'm gonna set you free
Ah, you're my best friend, now
Ah you're my best friend.
Jefferson Airplane's song "My Best Friend" is a sweet and simple love song between two close friends who have fallen in love with each other. The song starts with the declaration that the person they are singing to is their "best friend" and that they love them very much. The singer seems to cherish their relationship and express a desire to follow their friend wherever their dreams take them. They even begin to describe how they will merge together and remain together forever.
The lyrics take a melancholic turn when the singer discusses setting their friend free. They seem to understand that their love may be stifling their friend, and they are willing to let them go to be happy. But they do so with a hope and a belief that their friend will eventually realize that they love the singer, too. The repetition of "Do you know what I mean?" is a clear indication of the singer's desire for their friend to understand the depth of their feelings. Despite this bittersweet element, the song still ends with the singer reaffirming their love for their best friend.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah you're my best friend (you are my best friend), and I love you so well
The singer expresses their affection for the person they consider to be their closest companion, and they cherish the relationship deeply.
Till the end of time you won't see me
The singer intends to remain with their friend forever, even if their physical presence is not always apparent.
Ah you're my best friend (you are my best friend), and I see you, it seems
The singer recognizes and values their friend's importance in their life, and they feel a strong connection with them.
Now I can see I've fallen into your love stream
The artist has become enamored with their friend and is fully engaged in the intense emotion and experience of love.
I'll follow your dream
The artist is determined to support their friend and help them achieve their aspirations and goals.
Do you know what I mean, yeah
The singer seeks confirmation from their friend that they understand the depth of their feelings and their commitment to the relationship.
I'll follow you wherever time will take me to
The singer is willing to go on any journey with their friend, no matter where it may lead or how long it may take.
Forever I'll be one with you, one with you, one with you
The artist intends to share eternity with their friend, and they will always be linked in spirit and love.
I'll set you free, and then just like me you'll be being in love with me
The artist hopes that by giving their friend freedom, they will come to realize just how much they love and need them in their life.
You're my best friend, now
The artist declares their friend to be their closest and most beloved companion at this moment in time.
Lyrics © ALEXANDER LEE SPENCE MUSIC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Alexander "Skip" Spence
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RHale
on War Movie
In 1971 this almost seemed possible to many, and necessary by some of us.