Grace Slick | Biography, Jefferson Airplane, & Facts | Britannica

About the Song

Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone of the psychedelic era. Released in 1967 on their album Surrealistic Pillow, it quickly became an anthem for the counterculture movement and a defining track for the band.

Grace Slick’s powerful vocals, combined with the band’s innovative blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and blues, created a truly unique and unforgettable sound. The song’s lyrics, filled with imagery of searching and longing, resonated with a generation seeking meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.

“Somebody to Love” was a departure from the traditional song structure, reflecting the experimental spirit of the times. The absence of a conventional chorus and the song’s improvisational feel added to its raw energy and psychedelic atmosphere. The track’s iconic opening line, “Hey there, one and all,” immediately grabs the listener’s attention and sets the stage for a journey through a world of introspection and desire.

Beyond its musical impact, “Somebody to Love” has become a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. It’s a song about universal human needs – the search for love, belonging, and understanding. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the band’s ability to capture the spirit of an era.

Would you like to delve deeper into the song’s lyrics, explore the psychedelic movement of the 1960s, or discuss the impact of “Somebody to Love” on popular culture?

Jefferson Airplane: 12 Essential Songs

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Lyrics: Somebody To Love

When the truth is found
To be lies
And all the joy
Within you diesDon’t you want somebody to love?
Don’t you need somebody to love?
Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?
You better find somebody to love
LoveWhen the garden flowers
Baby, are dead, yes
And your mind, your mind
Is so full of redDon’t you want somebody to love?
Don’t you need somebody to love?
Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?
You better find somebody to love

Your eyes, I say your eyes
May look like his
Yeah, but in your head, baby
I’m afraid you don’t know where it is

Don’t you want somebody to love?
Don’t you need somebody to love?
Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?
You better find somebody to love

Tears are running
They’re all running down your breast
And your friends, baby
They treat you like a guest

Don’t you want somebody to love?
Don’t you need somebody to love?
Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?
You better find somebody to love