Few songs capture the essence of the 1960s counterculture quite like “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane. Released in 1967 on the band’s groundbreaking album Surrealistic Pillow, the song became an anthem of the psychedelic rock movement, blending surreal storytelling with hypnotic instrumentation.
“White Rabbit” was written by Grace Slick, who had originally performed it with her previous band, The Great Society. When she joined Jefferson Airplane, she brought the song with her, refining its structure and intensity. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, the lyrics weave a dreamlike narrative that mirrors the hallucinogenic experiences that defined the era.
Slick later explained that the song was a rebellious response to parents who questioned the youth’s fascination with drugs. She pointed out that Alice herself consumes mysterious substances that alter her perception—an allegory that resonated deeply with the psychedelic movement.
The song’s Spanish-style march and crescendoing intensity were influenced by Miles Davis’ “Sketches of Spain” and Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro”. Slick’s haunting vocals, combined with the band’s hypnotic instrumentation, create an atmosphere of mystery and rebellion.
“White Rabbit” was one of the first mainstream songs to openly reference drug use, making it a defining track of the Summer of Love. Its bold message and trippy sound helped Jefferson Airplane cement their place as pioneers of psychedelic rock.
Upon its release, “White Rabbit” climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Jefferson Airplane’s biggest hits. Over the decades, it has remained a cultural touchstone, appearing in films, television, and countless retrospectives on the 1960s music revolution.
The song’s final command—”Feed your head”—became a rallying cry for intellectual and creative liberation, urging listeners to expand their minds beyond societal constraints.
Today, “White Rabbit” stands as a timeless symbol of psychedelic exploration, rebellion, and artistic innovation. Jefferson Airplane’s legacy lives on, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists and dreamers.
The Softer Side with Carl Rossi
This is Carl Rossi and I invite you on a journey each week to the Softer Side.
Every Friday afternoon at 5pm, we’ll explore new and familiar music, hear thematic sets, and themed shows. All this and much more, each Friday on KNCT, Simply Beautiful.
Episode 311 Playlist – April 25, 2025 at 5pm
| Penny Lane | The Beatles |
| Cry Baby | Garnett Mimms and the Enchanters |
| April Fools | Aretha Franklin |
| Goodbye to You | Michelle Branch |
| Caroline | Mumford and Sons |
| Good Guy | Julia Jacklin and Faye Webster |
| Crimson and Clay | Jason Isbell |
| Good Bye Joe | Laura Nyro |
| Loneliness Is Just a Word | Chicago |
| White Rabbit | Jefferson Airplane |
| Take Me To The River | Delbert McClinton |
| Dreams | Chloe Moriando |
| Everybody Wants To Rule The World | Anna Vaus |
| Budapest | George Ezra |
| Loving Arms | The Chicks |
| When Will I Be Loved | The Everly Brothers |
| Anticipation | Carly Simon |
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