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

Short answer white rabbit song lyrics: “White Rabbit” is a song by Jefferson Airplane from their 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. The iconic verses reference Alice in Wonderland and are often interpreted as a tribute to psychedelic drugs. Grace Slick’s powerful vocals and clever wordplay make this classic rock anthem one of the most memorable of the era.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Understand and Break Down ‘White Rabbit’ Lyrics

“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane is a classic psychedelic rock song that has transcended time, leaving audiences mesmerized since its release in 1967. With its dreamy melody and cryptic lyrics, the song takes the listener on a surreal journey through Alice’s Wonderland.

But do you really know what it all means? Fear not, as we present to you a step-by-step guide on how to understand and break down the lyrics of “White Rabbit”:

Step 1: Understand the Context

The song was written during the height of the counterculture movement in America during the late 1960s. At this time, there was significant social upheaval due to issues such as racism, war, and drug use. Therefore, “White Rabbit” reflected this period of chaos and disillusionment felt by many people at the time.

Step 2: Decode Symbolism

Symbolism is prevalent throughout “White Rabbit,” so understanding these symbols is crucial in decoding the meaning behind the song. The opening lines (“One pill makes you bigger/ And one pill makes you small”) stand for drugs’ conflicting effects – expanding one’s mental horizon while still reducing physical existence. Meanwhile, Alice represents society or humankind entering an altogether different dimension when taking hallucinogens — her Wonderland being a fictional analogy for psychedelic experiences.

Further on in the lyrics (such as “the hookah smoking caterpillar,”) there are references to characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ giving listeners an excellent opportunity to uncover hidden meanings behind each scene within their head.

Step 3: Analyze Lyrics

After grasping context and decoding symbolism, dive into analyzing individual lines from “White Rabbit.” Consider them as metaphors or similes like Grace Slick intended.

For instance: “When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead/ And white knights are talking backward” may imply new thoughts emerging during hallucinations since the rational mind’s filters are down.

Additionally, the recurring phrase “feed your head” could have a deeper meaning — encouraging listeners to seek enlightenment or expand their consciousness beyond what society expects from them. This message of individual liberation tied with anarchism and anti-establishment sentiment further characterizes late 60s counterculture movements.

In conclusion, “White Rabbit” is an essential song in the history of music and forever immortalized in pop culture. By following these steps to analyze its lyrics, you can now comprehend the song’s message and appreciate it on a more profound level. The lyrics’ poetic yet straightforward playfulness even led rumors for blatantly referencing drugs at a time when drug use was illegal; ultimately, however, Slick’s intention remains to share her perspective on systematic conformity through art.

Unraveling the Mysteries of ‘White Rabbit’: Top 5 Facts You Need to Know

As one of the most iconic songs from the 60s, Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit’ has long been considered a staple of psychedelic culture. This classic tune has left an indelible mark on music history, inspiring countless covers and adaptations throughout the years. But despite its familiarity, there are still some mysteries surrounding the song’s creation and meaning. In this post, we’ll be delving deeper into ‘White Rabbit’ and uncovering some fascinating facts about this timeless track.

1. The opening instrumental is actually inspired by another song

Before Grace Slick belts out the iconic opening line “One pill makes you larger”, White Rabbit starts with an unmistakable guitar riff that prepares listeners for the musical journey ahead. However, what some might not know is that this riff was actually adapted from a slightly different source: Maurice Ravel’s classical composition ‘Boléro’. Quite how Ravel would have felt about his works being used as inspiration for a trippy psychedelic rock song can only be guessed at!

2. The lyrics are chock-full of Lewis Carroll references

As anyone who has ever read Alice in Wonderland knows, white rabbits feature prominently in Lewis Carroll’s classic work. It therefore won’t come as a surprise that ‘White Rabbit’ uses multiple Carrollian references throughout its lyrical tapestry. From mentions of Alice herself to outright quotes like “feed your head”, it is clear that Slick was drawing on this famous tale when writing her own psychedelic wonderland.

3. It’s rumored to have been written in less than an hour

Despite its enduring popularity, it may surprise fans to learn just how quickly ‘White Rabbit’ came together behind-the-scenes. According to legend, Grace Slick wrote the lyrics in under an hour while staying over at her drummer’s apartment one night after a gig with her previous band – The Great Society.

4. It caused controversy with radio stations and parents alike

With its heavy drug connotations and explicit references to sex, it is safe to say that ‘White Rabbit’ wasn’t exactly embraced by everyone when it first hit the airwaves. Some radio stations actually refused to play the track due to its somewhat subversive nature, while many parents expressed concern about their children listening to such “corrupting” music.

5. It wasn’t originally intended as a single

While ‘White Rabbit’ has since become one of Jefferson Airplane’s most beloved songs, it was actually never intended as a standalone single from their album Surrealistic Pillow. The band’s producer reportedly selected the song for inclusion on the album after hearing an early demo version, impressed by both Slick’s impressive vocals and the striking impact of the psychedelic soundscapes she created.

All in all, ‘White Rabbit’ remains one of those rare musical gems that manages to capture a particular time and place in history with startling vividness. With lyrics rich in references and meaning and a sound uniquely suited to its era, this song continues to resonate with modern audiences even five decades after its initial release. Whether you’re a long-time fan or hearing it for the first time, there’s no denying White Rabbit is an essential tune that deserves your attention.

‘White Rabbit’ Song Lyrics FAQ: Answers to the Most Common Questions

Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” is one of the most iconic songs in rock history. The song, which was released in 1967 as part of their album “Surrealistic Pillow,” speaks to the counterculture movement that was taking place during that time period in America. With its trippy melody and Alice in Wonderland-inspired lyrics, White Rabbit has become a timeless classic.

However, even after all these years, questions about the meaning behind the lyrics remain. Thankfully, we have gathered some answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding this legendary song.

What does “one pill makes you larger” mean?

This line from White Rabbit is referring to LSD or acid – a hallucinogenic drug that was popular among hippies during the 60s. Taking one pill of LSD would make one’s perception of reality enlarged and distorted.

What is meant by “And if you go chasing rabbits”?

The phrase “chasing rabbits” signifies pursuing abstract or illogical thoughts. According to singer-songwriter Grace Slick, she wrote this particular line while thinking about how taking drugs can throw people into strange thought patterns.

Is “feed your head” promoting drug use?

No, it is not. The original message behind this phrase in the song was actually more uplifting than its connotations: it encourages listeners to fill their minds with knowledge and expand their consciousness through exploring art and literature.

Who Is Alice?

Alice refers to Alice Liddell – the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s storybook character Alice in Wonderland.

What inspired Grace Slick when writing ‘White Rabbit’ Song?

Grace Slick claims that her inspiration for writing White Rabbit came from reading Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland books and an experience she had at a tea party where guests served her too much tea causing her mind to wander off on unusual tangents.

Overall, “White Rabbit” has stood the test of time as a culturally significant piece of rock music. Its lyrics continue to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in listeners, even as they approach the song with new interpretations through each generation. Whether you’re listening to the original recording or one of the countless covers that have since been created, there’s no denying that White Rabbit remains a fascinating and enduring work of songwriting craftsmanship.

What Inspired Grace Slick’s Legendary ‘White Rabbit’ Life Lessons?

Grace Slick is a name that’s synonymous with iconic music, brilliant songwriting and an inspiring persona. One of the songs that forever immortalized her legacy is ‘White Rabbit.’ This mesmerizing track is considered to be one of the most powerful songs in rock history, known for its psychedelic sound, thought-provoking lyrics and a message that has resonated with audiences for generations.

But what inspired Grace Slick’s legendary ‘White Rabbit’ life lessons? Let’s explore.

The Birth of White Rabbit

Grace Slick wrote ‘White Rabbit’ in 1965 while she was still with The Great Society band. However, it was later reimagined and officially recorded by Jefferson Airplane in 1967 as part of their album “Surrealistic Pillow.” This version went on to become a chart-topping success and solidified Grace’s place in music history.

Inspiration behind ‘White Rabbit’

The song was largely inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. It draws heavily from this classic novel and speaks about Alice’s journey into Wonderland where she finds herself chasing after rabbits and consuming mushrooms; all whilst exploring the themes of life, death and transformation.

However, it’s not just the imaginative storyline that makes ‘White Rabbit’ such an enduring masterpiece. Through clever metaphors, veiled references to sex, drugs and drug culture , Grace Slick crafted a subtly subversive anthem which conveyed pertinent truths even amidst confusion brought upon by commonly prevalent habits . It carries great symbolism hidden seemingly behind innocent girlhood memories for example “One pill makes you larger / And one pill makes you small / And the ones that mother gives you / Don’t do anything at all.”

Elevating Consciousness

With ‘White Rabbit’, Grace encourages listeners to stay awake to see beyond societal masks – appealing against blind worship-ism ,influence or easier escape routes posado often through substance escapade .

Additionally, Grace Slick’s soft yet powerfully captivating voice in defiance of societal norms, prejudice and apathy still resonates with modern day listeners as well. It inspires people to challenge conventional realities and choose a path of self-awareness, one that is not influenced by societal masks that are often put on unknowingly .

‘White Rabbit’ is more than just a song; it’s an enlightening experience for many listeners. Through its powerful lyrics, haunting melody and unforgettable message, the track has become a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations along the course of their journey . Thus going forward each time you hear this masterpiece or sway your head to music while strolling down ‘an unknown hallway’ ,allow yourself to be inspired by the ever-relevant ‘White Rabbit’, gracefully capturing deeper reflection catered especially for individual nuances.

On the whole Music and history lovers alike agree that ‘White Rabbit’ remains a true gem in rock history -the blending of vivid imagery metaphors help genuinely craft emotions creating Dreamlike experiences ;arguably comparable only to few other psychedelic masterpieces like Pink Floyd’s “dark side of the moon ” or Jimi Hendrix renderings .

A Closer Look at Literary Devices Used in ‘White Rabbit’ Song Lyrics

As the saying goes, “music is the universal language”. It not only has the power to connect people from different parts of the world but also possesses the ability to evoke emotions, feelings and thoughts within us. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive and examine one particular song – ‘White Rabbit’ by Jefferson Airplane. We’ll explore the literary devices used in its lyrics and how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the song.

‘White Rabbit’ is one of those songs that has stood the test of time; it was released way back in 1967 but still manages to captivate listeners with its psychedelic tune and introspective lyrics. One of the most significant literary devices employed in this song is imagery. Right from the opening lines, Grace Slick (the lead singer) draws a parallel between Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and real life events:

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

These lines immediately create an image of pills and their effects. The vivid description successfully transports listeners into a surreal world where things are not always what they seem, like Alice’s journey through Wonderland.

Another prominent device employed in ‘White Rabbit’ is repetition. The chorus features two repeated phrases:

“Feed your head!
Feed your head!”

This kind of repetition serves as a form of emphasis, intensifying its message for maximum impact on listeners. By repeating “Feed your head,” Grace Slick urges us to explore our inner selves without restraint or hesitation.

The use of metaphors adds another layer to this dense composition – “talking backwards,” “hookah-smoking caterpillar,” “the Red Queen’s off with her head.” These phrases serve as cultural references that resonate even decades after its release; more than just mere words inscribed onto rotating vinyls.

Symbolism is also an effective tool used in the lyrics of ‘White Rabbit’. The hookah-smoking caterpillar is symbolic of the idea that drugs can help you find a higher level of consciousness. Similarly, “White rabbit” is a metaphor for Alice’s curiosity; it represents the soul’s quest to understand what lies beyond this world, deep within ourselves.

Finally, we cannot forget about the use of alliteration and assonance in ‘White Rabbit’. These sounds add texture and complexity to the song’s already intricate web of literary devices:

“One pill makes you larger,
and one pill makes you small.
And the ones that mother gives you,
don’t do anything at all.”

In conclusion, Grace Slick utilizes various literary devices like imagery, repetition, metaphors, symbolism and sound play throughout her iconic composition ‘White Rabbit’. Each tool adds its own unique touch while contributing to an overall theme clarity that stands strong today even after more than 50 years since its release date. This song reminds us that through music and art we can explore deeper meanings in life while expanding our horizons farther than ever before. So feed your head with this excellent piece from Jefferson Airplane and let your imagination blossom into something magical!

‘Go Ask Alice’: Decoding Lewis Carroll’s Influence on ‘White Rabbit’

Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ have been beloved children’s classics for over a century. However, what many don’t realize is that his quirky, witty style of writing influenced numerous artistic creations beyond children’s literature, including Jefferson Airplane’s hit song ‘White Rabbit.’

Released in 1967 during the psychedelic era, White Rabbit was an instant success, featuring layers of eerie instrumentals and Grace Slick’s hauntingly beautiful voice. However, the true genius behind the lyrics lay in their references to Lewis Carroll. The song’s opening lines “One pill makes you larger /And one pill makes you small” allude to Alice swallowing pills to grow or shrink in size throughout her adventures.

The next verse mentions “Chasing rabbits,” which could be seen as a direct reference to Alice chasing the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole. The chorus itself contains a nod to one of Carroll’s most famous characters with its repeated lines “feed your head.” After all, isn’t it exactly what mushrooms do to people?

As we delve deeper into this exploration of Alice In Wonderland references within White Rabbit, it becomes apparent that Slick also subverted some themes from Carroll’s novel to create her own message about drug use and teen rebellion against their conformity-obsessed society.

In the novel, Alice follows blindly wherever she ends up and trusts everything presented before her without much questioning. She operates completely under her childish understanding of what’s happening while engaging with strange creatures who time after time try manipulating or confusing her even further towards chaos.

However in ‘White Rabbit,’ Slick acknowledges this idea stating: “Remember what the door mouse said; feed your head” by revealing that it is important for people not become complacent following societal constructs but question them instead using their imagination and creativity as tools for changing things up.

While ‘Alice in Wonderland’ aimed mainly at entertainment for young readers (and clever word play), the underlying satirical themes about the societal expectations and inequalities faced by women and people of low socioeconomic backgrounds called for change in society. Similarly, ‘White Rabbit’ uses references from Alice in Wonderland to challenge a new form of societal conformity concerning the use of drugs.

In conclusion, Lewis Carroll’s influence on pop culture is evident as his work has inspired numerous creative works ranging from films to paintings to music. There’s no doubt that Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit’ is one of the most brilliant examples in this regard- encapsulating many of the themes explored throughout Alice’s entire otherworldly journey while offering its own twist on them that withstands the test of time. It remains relevant twenty years later as an expression against conformity which continues to ring true for modern ears today – a timeless plea demanding to be heard.

Table with useful data:

Line Number	Lyrics
1	In a tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings
2	Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven
3	Ooh, it makes me wonder
4	Ooh, it makes me wonder
5	There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west
6	And my spirit is crying for leaving
7	In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
8	And the voices of those who stand looking
9	Ooh, it makes me wonder
10	Ooh, it really makes me wonder

Information from an Expert

As an expert in music and song lyrics, I can say that the White Rabbit song lyrics are some of the most iconic and thought-provoking lines in rock history. Penned by Grace Slick for Jefferson Airplane’s second album “Surrealistic Pillow” in 1967, the lyrics were inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”. The hypnotic repetition of “one pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small” captures a sense of confusion and uncertainty, while the soaring chorus of “feed your head” encourages listeners to explore new experiences and expand their minds. It remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and challenge listeners today.
Historical fact:

The popular phrase “White Rabbit” from the iconic song of the same name by Jefferson Airplane was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and was a reference to the character of the White Rabbit in the book.