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
True Love
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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When you've got a feeling
When you're trying to forget
The day you've been through
Is it right to keep your affection
While a desperate attempt is make to get through
Could it be a miracle
Could it be what the dream is really make of
But our hearts will decide When you find true love
There is love
That lurks in the shadows
There is love that pulls up beside you
And opens the door
There's the one that sneaks up behind you
And it stays until the moment
That you're needing more
Could it be a miracle
Could it be what the dream is really made of
Who can say when and where it will
But our hearts will decide When you find true love
The lyrics of Jefferson Airplane's True Love describe the quest for true love and the different ways it can manifest itself. The song starts with the singer encouraging the listener to take the night, to embrace their feelings and forget the day they've been through. This sets the tone for a search for something deeper and more meaningful than the everyday routine. The lyrics tackle the conflict between holding on to one's affection while also striving to get through life's challenges. This internal struggle is a common theme in love songs and speaks to the ambiguity and complexity of love.
The chorus of the song speaks of true love as a miracle, something that can't be predicted or controlled. It's something that the heart decides on, and while we might not know when or where it will happen, we will recognize it when we find it. The three verses of the song present three different types of love, each with its own characteristics. There's the love that lurks in the shadows, the one that pulls up beside you and opens the door, and the one that sneaks up behind you and stays until you need it more. Each of these descriptions speaks to the unpredictability and mystery of love, and how it can come from unexpected places.
Overall, True Love is a song that celebrates the power and the beauty of love, even as it acknowledges the difficulties and complications that can come with it. The lyrics encourage listeners to be open to the possibilities of love, to embrace their feelings, and to trust their hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
Take the night
Emphasizes the importance of the night as the perfect time to reflect and introspect on one's feelings and emotions.
When you've got a feeling
Refers to being aware of one's emotions and urges to look for something that gives inner satisfaction.
When you're trying to forget
When one is attempting to escape the pain, hurt or remorse by pushing away those feelings and memories.
The day you've been through
Refers to the daily struggles of life and the stressful situations that one has to endure every day.
Is it right to keep your affection
Raises the question whether it's appropriate to hold onto one's feelings of love and affection towards someone especially in difficult circumstances.
While a desperate attempt is make to get through
When one wants to reach out to a person they love deeply and try to make things right with them.
Could it be a miracle
Ponders on the idea that sometimes the greatest of things can happen when least expected, which one never imagined.
Could it be what the dream is really make of
Is it possible that one's dreams can actually turn into reality when it comes true love.
Who can say when and where it will
Accepting the ambiguity around true love and its unpredictability, especially with regards to its time and place of occurrence.
But our hearts will decide When you find true love
It is ultimately the heart that decides when true love is found and accepted. It comes unexpectedly and when it does, one's heart would know it.
There is love
Love exists in many shapes, sizes, and forms.
That lurks in the shadows
Love can sometimes be obscured by darkness, meaning it is not as obvious or explicit as one may wish.
There is love that pulls up beside you
Love can come in different ways, such as being there for you, providing support, or creating an emotional connection with a person.
And opens the door
Metaphorically, love creates an opportunity for a person to feel wanted and accepted, prompting one to embrace its warmth.
There's the one that sneaks up behind you
Love can occur when least expected, and the feeling can grow organically without even realizing it.
And it stays until the moment
Love can endure and hold on strong amidst challenges and rough times when it is true and genuine.
That you're needing more
Love shines in moments where one needs emotional support, reassurance and comfort.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID PAICH, STEVEN M PORCARO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SWH2012
Don't forget folks: this song is written by Steve Porcaro and David Paich of TOTO and it sounds like.... you have guessed it: TOTO. BUT, for an AOR song it is not bad and Marty CAN sing, no doubt about that. The Jefferson Airplane reunion album from 1989 was a bit overproduced, but so was almost every record in the 80s. It is still contained a lot of good songs! Jorma and Jack just did this one and then went back to where their hearts always were and still are: playing together in Hot Tuna. BUT I still believe they had some fun reuniting with their old friends and former bandmates of one of the most influential and crazy bands of the San Francisco hippy scene: playing some great neo-hippie songs and yes, some AOR tracks. Now Jack and Jorma know what it feels like playing 'Starship-type music': just roll with it, have fun, a few good laughs, some bucks made and then return to serious business. All in all, I like the 1989 Airplane album. Just never compare it to any of the old stuff or to any of the Starship stuff for that matter, just enjoy it for what it is. At least these people are all real musicians, legends, interesting and intelligent human beings.... unlike most of the drivel that is now played all over the radio!
Max Mustardman
Ah if anything the drums give it away
Iain Morrison
may be Totoesk but harmonies are pure Marty and Grace , i really enjoyed the album ,as you said don't compare just enjoy
Rajander Philip
Exactly. Well-put!
Christina Caruth
Sure it sounds like Toto bu has a hyper inpose meody Jefferson Starship sound Its unique and has an over drive production way of rock!! Love it orvleave it !!
ColdWarJets
It still reeks of that greater hope for humanity... still has the blood of classic airplane - and for that reason I love it.
JimSVoit
I don't care how different this sounds compared to older Jefferson Airplane....I love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob C
I loved the 89 album and the tour is one of the top 3 shows of hundreds that I have seen. I saw Marty play this song acoustic last week and it was amazing. Somehow, this is the first time I've seen the video (Marty mentioned it). It is hilarious. And if you don't like Marty and Grace's soaring vocals or compare this to Starship, you didn't hear the magic.
EDJ1845
I've always been obsessed with the son TRUE LOVE. "Planes (Experimental Aircraft)","Solidarity", "Summer of Love","Madeleine Street","Panda". Man, I always tought despite a more commercial feel ( nothing wrong with that ) this is one of the best Jefferson Airplane/Starship albums. Ironically, their swan song...Jefferson's Tree of Liberty,Windows of Heaven not withstanding.
plant1deep4u2
It grows on you . . . as I get older I like it more. Good song, good band.