The Meaning Behind The Song: Comin’ Back To Me by Jefferson Airplane
“Comin’ Back To Me” is a song by Jefferson Airplane, a rock band from San Francisco, California. It was written by the band’s lead guitarist, Marty Balin and first appeared on the band’s second album, “Surrealistic Pillow” in 1967. The song has been described as a “haunting psychedelic ballad” and is considered one of the band’s finest moments.
The song is a deeply personal reflection on love, loss, and the journey of life often left open to the listener’s interpretation. The lyrics are infused with a sense of longing and nostalgia, giving the song a melancholic tone. As the song progresses, the instrumentation, and the vocals gradually build, creating a cathartic and stirring experience for the listener.
The Lyrics of “Comin’ Back To Me”
The lyrics of “Comin’ Back To Me” are deeply poetic and introspective. The song is written from the perspective of someone who has experienced love and loss and is trying to move on. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship.
The first verse sets the tone for the song:
“The summer had inhaled
And held its breath too long
The winter looked the same
As if it never had gone
And through an open window
Where no curtain hung
I saw you, I saw you
Comin’ back to me”
The first line of the song is a metaphor for the passage of time, with the summer being a time of growth and warmth, and the winter being a time of dormancy and hibernation. The rest of the verse talks about seeing the person again, faded memories of an earlier time.
The Instrumentation of “Comin’ Back To Me”
The instrumentation of “Comin’ Back To Me” is almost as haunting as the lyrics themselves. The song is punctuated with Balin’s acoustic guitar and Grace Slick’s ethereal vocals. The song gradually builds in intensity, with Jack Casady’s bass guitar and Spencer Dryden’s drums only adding to the melancholic feel of the song.
The Inspiration for “Comin’ Back To Me”
The inspiration for “Comin’ Back To Me” has never been fully revealed by Balin. However, it is widely believed that the song was written about his relationship with a former girlfriend. Balin has confirmed that the song was “about a girl,” but has never revealed her name.
The Reception of “Comin’ Back To Me”
“Comin’ Back To Me” is widely regarded as one of Jefferson Airplane’s finest moments. The song was never released as a single but became a fan favorite and an essential part of the band’s live repertoire. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song number 448 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The Legacy of “Comin’ Back To Me”
“Comin’ Back To Me” has become a classic of the psychedelic rock era. The song’s melancholic lyrics and haunting instrumentation have come to define the movement, and it is still celebrated today as a masterpiece of the genre.
The Influence of “Comin’ Back To Me”
The influence of “Comin’ Back To Me” can be heard in many of the songs that followed in the psychedelic era. It has been covered by several artists, including the folk duo Ian & Sylvia and the American singer-songwriter Richie Havens. The song’s impact on the music of the 1960s cannot be understated.
The Spiritual Overtones of “Comin’ Back To Me”
There are spiritual overtones to “Comin’ Back To Me,” with lyrics such as “Through a morning window” and “Dreams that shattered in the night.” The song has been interpreted in many ways, with some people seeing it as a song about seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The Timeless Appeal of “Comin’ Back To Me”
Despite being over 50 years old, “Comin’ Back To Me” has a timeless appeal. The song’s themes of love and loss are universal, and the haunting instrumentation and poetic lyrics have touched the hearts of millions of people over the years.
The Relevance of “Comin’ Back To Me” Today
“Comin’ Back To Me” remains relevant today because the themes it deals with are still universal. The song speaks to anyone who has ever experienced love and loss, and the haunting quality of the lyrics and instrumentation means that it still resonates with people today.
The Future of “Comin’ Back To Me”
As long as people continue to experience love and loss, “Comin’ Back To Me” will remain a timeless classic. The song’s legacy is secure, and it is likely to continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
The Cultural Significance of “Comin’ Back To Me”
“Comin’ Back To Me” is culturally significant because it is a reflection of the time in which it was written. The song captures the essence of the psychedelic era with its mystical overtones, ethereal vocals, and haunting instrumentation. It has become a symbol of the era and an important part of its cultural heritage.
The Artistry of “Comin’ Back To Me”
“Comin’ Back To Me” is an example of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the music of the 1960s. The song’s poetic lyrics and haunting instrumentation are a testament to the skill of the musicians who created it.
FAQs
What inspired Marty Balin to write “Comin’ Back to Me”?
Marty Balin has never revealed the exact inspiration behind “Comin’ Back to Me.” However, it is widely believed that the song was written about his relationship with a former girlfriend.
What makes “Comin’ Back to Me” a classic?
“Comin’ Back to Me” is a classic because it speaks to universal themes of love and loss. The song’s haunting instrumentation and poetic lyrics have touched the hearts of millions of people over the years, making it a timeless classic.
What is the significance of the lyrics to “Comin’ Back to Me”?
The lyrics to “Comin’ Back to Me” are a deeply personal reflection on love, loss, and the journey of life. They are infused with a sense of longing and nostalgia, giving the song a melancholic tone. The lyrics are open to interpretation, and the song can mean different things to different people.
How did “Comin’ Back to Me” influence music of the 1960s?
“Comin’ Back to Me” had a significant influence on the music of the 1960s. The song’s melancholic lyrics and haunting instrumentation were widely imitated by other musicians, helping to define the psychedelic rock era.
What is the spiritual significance of “Comin’ Back to Me”?
There are spiritual overtones to “Comin’ Back to Me,” with lyrics such as “Through a morning window” and “Dreams that shattered in the night.” The song has been interpreted in many ways, with some people seeing it as a song about seeking spiritual enlightenment.
What is the cultural significance of “Comin’ Back to Me”?
“Comin’ Back to Me” is culturally significant because it captures the essence of the psychedelic era. It has become a symbol of the era and an important part of its cultural heritage.
What is the legacy of “Comin’ Back to Me”?
“Comin’ Back to Me” has become a classic of the psychedelic rock era. The song’s melancholic lyrics and haunting instrumentation have come to define the movement, and it is still celebrated today as a masterpiece of the genre.
Why is “Comin’ Back to Me” still relevant today?
“Comin’ Back to Me” remains relevant today because the themes it deals with are still universal. The song speaks to anyone who has ever experienced love and loss, and the haunting quality of the lyrics and instrumentation means that it still resonates with people today.
What is the significance of “Comin’ Back to Me” in popular culture?
“Comin’ Back to Me” has been referenced in many movies and TV shows over the years, becoming a cultural touchstone. The song’s haunting instrumentation and poetic lyrics have made it a fixture in popular culture.
How has “Comin’ Back to Me” influenced other musicians?
“Comin’ Back to Me” has influenced countless musicians over the years. The song’s haunting instrumentation and poetic lyrics have been imitated by many, helping to define the psychedelic rock era that it helped to create.
What is the future of “Comin’ Back to Me”?
As long as people continue to experience love and loss, “Comin’ Back to Me” will remain a timeless classic. The song’s legacy is secure, and it is likely to continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
What is the artistry of “Comin’ Back to Me”?
“Comin’ Back to Me” is an example of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the music of the 1960s. The song’s poetic lyrics and haunting instrumentation are a testament to the skill of the musicians who created it.
