14/05/2019: “Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane were one of the most successful psychedelic bands. The Beatles were obviously big hippies themselves, but they are in a class of their own really!

When Jefferson Airplane weren’t making songs about drugs, they were making political songs. It’s safe to say that they were not Republicans…

Volunteers Of America are a charity organisation that look after vulnerable people. The title was apparently inspired after a bin lorry with the group’s advert emblazoned on the side woke up singer Marty Balin.

The message of the song is that people all ought to do things like that, helping the needy.

It’s a call to revolution, quite literally, and encapsulates the counter-cultural spirit of the 60s. The lyrics are an exhortation to revolt!

The song is classic 60s rock, with a distinctive country guitar riff running alongside an exuberant piano.

The rhythm section is fiery and lively, topping off the song in fine style.

“Volunteers” was released in 1969 on the outstanding album of the same name.

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