The Meaning Behind The Song: Volunteers by Jefferson Airplane
Introduction
In 1969, Jefferson Airplane released “Volunteers,” a rock anthem inspired by the counterculture movement that swept the United States during the late 1960s. The song gained widespread popularity due to its powerful lyrics and catchy tune. However, many people still wonder about the meaning behind the song and its significance. In this article, we will delve into the story behind “Volunteers,” its cultural and political context, and its impact on American music.
The Story Behind “Volunteers”
Jefferson Airplane formed in San Francisco in the mid-60s, an era that was marked by social upheaval and political turmoil. The band was heavily involved in countercultural movements, reflecting the spirit of the times through their psychedelic rock anthems. “Volunteers” was the title track of their 1969 album, which was recorded at a time when the Vietnam War was at its peak and protests against the war were becoming increasingly popular.
According to the band’s guitarist, Paul Kantner, “Volunteers” was inspired by a conversation he had with a radical political activist named Max Scherr. Scherr was the founder of a countercultural newspaper called “The Berkeley Barb,” which was known for its anti-establishment views and its support of the antiwar movement. Kantner credits Scherr with inspiring him to write the song’s lyrics, which express a defiance against authority and a call for social change.
The Cultural and Political Context
“Volunteers” was released during a time of great political and social unrest in the United States. The Vietnam War had been raging for several years, and public support for the war was waning. Many young people were taking to the streets to protest against the conflict and to demand an end to the violence. The countercultural movement was at its peak, with young people rebelling against the values and morals of the older generation.
Against this backdrop, “Volunteers” became an anthem for the antiwar movement. Its lyrics called for young people to rise up and fight against the government, the military-industrial complex, and other sources of authority. The song’s chorus, “One generation got old, one generation got soul,” became a rallying cry for young people who felt that their elders had failed them and that they needed to take matters into their own hands.
The Impact on American Music
“Volunteers” was one of the most powerful and influential songs of its time, reflecting the spirit of the countercultural movement and the social upheaval that marked the late 1960s. The song’s fusion of rock and political activism opened up new avenues for artistic expression and helped to shape the future of American music.
The song’s message of defiance and protest would continue to resonate with audiences throughout the decades that followed. Today, “Volunteers” is still regarded as one of the greatest protest songs ever written, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.
FAQs:
1. What is “Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane about?
“Volunteers” is a protest song that calls for young people to rise up against authority, the government, and the military-industrial complex. It expresses a desire for social change and a rejection of the status quo.
2. Who wrote “Volunteers”?
“Volunteers” was written by Paul Kantner, the guitarist of Jefferson Airplane. Kantner was inspired to write the lyrics by a conversation he had with a radical political activist named Max Scherr.
3. When was “Volunteers” released?
“Volunteers” was released in 1969, as the title track of Jefferson Airplane’s album of the same name.
4. Why is “Volunteers” significant?
“Volunteers” is significant because it reflects the spirit of the countercultural movement and the social upheaval that marked the late 1960s. It has become one of the most powerful protest songs ever written and continues to inspire new generations of activists.
5. What does the chorus of “Volunteers” mean?
The chorus of “Volunteers” – “One generation got old, one generation got soul” – expresses a belief that young people have the power to effect social change and that they need to rise up against authority to do so.
6. What impact did “Volunteers” have on American music?
“Volunteers” helped to open up new avenues for artistic expression, combining rock music with political activism. It continues to be regarded as one of the most influential protest songs ever written.
7. What was the cultural context of “Volunteers”?
“Volunteers” was released during a time of great political and social unrest in the United States. The Vietnam War was at its peak, and many young people were protesting against the conflict and demanding an end to the violence.
8. Who was Max Scherr?
Max Scherr was a radical political activist and the founder of “The Berkeley Barb,” a countercultural newspaper known for its anti-establishment views and support of the antiwar movement. Scherr inspired Paul Kantner to write the lyrics for “Volunteers.”
9. Why did Jefferson Airplane become involved in countercultural movements?
Jefferson Airplane was formed in San Francisco in the mid-1960s, a time of social upheaval and political turmoil. The band reflected the spirit of the times through their psychedelic rock music and became heavily involved in countercultural movements.
10. Why is “Volunteers” still relevant today?
“Volunteers” remains relevant today because its message of social change and protest continues to resonate with people around the world. Its legacy as one of the most powerful protest songs ever written continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.
