This song was written by Grace when she was with her previous band, The Great Society. With her husband and his brother among others. The Great Society version is much longer. Grace also wrote Somebody to love when she was with The Great Society. Both became hits for Airplane.
Jefferson Airplane was at Woodstock. There is a video of them and Grace singing "Somebody To Love" and also "Volunteers", both of which were charted hits for them.
Yes the lyrics are in reference to Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass. Lewis Carroll wrote the books in the late 1800's. It is said he suffered greatly from migraines and would sometimes hallucinate, thus giving way to the extreme scenes he wrote. It wasn't until Grace Slick wrote this song (strangely inspired by Disney) that tied it to the drug culture of the 60's. The book Go Ask Alice about a young girl with a drug addiction is named from White Rabbit song (the book came out early 1970's.
“In a wonderland they lie / Dreaming as the days go by / Dreaming as the summers die: Ever drifting down the stream-Lingering in the golden gleam-Life, what it but a dream?
It's been known for a very long time in the medical community, that psylocibin mushrooms (refined LSD ) can stop a migraine in its tracks. Many experiments done in the 50s. Lewis did shrooms as it was a known home remedy. Just too extreme for the mainstream.
Fun fact: That book was written by a Mormon housewife who'd never been anywhere near drugs or the hippie scene. Basically a screed meant to scare kids away from the 60's scene.
Lyrically the whole Alice in Wonderland story is to hide in plain sight that the song is really about tripping balls from the censors since Alice in Wonderland was already pretty trippy subject matter.
I saw Jefferson Airplane live at out College homecoming in 1970. I think it was one of the highlights of my life. Coming back to me is another great tune.
You've just experienced Grace Slick, also known as Grandma Rock! Her and Pearl (Janis Joplin) were the two most powerful women singers of that age of Rock! I was 8 and had just started playing guitar when this came out and it STILL blows me away every time I hear it!! It is absolutely one of the greatest rock songs ever created.
Ditto! There is such a fixation of her voice on this song that I can never get enough. If it’s on XM, I usually replay it once or twice as the crescendo is a goosebump moment starting with “when the men on the chessboard”!
Technically, this was acid rock. The first time I heard it on the radio I was so blown away that I went out and bought it. I always smile at the opening lines: "One pill makes you smaller And the other makes you tall And the ones your mother gives you Don't do anything at all" Grace wrote this when she was with the Great Society, off her head and listening to "Sketches of Spain" over and over again.
Grace also has a line of Art. But I forget what her medium is. She's just super cool. And she has such presence! Y'all should watch her perform this live.
It's actually a triple entender, because in spirit with the actual work, Alice in Wonderland, it's a whimsical way to talk about the serious issue of truly waking up and seeing what's actually around you and within you.
Grace sang it with an ever-increasing urgency that climaxed into desperation,, mixing the cadence with what appeared to be unlimited horsepower in her vocal delivery...and unknowingly planting the seeds for what became a timeless classic....
This is the consummate 60s psychedelic song... I remember when it came out... Jefferson airplane actually did this song at Woodstock in 1969... I remember when lead singer Grace Slick did an interview... She said that she never even remembers being at Woodstock and she was there for 3 days... She said the only time that she saw verification of that was that she saw film of herself singing and being at Woodstock... Greece was well known for enjoying the drugs of the day as did many other musicians during that time... Her vocals are undeniable though... She is such a great singer... She has such a powerful voice... You can hear her in the reconstituted Jefferson airplane group of the 1980s named Jefferson starship where they sing "We built this city " and her vocals are powerful... They had a few good songs and it would be worth checking them out if you wanted to do that... Another great reaction , guys...Keep Being Awesome !!!...
Damn, what a voice! One of her best songs ever! If anyone has never heard it, there is a video of her singing this song without any music. Her voice is incredible and such a natural vibrato! Most of us know the song so well you can just tap your foot to stay on time, but sing it with her as it’s a blast! You will be early at times and late on others but great to listen to!
Grace Slick had a fabulous voice, but blended with the amazing vocals of Marty Balin on most of their songs was when they really shined. To get two such unique and wonderful vocalists in the same band was magic. Listen to some of Marty Balin's gorgeous voice from their album Surrealistic Pillow, such as Today, and Comin' Back To Me. Years later he did a song for Jefferson Starship called Miracles that's just stunning still with Grace Slick backing him up..
Grace Slick wrote "White Rabbit" while she was still a member of the band The Great Society, before she joined Jefferson Airplane. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," Slick crafted the song as an allegory about the countercultural movement of the 1960s. The song references characters and scenes from Carroll's works, like the White Rabbit, the hookah-smoking caterpillar, and the Red Queen, drawing parallels to the psychedelic experiences and the questioning of societal norms prevalent in that era. Grace Slick was also influenced by the classical piece "Boléro" by Maurice Ravel, aiming to mimic its crescendo effect in "White Rabbit." The song was written in one sitting, reflecting Slick's creativity and the rich literary and musical influences she drew from. After joining Jefferson Airplane, "White Rabbit" became one of their most famous songs, appearing on the album "Surrealistic Pillow" released in 1967.
Wow you guys REALLY opened up a true RABBIT HOLE here. Jefferson Airplane has SO MUCH awesome music to explore. This band had 3 iterations of it's self. Have fun on this Flight.
Love ❤❤❤you guys. Am 70 years old and have watched you for some time. Just subscribed a couple of days ago . You bring back so many memories for me. Try checking out this song o their performance at 1969 Woodstock Grace slick the singer was high on acid at the time still pulled off a perfect performance . I wa 16 years old when this came out and I had a. BIG crush on her❤❤❤❤❤. This was a perfect start for Jefferson Airplane. Keep the memories coming I ❤❤❤❤❤it.
Jefferson Airplane is one of my favorite live bands. I saw them in concert in 1969 and 1970. In 1970 I was right up against the stage. Grace Slick was about 5 feet away. Great night.
Their hit "Somebody to Love" is similar in its power to "White Rabbit". They had a large number of hits. If you'd like something more like a political anthem, try "We Can Be Together".
Jefferson Airplane has so many great songs, but her 'White Rabbit' remains my favorite. Like many others, I only wish the song were even longer as its over way too soon. Grace Slick is an American treasure! Glad to see that you got around to this one, and I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Great reaction as always!
Just like Alan Parsons, Mickey Thomas from this band was on the same cruise in the Bahamas a couple of months ago. The girl singing Grace Slicks part was SPOT ON! Great show, great song!
Grace Slick…. Her voice is haunting ….Alice (in wonderland) when she’s ten feet tall….🎶 Great choice in reaction!!! A lot of drugs going on back then…🐇
The great thing about the phrasing is as a child back then, it was just a neat song about Alice in Wonderland, but as a teen in the 70's, it got a whole new meaning.
I’m taking it you two didn’t grow up in the age of drugs,as I did. It was the in thing to do which I was a part of,and happy to say at 73, lived through.. I wasn’t proud of that aspect of the times but it passed and that’s that,thanks for the song!
To me Grace Slick was one of the greatest singers ever and actually wrote this groovy song Back then it took me awhile to get used to it. I really dig the song. Somebody to Love an iconic song is my favorite. One of the great songs played at Woodstock
I was 19 in '69. Listening to this music was my life. I took them pills and enjoyed many wonderful trips. Some you wouldn't believe. I find them hard to believe but I was there.
All things considered at the height of the psychedelic movement Gracie Slick was Queen, but years later she tried to say the song had nothing to do with drugs ~ never mind all the mind altering pills Mama keeps giving Alice
As Jefferson Airplane progressed to Starship, they also birthed another band. Original members Paul Kantner, Marty Balin and Jack Casady created the KBC Band. Had a big hit with their song America.
Written and sung by the great Grace Slick. Getting high and coming down from a high during the 60's psychedelic phase. If you really look into the novel "Alice in Wonderland"...It is full of incidents with all the characters taking something to get high. The phrase "Going down the Rabbit Hole" this is where the phrase came from. Awesome review and reaction guys.
So awesome you did this song!! Grace Slick was amazing. I grew up in Bay Area during the flower child 60’s era and this song is legendary! Just another great SF band
GREAT GROUP!!! OMG - GRACE SLICK'S VOCALS in this song: MESMERIZING!!! ENJOY!! Hope you get the meaning (besides the trippy meaning) and make a connection... HUGS from TEXAS, YA'LL!!!
Grace Slick = "The voice that launched a thousand trips!!!"
More like millions .........
One million and 1 LOL
ooh like this!
"Grace Slick's voice could haunt a house."
And you to make that comment a thousand times!😃
"Somebody to Love" is a must from Jefferson Airplane.
Absolutely!!!
@@umpdaddy1 Yes, Absolutely!
Really needs to be the Woodstock footage... what idiot suggested this video?
Great song. Volunteers is a good one too.
Jim Carrey's version from 'Cable Guy' is almost as good....
This is a true psychedelic anthem. A lot of people coopted the term psychedelic back in the day; this is the real deal.
Like Dark Side Of The Moon.... you just dont get it, if you're straight. lol.
@@BorealisNights I am straight, I get it.. I am in middle management in a bank hahaha
The Live Performance at Woodstock was legendary
When music was great, and acid was cheap. Those were the good old days!
Feed Your Head🍄🤘
It was still cheap in the 90's
The first time I did acid I went to see Alice Cooper, "Welcome to my nightmare" tour that was the middle 70s
Ah...blotter acid & shrooms 😎
Moody blues. Legend of a mind.
Every time I hear White Rabbit I wish it was twice as long. Perfection over too quickly.
This song was written by Grace when she was with her previous band, The Great Society. With her husband and his brother among others. The Great Society version is much longer. Grace also wrote Somebody to love when she was with The Great Society. Both became hits for Airplane.
I totally agree!
I think that’s the draw of the song it’s not too long. It leaves you wanting more. It’s like great sex over too quickly.
One of my all time favorites. Grace Slick has such a great voice.✌️🌻🌻
One of the best with Stevie Nicks and Ann and Nancy Wilson
@@williamnoser5636 Agree
Jefferson Airplane was at Woodstock. There is a video of them and Grace singing "Somebody To Love" and also "Volunteers", both of which were charted hits for them.
They were one of the headliners.
Yes the lyrics are in reference to Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass. Lewis Carroll wrote the books in the late 1800's. It is said he suffered greatly from migraines and would sometimes hallucinate, thus giving way to the extreme scenes he wrote. It wasn't until Grace Slick wrote this song (strangely inspired by Disney) that tied it to the drug culture of the 60's.
The book Go Ask Alice about a young girl with a drug addiction is named from White Rabbit song (the book came out early 1970's.
And the music is based on Ravel's Bolero.
“In a wonderland they lie / Dreaming as the days go by / Dreaming as the summers die: Ever drifting down the stream-Lingering in the golden gleam-Life, what it but a dream?
It's been known for a very long time in the medical community, that psylocibin mushrooms (refined LSD ) can stop a migraine in its tracks. Many experiments done in the 50s. Lewis did shrooms as it was a known home remedy. Just too extreme for the mainstream.
Fun fact: That book was written by a Mormon housewife who'd never been anywhere near drugs or the hippie scene. Basically a screed meant to scare kids away from the 60's scene.
Lyrically the whole Alice in Wonderland story is to hide in plain sight that the song is really about tripping balls from the censors since Alice in Wonderland was already pretty trippy subject matter.
Grace Slick wrote this song before she joined the band and she was still with them when they became Jefferson Starship.
Santa
And through its iteration as STARSHIP.
Ohhhh let's leave Starship in its cocaine haze lol 😝@@drieuxkoeppel4157
Didn't she leave the band and return when they became Starship?
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee I knew she left. Was Mickey in the band before she came back or was he strictly Starship?
Grace Slick has a powerful voice!
I saw Jefferson Airplane live at out College homecoming in 1970. I think it was one of the highlights of my life. Coming back to me is another great tune.
Grace is a legend. What a voice.
When you see an old person, just remember... they were grooving to this back in the day ;)
1967
@@stevenclarke5606 summer of love
Grace Slick had an incredible voice, one of my favorites
One of THE best groups to come out of San Francisco in the mid-late 60's... Three great singer/songwriters.. and 3 consummate musicians!
I really appreciate how articulate and educated you two are with little to no information on this song. You guys interpreted it perfectly.
You've just experienced Grace Slick, also known as Grandma Rock! Her and Pearl (Janis Joplin) were the two most powerful women singers of that age of Rock! I was 8 and had just started playing guitar when this came out and it STILL blows me away every time I hear it!! It is absolutely one of the greatest rock songs ever created.
Ditto! There is such a fixation of her voice on this song that I can never get enough. If it’s on XM, I usually replay it once or twice as the crescendo is a goosebump moment starting with “when the men on the chessboard”!
This is about as good as it gets for this band. It's been around for decades for a reason.
Fun fact;
The song (musical score) was based on Maurice Ravel - Bolero after the band listened to it.
Grace Slick, definitely TOP TIER rock vocalist!!!!
Somebody to Love is an absolute MUST!
Grace Slick's masterpiece performance. A YT video well worth checking out is just Grace's vocals without music for this song. Moosebumps every time.
Her vocals were just amazing.
One of the original psychedelic sounds from the sixties, Great Reaction.
Grace Slick is awesome and her voice
goosebumps on your first listen,goosebumps on my 500th listen. the mark of a true classic song.
GRACE SLICK 👍😊
Every song on the Surrealistic Pillow album is a treat.
Gracie was my first music celebrity crush as an early teen. Her voice grabbed me .... and still does.
I've heard this song a million times. First time ever seeing this updated video. Thanks guys!
Technically, this was acid rock. The first time I heard it on the radio I was so blown away that I went out and bought it. I always smile at the opening lines:
"One pill makes you smaller
And the other makes you tall
And the ones your mother gives you
Don't do anything at all"
Grace wrote this when she was with the Great Society, off her head and listening to "Sketches of Spain" over and over again.
Aaahhh literally down the rabbit hole! Fun little 60's acid trip.
Grace also has a line of Art. But I forget what her medium is. She's just super cool. And she has such presence! Y'all should watch her perform this live.
I saw Jefferson Airplane around 1973. Unfortunately, Grace was off-key the whole show. I was quite disappointed.
It's actually a triple entender, because in spirit with the actual work, Alice in Wonderland, it's a whimsical way to talk about the serious issue of truly waking up and seeing what's actually around you and within you.
Grace sang it with an ever-increasing urgency that climaxed into desperation,, mixing the cadence with what appeared to be unlimited horsepower in her vocal delivery...and unknowingly planting the seeds for what became a timeless classic....
There was no drug the Airplane wouldn't try. "We're doing things that don't have a name yet"!
This is the consummate 60s psychedelic song... I remember when it came out... Jefferson airplane actually did this song at Woodstock in 1969... I remember when lead singer Grace Slick did an interview... She said that she never even remembers being at Woodstock and she was there for 3 days... She said the only time that she saw verification of that was that she saw film of herself singing and being at Woodstock... Greece was well known for enjoying the drugs of the day as did many other musicians during that time... Her vocals are undeniable though... She is such a great singer... She has such a powerful voice... You can hear her in the reconstituted Jefferson airplane group of the 1980s named Jefferson starship where they sing "We built this city " and her vocals are powerful... They had a few good songs and it would be worth checking them out if you wanted to do that... Another great reaction , guys...Keep Being Awesome !!!...
Damn, what a voice! One of her best songs ever!
If anyone has never heard it, there is a video of her singing this song without any music. Her voice is incredible and such a natural vibrato! Most of us know the song so well you can just tap your foot to stay on time, but sing it with her as it’s a blast! You will be early at times and late on others but great to listen to!
Grace Slick had a fabulous voice, but blended with the amazing vocals of Marty Balin on most of their songs was when they really shined. To get two such unique and wonderful vocalists in the same band was magic. Listen to some of Marty Balin's gorgeous voice from their album Surrealistic Pillow, such as Today, and Comin' Back To Me. Years later he did a song for Jefferson Starship called Miracles that's just stunning still with Grace Slick backing him up..
Grace Slick - The San Francisco Foghorn. Best female voice in rock music EVER.
The lead singer, Grace Slick, has a fascinating voice.
Reminds me of being 19 and discovering psychedelic music in the 80s. Great times.
Loved Grace Slick. My hearthrob back then
Such a great hippie song, Love the hell out of it.
Grace Slick wrote "White Rabbit" while she was still a member of the band The Great Society, before she joined Jefferson Airplane. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," Slick crafted the song as an allegory about the countercultural movement of the 1960s. The song references characters and scenes from Carroll's works, like the White Rabbit, the hookah-smoking caterpillar, and the Red Queen, drawing parallels to the psychedelic experiences and the questioning of societal norms prevalent in that era.
Grace Slick was also influenced by the classical piece "Boléro" by Maurice Ravel, aiming to mimic its crescendo effect in "White Rabbit." The song was written in one sitting, reflecting Slick's creativity and the rich literary and musical influences she drew from. After joining Jefferson Airplane, "White Rabbit" became one of their most famous songs, appearing on the album "Surrealistic Pillow" released in 1967.
This album, Surrealistic Pillow, has many good songs, especially Somebody To Love, Coming Back To Me, Today, and more. Don't miss these songs.
From the psychedelic release, "Surrealistic Pillow".
Do a deep dive, they own the most beautiful love song too. "Today", enjoy Marty Balin's tour de force. Far out man, Wow!
SHE wrote the song. The great Grace Slick!
Grace Slick, singing lead, was a goddess in the day.
The godess next door?
Wow you guys REALLY opened up a true RABBIT HOLE here. Jefferson Airplane has SO MUCH awesome music to explore. This band had 3 iterations of it's self. Have fun on this Flight.
The structure of this song was modeled after Ravel's classical composition Bolero.
Later they did the same with Jefferson Starship's 'Jane' until the guitar player turned it into a rock song.
thanks, first time I heard that.... and for sure, you're right
Grace Slick had a phenomenal voice
Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane!!!
Love ❤❤❤you guys. Am 70 years old and have watched you for some time. Just subscribed a couple of days ago . You bring back so many memories for me. Try checking out this song o their performance at 1969 Woodstock
Grace slick the singer was high on acid at the time still pulled off a perfect performance . I wa 16 years old when this came out and I had a. BIG crush on her❤❤❤❤❤. This was a perfect start for Jefferson Airplane. Keep the memories coming I ❤❤❤❤❤it.
Jefferson Airplane is one of my favorite live bands. I saw them in concert in 1969 and 1970. In 1970 I was right up against the stage. Grace Slick was about 5 feet away. Great night.
Grace Slick would not be denied!
This is the perfect place to start. Her voice is amazing.
Their hit "Somebody to Love" is similar in its power to "White Rabbit". They had a large number of hits. If you'd like something more like a political anthem, try "We Can Be Together".
-and their revolutionary hit "Volunteers"... banned all the way 'til today!
Yes! We Can Be Together! ✌️🌞☮️
The video's pretty, but i love the live version still. Grace Slick is just awesome.
The legendary Grace Slick! What a powerhouse voice! This is from the Surrealistic Pillow album... all great songs! Somebody to Love is another great!
Jefferson Airplane has so many great songs, but her 'White Rabbit' remains my favorite. Like many others, I only wish the song were even longer as its over way too soon. Grace Slick is an American treasure! Glad to see that you got around to this one, and I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Great reaction as always!
My favorites are "Hey Fredrick", "Eskimo Blue Day" and their version of "Wooden Ships" with Crosby and Stills.
Just like Alan Parsons, Mickey Thomas from this band was on the same cruise in the Bahamas a couple of months ago. The girl singing Grace Slicks part was SPOT ON! Great show, great song!
This song was actually in a 70’S movie called Go Ask Alice. It was a movie about how drugs was affecting the teens in the 70’S.
A perfect analysis of this song
Grace was amazing!!!
More please!!!???
Grace Slick…. Her voice is haunting ….Alice (in wonderland) when she’s ten feet tall….🎶
Great choice in reaction!!! A lot of drugs going on back then…🐇
The great thing about the phrasing is as a child back then, it was just a neat song about Alice in Wonderland, but as a teen in the 70's, it got a whole new meaning.
Please go back and watch them play this one, its even more mind bending ! & Their Woodstock performance is wild! ✌️y'all
I’m taking it you two didn’t grow up in the age of drugs,as I did.
It was the in thing to do which I was a part of,and happy to say at 73,
lived through..
I wasn’t proud of that aspect of the times but it passed and that’s that,thanks for the song!
Saw them in '66 and '67...Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Country Joe and the Fish...great music...
Any song from their Surrealistic Pillow album is great.
Your voice gives me pleasure through my ears, I just close my eyes and feel so much satisfaction throughout my body, what beauty
A true psychedelic masterpiece. Influenced many bands that followed ❤❤
Awww YAY yet another of one of my most favorite songs tho i do wish it were longer BUT i just SO adore the lyrics! RockON!!!
My absolute favorite by Jefferson Airplane!
To me Grace Slick was one of the greatest singers ever and actually wrote this groovy song
Back then it took me awhile to get used to it. I really dig the song. Somebody to Love an iconic song is my favorite. One of the great songs played at Woodstock
Always fun to learn that childhood stories are about psychedelics.
Grace Slick has always been amazed that this last minute song added to finish an album became such a hit.
Rock & Roll royalty. Beautiful young woman. Look into her story. She's had quite a life. Last I knew, she had a art gallery in the Bay Area somewhere.
They eventually went by Jefferson Starship. They were great. Love you guys❤
Another song that is like a 60's anthem. Big hit for them.
the voice that launched a thousand trips
There are a few videos of the group and Grace Slick's presence is pretty amazing.
I was 19 in '69. Listening to this music was my life. I took them pills and enjoyed many wonderful trips. Some you wouldn't believe. I find them hard to believe but I was there.
All things considered at the height of the psychedelic movement Gracie Slick was Queen, but years later she tried to say the song had nothing to do with drugs ~ never mind all the mind altering pills Mama keeps giving Alice
Of course it's about a drug induced trip. There is no denying it.
As Jefferson Airplane progressed to Starship, they also birthed another band. Original members Paul Kantner, Marty Balin and Jack Casady created the KBC Band. Had a big hit with their song America.
Written and sung by the great Grace Slick. Getting high and coming down from a high during the 60's psychedelic phase. If you really look into the novel "Alice in Wonderland"...It is full of incidents with all the characters taking something to get high. The phrase "Going down the Rabbit Hole" this is where the phrase came from. Awesome review and reaction guys.
The whole Surrealistic Pillow album is worth a listen.
So awesome you did this song!! Grace Slick was amazing. I grew up in Bay Area during the flower child 60’s era and this song is legendary! Just another great SF band
Volunteers Of America is another great example of this band
This reminds me of my Vietnam days
You have to experience Pink covering this live!! With Silverson Pickups' bassist and her legs backing her up. 😍
I agree. I think Pinks cover is even a little bit better than original ❤
they went from Jefferson Airplane to Jefferson Starship to Starship.
...and from White Rabbit to We Built This City.
@@thesuperdak7224 I was not crazy about that shift
@@thesuperdak7224 Did you have to remind us?
and got progressively worse.
@@thesuperdak7224 We Built This City is genius compared to Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
This is the time I grew in as a young teen. Getting high with older brothers and sisters. Listening to the music and feeding your head.
Jefferson Airplane are icons. This is about doing drugs yes. Grace Slick has a very unique voice. Love your reactions!
GREAT GROUP!!! OMG - GRACE SLICK'S VOCALS in this song: MESMERIZING!!! ENJOY!! Hope you get the meaning (besides the trippy meaning) and make a connection... HUGS from TEXAS, YA'LL!!!
Best song ever!!!!
Loved this when I was very young, I read a lot, watch it live.