Jefferson Airplane
White Rabbit
"White Rabbit," a cornerstone of psychedelic rock, burst onto the scene in 1967 as part of Jefferson Airplane's groundbreaking album, "Surrealistic Pillow." Written by the band's new lead singer, Grace Slick, the song became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Lyrical Labyrinth and Counterculture Anthem:
"White Rabbit" is a lysergic soundscape, weaving lyrics inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic novels "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." However, the song goes beyond mere homage. Lines like "Feed your head" and "Go ask Alice when she's ten feet tall" became anthems for the counterculture, interpreted as advocating for mind-expansion and questioning authority.
Behind the Scenes:
Despite its association with psychedelics, the recording process itself was reportedly quite tame. However, Grace Slick did credit the band's use of a then-new studio technique called Automatic Double Tracking (ADT) for the song's haunting and layered vocals.
Controversy and Legacy:
"White Rabbit" wasn't without its detractors. Radio stations grappled with the song's perceived drug references, leading to some censored edits. However, the controversy only fueled its popularity. "White Rabbit" transcended the charts, becoming a touchstone for the psychedelic era and a powerful exploration of identity and perception.
Celluloid Sojourns:
The song's enduring appeal has made it a favorite for filmmakers. "White Rabbit" has graced the soundtracks of movies like "Christiane F." (1981) and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998), perfectly capturing the films' countercultural themes. More recently, it appeared in the trailer for "The Matrix Resurrections" (2021), a nod to the original film's exploration of reality.
Cover Stories:
"White Rabbit" has been reinterpreted by countless artists across genres. Grace Slick herself revisited the song with Jefferson Starship in the 1970s. Notable covers include a bluesy rendition by Janis Joplin and a more industrial take by Nine Inch Nails.
A Timeless Trip:
"White Rabbit" remains a powerful testament to the creative energy of the psychedelic rock era. Its cryptic lyrics, Grace Slick's soaring vocals, and the band's driving rock sound continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic and a journey down the rabbit hole of musical innovation.