Wooden Ships

Jefferson Airplane's 'Wooden Ships' is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of war and the yearning for peace and freedom. The song opens with a simple yet profound gesture—a smile—highlighting the universal language of human connection. This sets the stage for a conversation between two individuals from opposing sides, symbolized by their different coats. The question, 'Can you tell me please who won?' underscores the futility of war, as the true cost is human suffering, not victory or defeat.

The mention of 'purple berries' introduces a metaphor for survival and resilience. These berries, which have sustained the narrator for weeks, represent hope and the possibility of life amidst desolation. The wooden ships, described as 'very free and easy,' symbolize an escape from the harsh realities of the world. The 'silver people on the shoreline' could be seen as those who remain trapped in the old ways, unable to join the journey towards a new beginning.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes darker, with lines like 'Horror grips us as we watch you die' and 'Stare as all your human feelings die.' These lines convey the deep emotional scars left by conflict and the dehumanization that often accompanies it. The repeated call to 'take a sister by her hand' and 'lead far from this barren land' emphasizes the need for solidarity and mutual support in seeking a better future. The refrain 'Go ride the music' serves as a final, uplifting call to embrace the freedom and joy that music—and by extension, life—can offer, even in the face of adversity.