Good Shepherd
Jefferson Airplane
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If you want to get to heaven Over on the other shore Stay out of the way of the blood-stained bandit Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep One for Paul One for Silas One for to make my heart rejoice Can't you hear my lambs are callin' Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep If you want (if you want) to get to heaven Over on (over on) the other shore Stay out of the way of the long-tongue liar Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep One for Paul One for Silas One for to make my heart rejoice Can't you hear my lambs are callin' Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep If you want to get to heaven (if you want to get to heaven) Over on the other shore (over on the other shore) Stay out of the way of the gun shot devil Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep One for Paul One for Silas One for to make my heart rejoice Can't you hear my lambs are callin' Oh good shepherd Feed my sheep
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Written by: Jorma L Kaukonen
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Formation and Release"Good Shepherd" is a traditional song (sometimes credited as classic American gospel) that was rearranged and performed by the American rock band Jefferson Airplane. It was included in their album "Volunteers" which was released in 1969.
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InspirationThe song is based on a traditional Gospel Blues song, "Blood-Strained Banders," originally recorded by Blind Willie Johnson. Jefferson Airplane's Jorma Kaukonen, who performs the lead vocals and guitar on the track, rearranged the song and gave it a new psychedelic blues-rock twist.
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Album Aim"Good Shepherd" was a part of Jefferson Airplane's "Volunteers" album, which was notably one of the earliest 16-track recordings. The album was heavily influenced by the political and social issues of the time, including the Vietnam War and the counterculture of the '60s.
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Lyric MeaningThe song inserts Christian and Biblical imagery into a countercultural and anti-war context. The lyrics "If you want to get to heaven... you got to D-I-E" implies the looming threat of the Vietnam War and the young Americans being drafted and sent off to die.
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Popular Culture"Good Shepherd" has been featured in several films and TV shows, such as Angel (1999) and Taking Woodstock (2009).
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Personnel on the songAlong with Jorma Kaukonen on vocals and lead guitar, other Jefferson Airplane members involved in the song's production were Paul Kantner (rhythm guitar, vocals), Grace Slick (vocals), Jack Casady (bass), Spencer Dryden (drums), and guest musician Stephen Stills (Hammond organ).
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Live PerformancesThe song continued to feature in the setlists of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady's spinoff bands Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship, maintaining its popularity and relevance among fans.
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Critic Review"Good Shepherd" has garnered positive reviews from critics who appreciated its blend of classic gospel with psychedelic rock, and it's considered a standout track on the "Volunteers" album.
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Unique StyleThe musical composition of "Good Shepherd" is characterized by Kaukonen's distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing. His blend of blues, jazz, and folk techniques contributes to the unique sound of the song.
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Legacy"Good Shepherd," like much of the "Volunteers" album, represents an important era in American music and culture. The fusion of gospel and rock, along with political and social commentary, has made it a classic and iconic song for rock and folk lovers alike.
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Citation
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"Good Shepherd Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17296028/Jefferson+Airplane/Good+Shepherd>.
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