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.
Count on Me
Jefferson Starship Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll give it to you
Blue as the sky and deep in the
Eyes of a love so true
Beautiful face
You make me feel
Lite on the stairs and lost in the
Air of a love so real
And you can count on me girl
You can count on my love
Woman
You can count on me baby
You can count on my love to see
You through
Emerald eyes and China perfume
Caught in the wheel and lost in
The feel of a love so soon
Ruby lips
You make my song
Into the night and saved by the lite
Of a love so strong
See you through
Oh
You can count on me girl
You can count on my love
The lyrics of Jefferson Starship's song "Count On Me" are a declaration of love and commitment to someone special. The opening line "Precious love, I'll give it to you" indicates that the singer is offering their love as something valuable and rare. The metaphor "blue as the sky and deep in the eyes" portrays a love that is pure and untainted. The singer then describes their lover's "beautiful face" that makes them feel "lite on the stairs and lost in the air," emphasizing the overwhelming effect that this person has on them.
As the song progresses, the singer continues to use vivid imagery to describe the intensity of their love. The lines "Emerald eyes and China perfume, Caught in the wheel and lost in the feel of a love so soon" suggest that the relationship is new and exciting. The mention of "ruby lips" and "saved by the lite of a love so strong" show that the singer is deeply moved by their lover's physical beauty as well as their emotional connection.
Overall, "Count On Me" is a passionate love song that expresses a deep commitment to a lover. The singer promises that they can "count on [them]" and their "love to see [them] through." The lyrics demonstrate a willingness to be there for someone no matter what, providing support and strength through thick and thin.
Line by Line Meaning
Precious love
My love is valuable and dear to me
I'll give it to you
I am willing to offer it to you
Blue as the sky and deep in the
My love is as vast as the sky and goes deep inside
Eyes of a love so true
My love is sincere and genuine
Beautiful face
Your appearance is stunning
You make me feel
I feel a particular way when I'm with you
Lite on the stairs and lost in the
I feel weightless and disoriented due to the intensity of my emotions
Air of a love so real
My love for you is authentic and tangible
And you can count on me girl
I am dependable for you
You can count on my love
You can rely on the affection I have for you
Woman
A term of endearment for my love interest
You can count on me baby
You can trust me to be there for you
You can count on my love to see
My love will guide and support you
You through
I will be there for you no matter what
Emerald eyes and China perfume
Your eyes are a beautiful green and you smell lovely
Caught in the wheel and lost in
I am trapped and disoriented due to my emotions
The feel of a love so soon
I fell in love quickly
Ruby lips
Your lips are beautiful and captivating
You make my song
You inspire me to express my emotions through song
Into the night and saved by the lite
I feel comforted and secure in the darkness
Of a love so strong
My love for you is resilient and powerful
See you through
I will support you through any difficulties you may face
Oh
An exclamation of emotion
You can count on me girl
You can rely on me, my love
You can count on my love
My affection for you is steadfast and trustworthy
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSIE NEAL BARISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikemead6132
As a soon to be 61 year old retired firefighter from San Diego, I just want to say how much I miss our days growing up in the 70s...
The BEST music, TV, etc...
Life was so great. It still is, but just different.
This song reminds me of times when life just seemed so simple..
Life goes by fast...
Music is the greatest creator of memories.
Every song we hear reminds of friends we had, places we were at..
I hope everyone who read this is feeling good..
@frankho99
And you graduated in 1981.
@jimries625
Bingo. Thanks for ur service
@stefanoetter5305
As someone hitting 60 this brought back my love of Jefferson Starship in the mid to late 70’s … great band
@janettheado8153
Agree 💯 Mike!
@SteveAubrey1762
Man, we had some groovy music back in the 70s, didn't we?
@stephaniepersin4222
I was a kid then and love this decade.
@chriskessler7344
@@stephaniepersin4222 same here. I was born in 68.
@pedenmk
Some of the very best. I miss the 70s
@josephsmall4270
Indeed.😊