The meaning of White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

"White Rabbit" is a song by Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967 as part of their album "Surrealistic Pillow". The song was written by Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, with music credited to Kantner. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who gets caught up in a surreal world inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".

The song is known for its distinctive lyrics, which reference various characters from the Alice in Wonderland stories, including the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. The lyrics also touch on themes of social commentary and counterculture values, reflecting the era in which the song was written. The song has been interpreted as a commentary on the excesses of modern society.

One of the most striking aspects of "White Rabbit" is its use of wordplay and clever turns of phrase. The lyrics are full of clever references and allusions, making the song a challenge to decipher for listeners who aren't familiar with the Alice in Wonderland stories. The song's use of language has been praised for its inventiveness.

Musically, "White Rabbit" is a psychedelic rock song that features Jorma Kaukonen's innovative guitar work and Marty Balin's soaring vocals. The song's arrangement is notable for its use of Eastern-influenced instrumentation, including the sitar and tablas.

Despite being released more than 50 years ago, "White Rabbit" remains a beloved classic among fans of psychedelic rock and counterculture music. Its unique blend of lyrics, music, and cultural references has made it a timeless anthem that continues to inspire new generations of listeners.