About the song

Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” is an iconic psychedelic rock anthem that emerged during the vibrant counterculture era of the 1960s. Released in 1967 as part of their album “Surrealistic Pillow,” this captivating song is renowned for its mesmerizing melody and thought-provoking lyrics.

Written by lead vocalist Grace Slick, “White Rabbit” is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” Slick’s powerful vocals, coupled with the band’s innovative instrumentation, create a sonic experience that transports listeners down the rabbit hole into a world of surrealism and introspection.

Upon its release, “White Rabbit” quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success propelled Jefferson Airplane to new heights of fame and solidified their place in rock music history. The song’s enigmatic lyrics, which explore themes of curiosity, rebellion, and self-discovery, resonated deeply with the youth culture of the time and became an anthem for the burgeoning psychedelic movement.

Decades later, “White Rabbit” remains a cultural touchstone, revered for its influence on rock music and its enduring relevance. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, attesting to its enduring legacy.

With its evocative lyrics and mesmerizing sound, Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” continues to captivate listeners and inspire generations of music lovers to embrace their inner curiosity and embrace the journey of self-discovery.

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Lyrics

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

Go ask Alice, when she’s ten feet tall

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

And call Alice, when she was just small

When the men on the chessboard get up and tell you where to go
And you’ve just had some kind of mushroom, and your mind is moving low

Go ask Alice, I think she’ll know

When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead
And the white knight is talking backwards
And the red queen’s off with her head
Remember what the dormouse said
Feed your head, feed your head

By Tam Le

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