A Psychedelic Critique of Society and War

Jefferson Airplane's song "Rejoyce" is a complex tapestry of vivid imagery, social critique, and literary references. The song opens with a metaphorical description of a chemical change, likened to a laser beam, suggesting a sudden and intense transformation. This could be interpreted as a reference to the psychedelic experiences that were a hallmark of the 1960s counterculture, which Jefferson Airplane was a significant part of. The mention of an 'amber light' and 'moving everything over' evokes a sense of awakening and change, possibly hinting at the social and political upheavals of the time.

The lyrics then shift to a more critical tone, addressing societal norms and expectations. The repeated mention of 'white shirt and tie' and 'wedding ring' symbolizes conformity and the traditional roles imposed by society. The reference to 'Mulligan stew for Bloom' and 'the only Jew in the room' are nods to James Joyce's

Share on social media Share as link
  1. White Rabbit
  2. Leaving On A Jet Plane
  3. Give me a ticket for an aeroplane
  4. Somebody to Love
  5. Good Shepherd
  6. Stop, Children, What's That Sound?
  7. High Flying Bird
  8. Share a Little Joke
  9. Volunteers
  10. Summer Of Love
View all Jefferson Airplane songs

Most popular topics in Jefferson Airplane songs

Related artists

  1. The Velvet Underground
    The Velvet Underground
  2. Creedence Clearwater Revival
    Creedence Clearwater Revival
  3. The Doors
    The Doors
  4. The Byrds
    The Byrds
  5. The Rolling Stones
    The Rolling Stones
  6. Jefferson Starship
    Jefferson Starship
  7. Donovan
    Donovan
  8. Canned Heat
    Canned Heat