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
Volunteers
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics
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Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
One generation got old
One generation got soul
Pick up the cry
Hey, now it's time for you and me
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, come on now we're marching to the sea
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Who will take it from you, we will and who are we?
Well, we are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
I've got a revolution
Got a revolution
Look what's happening out in the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
Got a revolution, oh-oh
We are volunteers of America
Yeah, we are volunteers of America
We are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
Jefferson Airplane's song "Volunteers" speaks to the generational divide between the youth and their elders during the turbulent 1960s. The "revolution" mentioned in the song refers to the social and political upheaval of the time, with young people pushing for change and a better future. The lyrics suggest that the youth have no clear direction but are passionate about their cause and determined to make a difference. The call to action in the chorus is a message of unity and solidarity, encouraging people to come together and fight for their beliefs.
The song was released in 1969 during the height of the counterculture movement, and it became an anthem for that generation. The song was notable for its powerful and energetic sound, blending rock with elements of folk and blues. The lyrics were a rallying cry for young people to stand up for themselves and fight against the establishment.
Line by Line Meaning
Look what's happening out in the streets
The singer notices something significant happening in the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
There is a major change happening that needs to be acknowledged
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
The singer is joyfully and actively participating in the movement
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The same significant event is happening and it is paramount
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
The artist reflects on the vast numbers of people involved in the change
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The movement is an essential part of the change
One generation got old
An older generation has aged
One generation got soul
Another generation has kept its passion and energy
This generation got no destination to hold
The current generation lacks direction
Pick up the cry
Let your voice be heard
Hey, now it's time for you and me
The singer calls for unity and action
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The important event is again emphasized
Hey, come on now we're marching to the sea
The singer encourages others to join the movement
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The same significant event continues
Who will take it from you, we will and who are we?
The singer challenges others to join their cause and asks what group they belong to
Well, we are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
The artist identifies themselves as a volunteer of America
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
The group is identified again
I've got a revolution
The singer feels personally affected by the change
Got a revolution
The observed event is essential in multiple ways
Look what's happening out in the streets
The artist reiterates the importance of the current event
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The same significant event is once again emphasized
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
The artist has not lost their enthusiasm and is still joyfully participating
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
The event is essential and demands attention
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
The artist is still captivated by the vast numbers and diversity of people involved
Got a revolution, oh-oh
The same event is again deemed important
We are volunteers of America
The singer identifies themselves as a part of a larger group
Yeah, we are volunteers of America
The singer confirms and reiterates their involvement in the group
We are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
The artist identifies themselves and their group one final time
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
The group is identified one final time
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Marty Balin, Paul Kantner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind