“White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane
“White Rabbit” is an iconic psychedelic rock song by Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967 on their album Surrealistic Pillow. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Grace Slick, the song became one of the defining anthems of the 1960s counterculture and a staple of psychedelic music.
The lyrics of “White Rabbit” are rich with references to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Slick uses these literary allusions to explore themes of curiosity, rebellion, and the altered states of consciousness often associated with the psychedelic experience. Lines like “One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small” draw a direct parallel to the mind-expanding effects of drugs, reflecting the era’s exploration of altered perceptions and expanded consciousness.
Grace Slick’s powerful and hypnotic vocals are central to the song’s impact. Her delivery is both commanding and ethereal, perfectly capturing the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere suggested by the lyrics. The song builds steadily in intensity, starting with a simple, Spanish-influenced guitar line and gradually incorporating more complex instrumentation and a driving rhythm.
Musically, “White Rabbit” is notable for its use of a bolero rhythm, which gives the song a sense of relentless progression and inevitability. The song’s crescendo mirrors the lyrical journey down the rabbit hole, leading listeners through a swirling, dreamlike soundscape that peaks with Slick’s emphatic cry to “Feed your head.”
“White Rabbit” was a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its bold lyrics and innovative composition made it a landmark track in the psychedelic rock genre, influencing countless artists and cementing Jefferson Airplane’s place in rock history.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of the 1960s counterculture while remainig timelessly relevant. Its combination of literary allusion, social commentary, and musical innovation ensures that “White Rabbit” continues to captivate and inspire listeners more than five decades after its release.
