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
Twilight Double Leader
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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Get down now and be my queen
Get down now and roll around me
Chinese dance around the queen
Twilight double leader
Comin' home to feed her
Charioteer, already been here
Have you heard about your brothers and your sisters
Livin' in the mountains, free from the city life
La da da da da da (free of the city life
La da da da da da (free of the city life)
La da da da da da (the city life)
La da da da da da
You can feel it in the streetime
Huntin' for the lifeline
Twilight all around you, around and around you
You can make it in the night time
And if you're lost midway, third of the week
She gonna find the right way to get to you
To get to you
Twilight double leader
Comin' home to please her
Walkin' on the water, disappearing daughter
Citadel redeemer
Ain't got time to hang around, movin' slow
I just got to go
I just got to go
I just got to go
Twilight double leader (twilight double leader)
Comin' home to please her
Walkin' on the water, disappearing daughter
Oh
In "Twilight Double Leader," Jefferson Airplane uses cryptic language to describe a scene of earthly pleasure and freedom. The song begins by inviting the listener to "get down now and roll around me," an invitation to engage in a physical act with the singer. The following lines speak of a Chinese dance and a queen, likely a reference to eroticism and sexual pleasure. The overall effect of the song is to evoke a sense of liberation from societal norms and restrictions. Even more explicitly, the chorus references a desire to break free from the city, its confines and obligations.
The final verses shift somewhat from the ecstatic celebration of pleasure to the pursuit of guidance and direction from a mysterious figure, represented as a "disappearing daughter" who can "find the right way to get to you." This character is never fully fleshed out, but she seems to represent a sort of mystical guide or oracle who can help the lost and confused find their way.
Overall, "Twilight Double Leader" is a psychedelic exploration of sensuality, freedom, and existential searching, all set to a driving rock beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Get down now and roll around me
Come to me and be close, let's embrace each other
Get down now and be my queen
Accept me as your king, let's rule together
Chinese dance around the queen
Perform joyous, lively movements and celebrate our love like Asians do
Twilight double leader
A powerful, mystical figure is on its way
Comin' home to feed her
Returning after being away to take care of someone dear
Charioteer, already been here
Driver of a royal carriage has visited before
Determination structure
Being steadfast and having a strong plan
Have you heard about your brothers and your sisters
Do you know about the ones who share your values and beliefs?
Livin' in the mountains, free from the city life
Living independently in the hills, away from chaos and consumerism
You can feel it in the streetime
You can sense it at night, in the city's alleys
Huntin' for the lifeline
Searching for hope and meaning in life
Twilight all around you, around and around you
Being surrounded by mysteries, enigmas, and enchantment
You can make it in the night time
You can overcome your fears and succeed, even when confronted with darkness
And if you're lost midway, third of the week
If you feel disoriented or uncomfortable in the middle of the week
She gonna find the right way to get to you
Someone you love and trust will help you find your path
Twilight double leader
The supernatural being is back
Comin' home to please her
Coming back to satisfy someone's needs and desires
Walkin' on the water, disappearing daughter
Doing the impossible, and vanishing without a trace
Citadel redeemer
Person who saves a fortified place, city or fortress
Ain't got time to hang around, movin' slow
Can't afford to waste time, must move fast and decisively
I just got to go
I must leave now, no time to waste
Twilight double leader (twilight double leader)
The mysterious, powerful figure returns (twice as potent)
Walkin' on the water, disappearing daughter
Performing the impossible, and vanishing without leaving any trace (again)
Oh
An expression of surprise, awe or fear.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Grail
Jorma is the best thing on the whole album.
Frank Grail
@Malcolm Bryson
What does this have to do with Jorma ?
c0zmikchuck
Great song, yes, but the better version belongs to the "30 Seconds Over Winterland" album (also on the double CD called "Last Flight"). David Freiberg augments the band on vocals so the harmonies are that much thicker. Check it out.
Diostillrocks
This song also has the same groove of Ride the Tiger.
Gregor von Kallahann
I never would have made that particular connection, Jack. But I love both tracks, so maybe you're onto something.
Roodoo Zefreak
one of the few good songs of the late Airplane...
John Sibley
You forgot about the haunting harmonies of Paul & Grace, and Papa John's electric Fiddle. Where were you in the early 70's? Sib
jackhillty
this song has the same groove as "sister ray" by the velvets
vergegenwaertitung
i love this song so much, ahh
Jeff Thompson
how the fuck can you not get up and dance around the room like a nut to this.....