About the song
“Somebody to Love,” a rock anthem originally penned by Darby Slick and popularized by Jefferson Airplane, has resonated with audiences for decades. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotional honesty and timeless message about the human longing for deep connection.
Released in the mid-1960s, a period marked by the counterculture movement and the celebration of free love, “Somebody to Love” offers a more nuanced perspective. While the San Francisco Bay Area was buzzing with the spirit of liberation, Slick observed the darker side of this ethos: the potential for heartbreak and isolation amidst the pursuit of fleeting relationships.
The song’s lyrics, particularly those sung by Grace Slick, express a yearning for a love that is deeper and more enduring than mere infatuation. The singer pleads for a partner who can provide unwavering support and companionship, someone who can weather life’s storms together. The phrase “somebody to love” becomes a mantra, a heartfelt cry for a connection that is both intimate and meaningful.
What sets “Somebody to Love” apart from other love songs of its era is its emphasis on the conscious choice to love. Rather than portraying love as a passive experience that happens to a person, the song suggests that true love requires active engagement. The singer is not merely waiting for love to find them; they are actively seeking it out.
Musically, the song is a powerful blend of blues and rock, with a driving rhythm and soaring vocals. The instrumentation is both gritty and melodic, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The combination of the music and lyrics creates a powerful emotional impact that has captivated listeners for generations.
Over the years, “Somebody to Love” has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. However, the original version by Jefferson Airplane remains a classic, and its message continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, the longing for true love expressed in this song is as relevant as ever.
Video
Lyrics
When the truth is found to be lies
And all the joy within you dies
Don’t you want somebody to love, don’t you…
Need somebody to love, wouldn’t you…Love somebody to love, you better…
Find somebody to love
When the garden flowers baby are dead, yes and
Your mind, your mind is so full of breadDon’t you want somebody to love, don’t you…
Need somebody to love, wouldn’t you…
Love somebody to love, you better…
Find somebody to loveYour eyes, I say your eyes may look like his
Yeah, but in your head, baby, I’m afraid you don’t know where it is
Don’t you want somebody to love, don’t you…
Need somebody to love, wouldn’t you…Love somebody to love, you better…
Find somebody to love
Tears are running down and down and down your breast
And your friends, baby they treat you like a guestDon’t you want somebody to love, don’t you…
Need somebody to love, wouldn’t you…
Love somebody to love, you better…
Find somebody to love