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
Stranger
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Winter feels so gloomy
Hear a knock upon my door
Stranger calling
Eyes that look like mine
He said you know I've called before
[Chorus]
Come walk with me through the unknown
Familiar stranger
Should I know your name
Did we meet some time ago
I feel uncertain
Shadows whisper to me now
Sudden wind begins to blow
[Chorus]
Darkened doorways
Strangest things can happen
Don't know who you're talking to
Find yourself
When lightning strikes you now
You could be looking back at you
[Chorus x2]
Stranger!
Familiar stranger
Should I know your name
Did we meet some time ago
Are you someone I should know
Did we meet some time ago
The song "Stranger" by Jefferson Airplane Jefferson Starship Starship has a mysterious and intriguing story behind its lyrics. The song paints a scene of a cold and gloomy winter day when the singer hears a knock on the door. Upon answering, the singer is met by a stranger who seemingly shares a striking resemblance to them. The stranger claims to have interacted with the singer before and invites them to join him in a journey through the unknown. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes that what is veiled will be shown as the singer and the stranger set off on their journey.
The second verse presents some uncertainty as to whether the singer should trust the stranger, questioning if they have met in the past and what their intentions are. As the shadows whisper to the singer, a sudden wind starts to blow, and they begin to experience strange occurrences in darkened doorways. However, as the lightning strikes, it is revealed that the stranger's reflection could be looking back at them. The chorus repeats, urging the singer to come walk with the stranger through the unknown.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that they describe the process of self-discovery. The stranger is a projection of the singer's inner self, and as they journey through the unknown, they learn more about themselves. The chorus's repetition of "what is veiled now soon will be shown" could be seen as a reference to the idea that the truth will reveal itself in time.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops falling
The beginning of something new or cleansing that leads to a sense of sadness.
Winter feels so gloomy
The season of death and dormancy that can evoke feelings of loneliness and despair.
Hear a knock upon my door
A surprise visit or interruption that could lead to something completely unexpected.
Stranger calling
Someone unfamiliar wanting to enter into your life or a situation.
Eyes that look like mine
Seeing parts of yourself in the other, possibly a familiar but unknown connection.
He said you know I've called before
A sense of dรฉjร vu or premonition of this stranger's appearance.
[Chorus] What is veiled now soon will be shown Come walk with me through the unknown
An invitation to explore the hidden or uncertain aspects of life and take a journey into the unknown.
Familiar stranger Should I know your name Did we meet some time ago
Questioning the stranger's identity and whether or not they are known from a past experience.
I feel uncertain Shadows whisper to me now Sudden wind begins to blow
A sense of unease or danger is present, possibly brought on by the stranger's arrival.
Darkened doorways Strangest things can happen Don't know who you're talking to
The unknown or unpredictable nature of situations, and the danger in interacting with people we don't know well.
Find yourself When lightning strikes you now You could be looking back at you
Life-changing moments that have the power to reveal our true selves and inspire growth.
[Chorus x2]
Reiteration of the invitation to step into the unknown and explore its mysteries.
Stranger!
An exclamation of fear or warning about the danger of strangers and unknown experiences.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEANNETTE L. SEARS, PETER SEARS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BrianCarnevaleB26
As it should be. You helped me realize that with the trash spam you pump out. Way better off if we remain perfect strangers cuz I need you like I need a hole in my head.
I have a stress free drama free life. I come and go as I please
Ever since 1984
You nice you build your very own nest you will come to some realizatione, and perhaps some revelations as well.
Until then you are and will remain a fledgling still in mammas nest
Bet
@vondeckbar72
One of their most underrated songs.
@jeremytalley481
Agreed
@franklincornstalk9775
Cool when u play a song and someone says who is this?
@markboller4313
Brilliant song. An excellent beat.
@troydaigle7902
Yes indeed
@carobinsonrobinson3109
This song rocks!!!!
@garyrossetti2443
Mickey Thomas & Grace Slick have great chemistry together definitely love this version of the band.
@M1Anut
Grace is a little creepy/kooky in this vid.
@LindaMerchant-bq2hp
Like when her and Marty balin shared vocals
@califas69
Grace Slick still had that Jefferson Airplane vibes vocals from the 60s she looked young in 1981