Jefferson Airplane’s Psychedelic Triumph “White Rabbit”

“White Rabbit” is a psychedelic rock song by the American band Jefferson Airplane, written by Grace Slick. It was released as a single in 1967 and appeared on their album “Surrealistic Pillow.” The song is known for its dreamlike, surreal lyrics and its connection to the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

“White Rabbit” draws heavily from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” The lyrics reference characters and events from Carroll’s books, using them as metaphors for the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. The song’s opening lines, “One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small,” allude to drug culture, a prevalent theme in the 1960s counterculture movement.

The haunting melody, combined with Grace Slick’s powerful vocals, gave “White Rabbit” a distinctive sound. The song became one of Jefferson Airplane’s most popular and enduring tracks. Its significance as an anthem of the psychedelic era and the counterculture movement has solidified its place in music history.

“White Rabbit” remains a classic and influential song, often associated with the cultural revolution of the 1960s. It has been covered by various artists and continues to be celebrated for its artistic and historical impact.