By: Fernando de Mello Pimentel
ONE OF THE MOST PSYCHADELIC SOUNDTRACKS OF ALL TIME, JEFFERSON AIRPLANE´S "WHITE RABBIT" is a 2:47 minute-long song which is mind breaking and hallucinogenous in nature.
ONE OF THE MOST PSYCHADELIC SOUNDTRACKS OF ALL TIME, JEFFERSON AIRPLANE´S "WHITE RABBIT" is a 2:47 minute-long song which is mind breaking and hallucinogenous in nature.
Originally released in 1967, in the album "SURREALISTIC PILLOW", during the height of the SUMMER OF LOVE, this song has been part of the soundtracks of renowned movies such as "PLATOON" (1986) and "FEARING AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS" (1998), usually being inserted in a drug-related context.
Whether characters on the previously mentioned movies are smoking pot or dropping acid, "White Rabbit" is highly regarded as a song which builds itself through a powerful narrative concerning the experimentation of mind-altering treats and the awkward sensations one gets as the drugs take effect. This idea is clear from the initial lines "Ones who make you larger, and Ones who make you small", which is arguably a direct association to uppers and downers, who make you feel powerful (larger) or depressed (small).
In addition to an intensive description of the side-effects provoked by drug use, the song has made a reputation among counter-culture freaks for providing junkies and hop-heads a powerful mood enhancer. Such intensity is felt as the song reaches its peak or simply when it "peaks". This part of the song has lead singer Grace Slick singing her lungs out, and thus providing listeners with an extra "helping hand" to get real high. Acid takers are infamous for always having a tape loaded with tripy tunes from the 60´s era at hand. White Rabbit, of course, is one of those tracks.
Whether characters on the previously mentioned movies are smoking pot or dropping acid, "White Rabbit" is highly regarded as a song which builds itself through a powerful narrative concerning the experimentation of mind-altering treats and the awkward sensations one gets as the drugs take effect. This idea is clear from the initial lines "Ones who make you larger, and Ones who make you small", which is arguably a direct association to uppers and downers, who make you feel powerful (larger) or depressed (small).
In addition to an intensive description of the side-effects provoked by drug use, the song has made a reputation among counter-culture freaks for providing junkies and hop-heads a powerful mood enhancer. Such intensity is felt as the song reaches its peak or simply when it "peaks". This part of the song has lead singer Grace Slick singing her lungs out, and thus providing listeners with an extra "helping hand" to get real high. Acid takers are infamous for always having a tape loaded with tripy tunes from the 60´s era at hand. White Rabbit, of course, is one of those tracks.
Prior to joining the San Francisco based musical act "Jefferson Airplane", lead singer Grace Slick had already countlessly performed this song and contemporary hit "Somebody To Love", in her former band called "GREAT SOCIETY". Both "White Rabbit" and "Somebody To Love" are arguably JEFFERSON AIRPLANE´S greatest hit tracks in addition to 1969´s mega-hit "Volunteers". "Volunteers" of course, was part of FORREST GUMP´S soundtrack album particularly the part depicting the 60´s era and the U.S´s lugubrious involvement in Vietnam.
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