The meaning of Somebody To Love by Jefferson Airplane

Somebody to Love is a song by the American rock band Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967 on their album Surrealistic Pillow. The song was written by the songwriting duo of Leon Russell and Burt Bacharach, and it has become one of the band's most popular and enduring songs.

The lyrics of Somebody to Love are a poignant expression of longing and loneliness. The singer is searching for someone to love, someone who will understand him and be there for him when he needs them. He sings about feeling like an outsider, unable to connect with others, and yearning for someone to share his feelings with. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "somebody to love," emphasizing the deep emotional need that drives the singer's desire.

Musically, Somebody to Love is a classic example of psychedelic rock, with its dreamy, atmospheric instrumentation and Paul Kantner's distinctive vocal delivery. The song features a memorable guitar riff, played by Jorma Kaukonen, and a soaring chorus that showcases Kantner's powerful vocals. The song's arrangement is also notable for its use of orchestral instruments, including strings and horns, which adds to the song's sense of grandeur and drama.

Somebody to Love has been praised for its emotional honesty and its ability to capture the mood of the late 1960s, a time when many young people were searching for meaning and connection in their lives. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Aretha Franklin, who recorded a powerful version of the song in 1971. Despite being released over 50 years ago, Somebody to Love remains a beloved classic of psychedelic rock, with its timeless themes and unforgettable melody continuing to resonate with listeners today.

Somebody to Love has become an iconic representation of Jefferson Airplane's unique sound and style, which blended elements of folk rock, psychedelia, and counterculture politics. The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time, and its influence can be heard in many other artists who have followed in Jefferson Airplane's footsteps.