Unraveling the Mysteries of ‘White Rabbit’ Song Lyrics: A Deep Dive into Jefferson Airplane’s Psychedelic Classic [With Fascinating Facts and Insights]

Short answer: Song lyrics White Rabbit

“White Rabbit” is a song by Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967. The song’s lyrics reference Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” with drug-related imagery and surrealism. It has become synonymous with the counterculture of the 1960s and remains a popular rock classic.

How to Interpret the Cryptic Message in Song Lyrics White Rabbit

A classic rock hit from the late 1960s, “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane is anything but straightforward. Laden with ethereal lyrics and psychedelic imagery, it’s easy to get lost in its intricate metaphors and symbolism.

But fear not – here’s a guide on how to interpret the cryptic message behind this iconic song!

First off, let’s establish that “White Rabbit” is loaded with drug references. The white rabbit itself alludes to Alice’s rabbit hole in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, which has been associated with the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Similarly, the hook line “Feed your head” is a nod to Timothy Leary’s infamous quote “Turn on, tune in, drop out,” which was widely interpreted as a call for LSD usage.

Now let’s delve into the lyrics themselves:

“One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small”

Here we see a direct reference to drugs that can alter our perception of reality. Taking one pill may make us feel bigger or more powerful than before, while taking another might make us feel small or insignificant. This acts as an allegorical warning about how drugs can impact our lives – they have the ability to both uplift us and diminish us.

“And the ones that mother gives you
Don’t do anything at all”

Notably, the pills referred to here are those given by a parental figure – perhaps implying traditional authority figures like teachers or religious leaders who advocate conformity over rebellion. They are meant as a contrast to those pills we take voluntarily as rebels seeking transcendence and freedom from societal norms.

“Go ask Alice
When she’s ten feet tall”

This line once again draws upon Carroll’s book ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ where Alice ingests various potions causing her size to fluctuate dramatically. In this sense it implies that there are others out there who can help enlighten us if only we ask (and if they are also on the same hallucinatory trip).

“And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you’re going to fall”

The reference to ‘chasing rabbits’ as something dangerous and perilous is meant as a warning: If we pursue the lure of drugs too far or too recklessly, then we may end up falling into a bad place mentally and physically.

“Tell ’em a hookah-smoking caterpillar has given you the call”

The caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland is famous for its smoking habit which makes it appear even more nonsensical – this lines suggests that exposure to drug culture can lead us into being vulnerable to accepting weird or bizarre beliefs from strangers. We should, after implying this lyric warns against trusting anyone who claims have all the answers.

Final Thoughts:

“White Rabbit” is undoubtedly a complex song with plenty of hidden meanings. But at its core, it represents how psychedelic drugs were viewed by society during the counter-culture movement of the 1960s. It explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and non-conformity – while also acknowledging that these things come with a cost.

So next time you encounter “White Rabbit,” remember its powerful message and pay attention not only to its lyrics but also to their context. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, chasing your dreams comes with unexpected consequences- including stepping through doors that lead down paths better left unexplored!

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Dive into the Story Behind Song Lyrics White Rabbit

The iconic song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane is a classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics have captured the hearts and souls of countless music lovers since its release in 1967, and it continues to be a staple on classic rock radio stations worldwide.

For those who are unfamiliar with the song, White Rabbit was written by lead singer Grace Slick as a tribute to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The song employs vivid imagery and surrealism to convey the feeling of being under the influence of drugs, which was a common theme among counterculture groups during the 1960s.

But what inspired Grace Slick to write this eerie yet magical song? And what do all those cryptic lyrics actually mean? Below is a step-by-step guide on how to dive into the story behind White Rabbit’s lyrics:

Step 1: Understand its historical context

The late 60s were marked by monumental social changes and political upheavals. Cultural norms were being challenged, and young people began to question authority figures such as politicians, parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Many became disillusioned with traditional ways of thinking and turned to drugs like marijuana or LSD for an alternate perception of reality.

Step 2: Analyze each verse

Verse one – “One pill makes you larger / And one pill makes you small / And the ones that mother gives you / Don’t do anything at all”

Here, Slick introduces two contrasting pills – one that makes you larger (possibly representing growth or self-discovery) and another that makes you smaller (representing conformity or lack of identity). The reference to “mother” suggests parents who may try to control their children’s behavior but ultimately are powerless when it comes to mind-altering substances.

Verse two – “Go ask Alice / When she’s ten feet tall”

This line is taken directly from Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It implies that one should consult someone who is experiencing an altered state of mind to fully grasp the experience.

Verse three – “And if you go chasing rabbits / And you know you’re going to fall / Tell ’em a hookah-smoking caterpillar / Has given you the call”

The concept of “chasing rabbits” alludes to pursuing an elusive and potentially dangerous experience. The hookah-smoking caterpillar may symbolize a guru or guide who has encouraged this pursuit and bestowed enlightenment.

Verse four – “Call Alice when she was just small”

This line further emphasizes the importance of consulting someone who has experienced an altered state of consciousness before, but in this case, it suggests speaking to Alice before she became ten feet tall and became disconnected from reality.

Step 3: Conclusion

Slick’s lyrical content serves as both social commentary on the turbulent times of the counterculture movement and as vivid storytelling about a surreal world filled with chaos, wonderment, and personal exploration. By examining each verse individually and understanding its historical context, we can begin to appreciate how White Rabbit still resonates with audiences today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Song Lyrics White Rabbit Answered

As a classic rock enthusiast, it’s difficult not to get swept away by the mesmerizing melodies and captivating lyrics of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”. The song has undoubtedly carved out its place in music history as an iconic piece of psychedelic rock, leaving fans entranced even today. However, there are still some lingering questions that fans have had about the lyrics.

Here are some frequently asked questions about “White Rabbit” answered:

1. What was the inspiration behind the song?

The lyrics of “White Rabbit” were inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Grace Slick (the lead singer) drew inspiration from Carroll’s trips down the rabbit hole to create an allegory for drug use during psychedelic times.

2. What is meant by the lyrics: “One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small”?

These lines directly reference Alice in Wonderland where she eats mushrooms that make her grow large or shrink down small enough to fit through a door. In “White Rabbit,” it alludes to how drugs can alter our perception physically and mentally.

3. What do the lines “Go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall” actually mean?

This line refers once again to Alice’s growth spurt after using mushrooms from Henry’s meadow in Chapter 2 of Alice in Wonderland. It could also be interpreted as asking someone who is so high, they feel overpowered and disconnected from their surroundings.

4. How does the chorus tie into the underlying message of White Rabbit?

The repeated phrase “Feed your head” encourages listeners to open their minds and expand their consciousness with exposure to different forms of art or taking psychedelics . It became a catchphrase back then among people who decided to contribute more meaning towards their existence than mere consumerism or doing business.

5. Was White Rabbit banned on radio stations due to its controversial message?

Due to its references intended for drug use, several radio stations did indeed ban the song’s play. However, it actually gained more popularity from being banned and went on to become a beloved classic rock anthem.

In conclusion, “White Rabbit” stands as one of the prime examples of music reflecting societal change and expression through distortion and storytelling. Its lyrics will continue to enlighten audiences that will include new generations willing to learn about its underlying message for ages to come. So next time you listen, pay attention and “feed your head!”

The Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Song Lyrics White Rabbit

White Rabbit, the iconic psychedelic rock song from Jefferson Airplane, has mesmerized music lovers for generations. Written by Grace Slick and released in 1967, the song is hailed as a masterpiece of counterculture art. But what makes White Rabbit so special? In this blog post, we’ll uncover the top 5 facts you need to know about Song Lyrics White Rabbit.

1. The Song Was Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”

Grace Slick was a literature enthusiast who always found inspiration in books. In an interview with NPR Music, she revealed that White Rabbit was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s book “Alice in Wonderland.” The lyric “One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small” refers to Alice taking pills labeled “eat me” or “drink me,” which make her grow or shrink depending on the dosage. The lyrics went well with Airplanes’ ideology at the time of changing reality perception through drugs.

2. It Has Been Covered by Many Famous Artists

White Rabbit has been covered by many famous artists over the years, including Pink Floyd, Cher, and Blue Man Group. The most notable cover was done by hard rock band Heart in their live album Dreamboat Annie (1976), which quickly became popular among rock fans after its release. Cover versions also appear in films such as The Game (1997) and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998).

3. It Has Political Relevance

White Rabbit and Jefferson Airplanes’ catalog were significant parts of late 60s counterculture music because their songs often focused on political issues like war and social injustice rather than love ballads like many other pop hits at the time. White Rabbit was particularly popular among anti-Vietnam War protesters who saw it as a metaphor for government censorship and manipulation of citizens.

4. It Features Musical Influences from Diverse Backgrounds

The instrumentation of the song was influenced by jazz and Indian classical music, giving it a distinct sound from other rock songs of the time. The melody of White Rabbit is built on a hookah-smoking caterpillar’s refrain “Who Are You”, sung by Jefferson Airplanes’ band member and songwriter Grace Slick. This musical ambiguity was popular among listeners who viewed the song as something beyond Western pop traditions.

5. White Rabbit is a Timeless Classic

In spite of its specific political contexts, White Rabbit has endured as an iconic rock classic over the years – Amazon lists “White Rabbit” as amongst top positive customer reviews for all-time Rock music collections. Its popularity has transcended generations thanks in part to its timeless messages about questioning authority, exploring altered states of consciousness, and embracing individuality.

In conclusion, Song Lyrics White Rabbit remains one of the most iconic songs ever produced with lasting influence across music genres and political spectrums even today. With its trippy lyrics, diverse instrumentation, and timeless appeal, this psychedelic classic continues to inspire generations to be curious about themselves and the world around them. What makes your eyes dilate?

The Power and Meaning of Symbolism in Song Lyrics White Rabbit

Symbolism plays a significant role in music, especially in song lyrics. Symbolism can be defined as the use of object or idea that stands for something else beyond its literal meaning. It is like an abstract language that helps artists to convey complex ideas to their audience.

One prominent example of music that heavily utilizes symbolism is “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane. Written by Grace Slick, the song is full of metaphors that explore themes such as drugs, social consciousness, and personal liberation.

The opening lines of the song instantly make it clear how symbolism will play a vital role throughout: “One pill makes you larger / And one pill makes you small / And the one that mother gives you / Doesn’t do anything at all.” Here we see pills used metaphorically to represent escape from reality – through drugs or otherwise.

The chorus features imagery from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland”, with Slick singing, “Go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall…” This line plays on the story’s thread of physically growing and shrinking; however, readers generally interpret it symbolically as well as meaning growing up and facing life’s challenges head-on. The term “White Rabbit” also refers to the rabbit in Carroll’s book who leads Alice down a rabbit hole into Wonderland- but here acts more like an elusive symbol for people trying to find themselves amidst life.

Moving further into the song: “When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead” represents society losing its grip on firm values; where everything seems out of control because people are driven by greed than common sense. To this end, escaping adulthood’s harsh realities through consumption (either literally or metaphorically) can be tempting.This lyric goes wonderfully hand-in-hand with something like ‘Through The Looking Glass’ because things always seem skewed when everyone’s juggling their ideologies around without logic.

Later on in the track,Slick uses metaphorical tendrils which brings forth associations with 1960s drug culture even more were drugs are quick and potent; “And the Red Queen’s off with her head / Remember what the dormouse said” encourages one to not forget counterculture ideals in favor of superficial societies. Even if society goes off-kilter.

The song concludes by invoking a feeling of personal liberation where one – after viewing all that life has to offer, deciding to escape temptations and follow their morals: “If you go chasing rabbits / And you know you’re going to fall / Tell ’em a hookah-smoking caterpillar / Has given you the call.”

Overall, the use of symbolism in “White Rabbit” adds an enriching dimension for listeners, making it possible to explore various themes way beyond its face value. Perhaps this use of symbolism contributes why Jefferson Airplane’s hit is still relevant decades later.

In essence, music that makes lasting impacts are those that speak not just through catchy melodies but convey deeper and often abstract concepts using metaphors.This is why White Rabbit stands out from other songs – as behind it’s harmless melody lies a grander message. A message which encourages each listener to partake in reflecting on themselves alongside thinking critically about a rapidly changing world.

Unveiling the Inspiration Behind Jefferson Airplane’s Timeless Classic, ‘White Rabbit’

Jefferson Airplane’s classic hit, ‘White Rabbit’, has been a staple of rock and roll music since its release in 1967. The song’s catchy chorus and psychedelic lyrics have enchanted listeners for over five decades, earning its place as one of the most iconic songs in rock history. But what inspired the band to create this masterpiece? Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the political and social climate of the time. The late 1960s was a period of radical change, both within America and across the globe. Anti-war protests were sweeping through major cities, while countercultural movements such as Hippy culture were emerging. The Civil Rights movement had reached fever pitch, and drug use had become increasingly mainstream.

It was against this backdrop that Jefferson Airplane began work on their new album, ‘Surrealistic Pillow’. Two key members of the band – lead singer Grace Slick and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen – drew upon their experiences with psychedelics to write several tracks for the album. Indeed, Slick herself is infamous for her enthusiastic indulgence in mind-altering substances.

The lyrics to ‘White Rabbit’ are densely packed with references to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll – one of literature’s most famous examples of psychedelic literature – hinting at recreational drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms: “One pill makes you larger / And one pill makes you small”. But more than just referencing drug use, Slick used these literary allusions to express deeper themes about freedom and enlightenment.

Indeed, much like how Alice navigates surreal situations throughout ‘Wonderland’ with courage beyond her years; “feed your head” comes up again during another verse as encouragement towards society at large to expand their minds through art…or whatever they see fit: “And if you go chasing rabbits / And you know you’re going to fall / Tell them a hookah-smoking caterpillar / Has given you the call”.

Critics and fans alike have praised ‘White Rabbit’ for its poetic use of metaphor to address pressing issues of the era, helping elevate it beyond standard “drug rock”. Slick’s powerful vocal performance gives her lyrics an emotional resonance that further amplifies their message.

In conclusion, ‘White Rabbit’ may be thought of as a trippy classic rock song that calls out to stoners and burnouts, but there’s so much more going on beneath the surface. The song’s metaphors stand as both reflections on how far things have come in modern times – reaching into an era of unbridled idealism relevant even today – and encouraging those willing to take inspiration and expand their horizons with intellectual freedom. Jefferson Airplane’s ability to weave complex themes into accessible pop songs was one of the many reasons they emerged as key players in helping soundtrack the psychedelic revolution occurring through music at this moment in time.

Table with useful data:

Lyric	Meaning
“One pill makes you larger”	Suggesting that taking drugs can lead to a distorted sense of reality and an altered perception of oneself.
“And one pill makes you small”	Referring to how drugs can make a person feel insignificant and powerless.
“And the ones that mother gives you”	Pointing out that sometimes the people we trust the most can lead us down a dangerous path.
“Don’t do anything at all”	Implying that sometimes the best decision is to do nothing and avoid the potential consequences of a particular action.
“Feed your head”	Suggesting that instead of relying on drugs to alter our perception of reality, we should seek knowledge and expand our understanding of the world.

Information from an expert

As an expert in music and lyrics, I can confidently say that the song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane is a masterpiece in its own right. Written by lead singer Grace Slick, the lyrics are cryptic and full of imagination, with references to Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”. The song’s psychedelic sound and rebellious vibe made it a hit during the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. Overall, “White Rabbit” remains one of the most iconic songs of that era and continues to captivate listeners today.

Historical fact:

The song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane was released in 1967 during the peak of the counterculture movement and its lyrics were inspired by Lewis Carroll’s book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. The song has since become one of the most iconic anthems of the era.