By 1973, after the breakup of Jefferson Airplane, with Kaukonen and Casady now devoting their full attention to Hot Tuna, several of the musicians who worked on Kantner, Slick, and Freiberg's album "Baron von Tollbooth & the Chrome Nun" formed the core of a new lineup that was formally reborn as "Jefferson Starship" in 1974. Kantner, Slick, and Freiberg were charter members. The line-up also included late-Airplane holdovers drummer John Barbata, Marty Balin,and fiddler Papa John Creach (who also played with Hot Tuna), along with Pete Sears (who, like Freiberg, played bass and keyboards) and twenty-year-old guitarist Craig Chaquico.
Eventually, Slick's alcoholism became a problem, which led to two nights of disastrous concerts in Germany in 1978. The first night, fans ransacked the stage when Slick failed to appear. The following night, Slick, in a drunken stupor, shocked the audience by using profanity and sexual references throughout most of her songs. She also reminded the audience that their country had lost during World War II , repeatedly asking "Who won the war?", and implied that all residents of Germany were responsible for the wartime atrocities. After the debacle, she left the band.
The band soon cribbed vocalist Mickey Thomas from the popular Elvin Bishop Group. After the 1979 release of 'Freedom at Point Zero' (which spawned the hit single "Jane"), Slick returned to the band. She joined in time to contribute one song, "Stranger", on the group's next album, Modern Times (1981). Modern Times also included the notorious "Stairway to Cleveland," in which the band defended the numerous changes it had undergone in its musical style, personnel, and even name. One noted personnel change in the group was when Dunbar left and was replaced by Donny Baldwin (also of the Elvin Bishop Group). Slick remained in the band for Jefferson Starship's final two albums, Winds Of Change (1982) and Nuclear Furniture (1984).
Around this time, the band began enthusiastically embracing rock's video age. Grace Slick would appear frequently on MTV and such music-oriented television shows as Solid Gold, giving the band a high visibility in the MTV era. However, the Jefferson Starship albums of this era were only modestly successful, yet the band remained a gold-selling (and thus commercially credible) act, and a popular concert draw.
In 1984, Kantner (the last remaining founding member of Jefferson Airplane) left the group, but not before taking legal action over the Jefferson name against his former bandmates, who wanted to continue as Jefferson Starship. Kantner settled out of court and signed an agreement that neither party would use the names "Jefferson" or "Airplane" unless all members of Jefferson Airplane, Inc. (Bill Thompson, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady) agreed. The band used the titles "Starship Jefferson" and "Jefferson Starship" during the proceedings, but ultimately settled on the shortening 'Starship'.
In 1992, Kantner restarted Jefferson Starship as Jefferson Starship - The Next Generation before returning simply to Jefferson Starship after a couple of years. This incarnation of the band continues to perform and record to this day.
Caroline
Jefferson Starship Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should I hurt your feelings or keep on lyin'?
One thing leads to another and another
And another and another besides
You always know whenever I want to make love
And you always know all the changes I'm going through
Just as if you can read my mind
Caroline, you know everything I do
How I feel inside for you.
Yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You're what I want more than anything else
I love you - yes I do - but I know when I'm all by myself
Nothin' is real but my feelings and desires for you
And everything looks like some sort of scenery
Stored in an empty theatre
With stars on the ground - fences in the sky
And tears in the curtain of time
Oh what can I tell you, my Caroline.
Except yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
Caroline, your lovin' keeps me rollin'
Rollin' all the time, rollin' all the time
Baby - somewhere out there
You really roll me
Roll me away
Baby - somewhere out there
You roll me, roll me away.
And when the melody makes me surrender
Dark eyed girl, I always remember
That you love me somewhere out there
You really love me in time to the music
How you love me wildly in my heart
Girl, you love me
You roll me away.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
It's like a wind from the other side of the world
Like a far off pack of hounds
Sounds like a whole universe - throbbin' with life
I get so hypnotized in the lights
Just like the gaze of a mantis
Why even Atlantis sank beneath
The waves in a day and a night
Oh, in a day and a night I could write
You a symphony
It would be just like a bird
And carry my love over the mountains.
Cause somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
Cry Caroline.
The song "Caroline" by Jefferson Starship is a love ballad, but with a twist. Lead singer Marty Balin addresses his lover, Caroline, and contemplates whether to tell her the truth about his feelings or to continue lying to her. He talks about how Caroline knows him better than anyone else, even when he wants to make love, and that she knows all his changes. Balin also talks about how he loves Caroline and wants her more than anything but that he feels lost when he is alone. He describes his feelings and desires for her as if they were in a theater, as if she were watching him from the audience. Balin continues to describe how Caroline's love keeps him going, and he is just waiting for the right moment to fulfill his desire for her. The song ends with him saying that Caroline fills his heart with wonder and his soul with love, but he still cries for her.
The song speaks to the cycle of love and relationships, where one may feel unsure about their feelings for someone, and then they realize their love for that person. Balin captures the raw emotions of a relationship where there is a strong connection to another person, but there is also confusion and uncertainty. He also describes how love can be a rollercoaster, and how Caroline keeps him "rolling all the time." The song is a testament to how love can be both complicated and simple, full of wonder and joy, but also full of tears and sorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh what can I tell you now, Caroline
The singer is unsure of what to say to his lover Caroline.
Should I hurt your feelings or keep on lyin'?
The singer is questioning whether to be honest or not in his conversation with Caroline.
One thing leads to another and another
The singer is acknowledging the complexity of the relationship between him and Caroline.
And another and another besides
The singer is highlighting the multiple factors affecting his feelings towards Caroline.
You always know whenever I want to make love
Caroline understands the singer's desires and acts on them.
And you always know all the changes I'm going through
Caroline can read the singer's mind when it comes to his transformations.
Just as if you can read my mind
The singer is stating that Caroline has a deep understanding of him.
Caroline, you know everything I do
The singer acknowledges that Caroline knows everything about him.
There just ain't no words to describe
The singer feels that the feelings he has for Caroline are impossible to articulate.
How I feel inside for you.
The singer loves Caroline deeply.
Yet somewhere out there
The singer believes there is something or someone that will help him get his message across to Caroline.
Waitin' on a wonder
The singer is admitting that he is hopeful and anticipates something amazing happening.
You'll lend wings to my words
The singer believes that the mysterious force that is hoping for will provide him the ability to convey his feelings better.
Somewhere when the band is gone
The singer imagines a moment when they are alone, and he can express his love to Caroline better.
And the music of my song
The singer will use his metaphorical song to woo Caroline.
Is just right for lovers.
The singer is hoping that the song that he creates will be perfect for two people in love.
You're what I want more than anything else
The singer is making it clear that Caroline is what he desires the most.
I love you - yes I do - but I know when I'm all by myself
The singer is affirming his love for Caroline but recognizes that he can't do without her presence.
Nothin' is real but my feelings and desires for you
The singer believes that his emotions and desires for Caroline are the only things that matter and are authentic.
And everything looks like some sort of scenery
The singer compares the world around him to props on a stage.
Stored in an empty theatre
The world around the singer appears meaningless without Caroline around.
With stars on the ground - fences in the sky
The universe is mixed up and chaotic from the singer's perspective.
And tears in the curtain of time
The singer is possibly referring to time running out for him.
Except yet somewhere out there
The singer repeats that something fantastic is waiting for him.
Caroline, your lovin' keeps me rollin'
The singer feels that Caroline's love keeps him going.
Rollin' all the time, rollin' all the time
The singer has accepted that his love for Caroline is never ending.
Baby - somewhere out there
The singer repeats his affirmation of hope.
You really roll me
The singer feels that Caroline has the power to motivate him.
Roll me away
The singer wants Caroline to take him away to another place.
And when the melody makes me surrender
The singer feels that music has the power to make him submit.
Dark eyed girl, I always remember
The singer remembers Caroline's uniqueness.
That you love me somewhere out there
The singer is hoping that Caroline loves him.
You really love me in time to the music
The singer feels that Caroline loves him in perfect synchronicity with the music.
How you love me wildly in my heart
The singer feels that Caroline's love is wild and fierce.
Girl, you love me
The singer recognizes Caroline's love is powerful.
You roll me away.
The singer suggests that Caroline's love can transport him away.
You always fill my heart with wonder
The singer admires Caroline's ability to create a sense of awe in him.
You always fill my soul with love
The singer appreciates Caroline's love.
You always fill my lips with kisses
The singer enjoys kissing Caroline.
You always fill my eyes with tears.
The singer is moved by Caroline.
It's like a wind from the other side of the world
The singer is describing a foreign, mysterious force.
Like a far off pack of hounds
The force the singer has described is hunting for something.
Sounds like a whole universe - throbbin' with life
The singer's metaphorical force feels like vibrant and lively.
I get so hypnotized in the lights
The singer feels mesmerized by his experience.
Just like the gaze of a mantis
The singer makes an allusion to the intensified gaze of mantises.
Why even Atlantis sank beneath
The singer is acknowledging how something powerful and significant can be ruined.
The waves in a day and a night
He tells Caroline that things can change suddenly.
Oh, in a day and a night I could write
The singer believes he can write a beautiful piece of art quickly.
You a symphony
The singer believes that he could craft a beautiful musical piece for Caroline.
It would be just like a bird
The singer believes that the art he writes will be like a bird and transport Caroline away.
And carry my love over the mountains.
The singer emphasizes how powerful his love for Caroline is.
Cry Caroline.
The singer is telling Caroline to cry, possibly because he knows how emotional things are between them.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Marty Balin, Paul L Kantner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Oh what can I tell you now, Caroline
Should I hurt your feelings or keep on lyin'?
One thing leads to another and another
And another and another besides
You always know whenever I wanna make love
And you always know all the changes I'm going through
Just as if you can read my mind
Caroline, you know everything I do
There just ain't no words to describe
How I feel inside for you.
Yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You're what I want more than anything else
I love you - yes I do - but I know when I'm all by myself
Nothin' is real but my feelings and desires for you
And everything looks like some sort of scenery
Stored in an empty theatre
With stars on the ground - fences in the sky
And tears in the curtain of time
Oh what can I tell you, my Caroline.
Except yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
Caroline, your lovin' keeps me rollin'
Rollin' all the time, rollin' all the time
Baby - somewhere out there
You really roll me
Roll me away
Baby - somewhere out there
You roll me, roll me away.
And when the melody makes me surrender
Dark eyed girl, I always remember
That you love me somewhere out there
You really love me in time to the music
How you love me wildly in my heart
Girl, you love me
You roll me away.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
It's like a wind from the other side of the world
Like a far off pack of hounds
Sounds like a whole universe - throbbin' with life
I get so hypnotized in the lights
Just like the gaze of a mantis
Why even Atlantis sank beneath
The waves in a day and a night
Oh, in a day and a night I could write
You a symphony
It would be just like a bird
And carry my love over the mountains.
Cause somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
Cry Caroline.
@AlchemiaMagic
Lyrics:
Oh what can I tell you now, caroline
Should I hurt your feelings or keep on lyin'?
One thing leads to another and another
And another and another besides
You always know whenever I wanna make love
And you always know all the changes I'm going through
Just as if you can read my mind
Caroline, you know everything I do
There just ain't no words to describe
How I feel inside for you.
Yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You're what I want more than anything else
I love you - yes I do - but I know when I'm all by myself
Nothin' is real but my feelings and desires for you
And everything looks like some sort of scenery
Stored in an empty theatre
With stars on the ground - fences in the sky
And tears in the curtain of time
Oh what can I tell you, my caroline.
Except yet somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
Caroline, your lovin' keeps me rollin'
Rollin' all the time, rollin' all the time
Baby - somewhere out there
You really roll me
Roll me away
Baby - somewhere out there
You roll me, roll me away.
And when the melody makes me surrender
Dark eyed girl, I always remember
That you love me somewhere out there
You really love me in time to the music
How you love me wildly in my heart
Girl, you love me
You roll me away.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
It's like a wind from the other side of the world
Like a far off pack of hounds
Sounds like a whole universe - throbbin' with life
I get so hypnotized in the lights
Just like the gaze of a mantis
Why even atlantis sank beneath
The waves in a day and a night
Oh, in a day and a night I could write
You a symphony
It would be just like a bird
And carry my love over the mountains.
Cause somewhere out there
Waitin' on a wonder
You'll lend wings to my words
Somewhere when the band is gone
And the music of my song
Is just right for lovers.
You always fill my heart with wonder
You always fill my soul with love
You always fill my lips with kisses
You always fill my eyes with tears.
Cry caroline.
@cherokeelair9796
RIP Marty Balin.
You and Paul Kantner saved so many lives with your music.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us. & Thank you for coming back to Starship and writing this song with Paul.
@marygonzales5270
Yes I used to live in a motel above s prostitute she used to crank Jeff resin Starships greatest hits , I would sit on the stairs and jam out, I had nothing, so it saved me life too.
@charlespeterson3877
Couldn't have said it better myself.
@VintageChick55
This song always brings tears to my eyes. It is a beautiful love song.
@CC-watches
My name is Caroline and I thought I had heard all of the songs with my name but this is something else man. This is what you wish a man writes about you.
@mthivier
Marty Balin has one of the two most piercingly beautiful male voices in all of rock and roll. (The other is Robert Plant). And I love how Grace's harmony vocals on this song match Marty's, note-for-note.
@stephendaparma3303
His voice is truly fantastic
@cinderscinders5549
The way Grace and Marty's voices blended, unequaled.
@yawhause
In my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful love songs ever.
@stewartmcmurry2452
Twas