Jefferson Airplane was one of the most famous rock bands of the 1960s psychedelic music movement in San Francisco.
The group became famous for their experimental sound, powerful vocals, and socially aware lyrics during the counterculture period in America.
Led by singers Grace Slick and Marty Balin, the band released successful albums like Surrealistic Pillow, After Bathing at Baxter’s, and Volunteers.
Their music mixed psychedelic rock, folk, and acid rock styles, helping songs like White Rabbit and Somebody to Love become lasting classics in rock history.
About the Song
White Rabbit is one of Jefferson Airplane’s most famous songs and a defining track of the psychedelic rock movement.
Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the song uses surreal lyrics to reference curiosity, mind-altering experiences, and 1960s counterculture themes.
Its haunting vocals, rising intensity, and psychedelic rock sound helped the track become a lasting classic in rock music history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | Surrealistic Pillow |
| Release Date | June 24, 1967 |
| Writer(s) | Grace Slick |
| Producer(s) | Rick Jarrard |
White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane
Verse 1
One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don’t do anything at all
Go ask Alice
When she’s ten feet tall
Verse 2
And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you’re going to fall
Tell ’em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call
He called Alice
When she was just small
Verse 3
When the men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you’ve just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving low
Go ask Alice
I think she’ll know
Verse 4
When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen’s off with her head
Remember what the Dormouse said
Feed your head
Feed your head
Similar Songs Like White Rabbit
Fans who enjoy the psychedelic rock sound and thought-provoking lyrics of White Rabbit may also like these classic tracks.
- Somebody to Love: This powerful rock song by Jefferson Airplane with energetic vocals and themes about love, trust, and human connection.
- Volunteers: A politically charged rock song with strong vocals and themes connected to social change during the late 1960s.
- Today: Softer and emotional track that highlights Jefferson Airplane’s melodic side with romantic lyrics and gentle instrumentals.
- Embryonic Journey: An instrumental folk-rock piece known for its calm acoustic sound and unique musical style within the band’s catalog.
Similar Artists Like Jefferson Airplane
These artists share a similar psychedelic rock style, experimental sound, and strong influence on 1960s rock music culture.
- The Doors
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock
Top Albums: L.A. Woman, Strange Days, The Doors - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Hard Rock
Top Albums: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, Electric Ladyland - Janis Joplin
Genre: Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Top Albums: Pearl, Cheap Thrills, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! - Grateful Dead
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock
Top Albums: American Beauty, Workingman’s Dead, Blues for Allah
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Originally Sang White Rabbit?
White Rabbit was originally performed by Jefferson Airplane, with lead vocals by Grace Slick, who also wrote the song.
What is the Story Behind the Song White Rabbit?
White Rabbit was inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and uses surreal imagery to reference curiosity, imagination, and counterculture ideas.
Is White Rabbit a Drug Song?
Many listeners interpret White Rabbit as referencing psychedelic drug culture, though the lyrics mainly use symbolic and literary-inspired imagery.
Why did Grace Slick Quit Singing?
Grace Slick stepped away from performing because she felt rock music was more suited for younger artists and wanted a quieter personal life.
