Volunteers

Jefferson Airplane

About Volunteers

"Volunteers" is a Jefferson Airplane single from 1969 that was released to promote the album Volunteers two months before the album's release. It was written by Marty Balin and Paul Kantner. Marty was woken up by a truck one morning, which happened to be a truck with Volunteers of America painted on the side. Marty started writing lyrics down and then asked Paul to help him with the music.


Year:
1998
2:03
260 
#6

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Look what's happening out in the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
One generation got old
One generation got soul
This generation got no destination to hold
Pick up the cry
Hey, now it's time for you and me
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, come on now we're marching to the sea
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Who will take it from you, we will and who are we?
Well, we are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
I've got a revolution
Got a revolution

Look what's happening out in the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Hey, I'm dancing down the streets
Got a revolution (got to revolution)
Oh, ain't it amazing all the people I meet?
Got a revolution, oh-oh
We are volunteers of America
Yeah, we are volunteers of America
We are volunteers of America (volunteers of America)
Volunteers of America (volunteers of America)

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Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1965. A pioneer of the psychedelic rock movement, Jefferson Airplane was the first band from the San Francisco scene to achieve mainstream commercial and critical success. more »

6 fans

Written by: Marty Balin, Paul Kantner

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Background
"Volunteers" is a song by the American psychedelic rock band, Jefferson Airplane, from their album of the same name released in 1969.
Historical Context
The song became an anthem for the counterculture movement and anti-war protests in America during the late 1960s and early 1970s due to its defiant, rebellious lyrics.
Album Success
The "Volunteers" album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States, indicating its commercial success.
Title Significance
The term "Volunteers" refers to the young generation of the 60s who were volunteering to stand up for their beliefs and protest against the Vietnam war and the conservative norms of society.
Band Formation
The song was performed by the final line-up of the band - Grace Slick and Marty Balin on vocals, Paul Kantner on rhythm guitar, Jorma Kaukonen on lead guitar, Jack Casady on bass, and Spencer Dryden on drums.
Song Composition
The song was authored by Marty Balin and Paul Kantner – members of Jefferson Airplane.
Controversial Lyrics
"Volunteers" was amongst the several songs banned by the White House from being played during events related to the Nixon administration due to its controversial and anti-establishment lyrics.
Cultural Impact
The song is considered as one of the anthems of the 60s counterculture movement and is often used in movies and documentaries to signify the turbulent period.
Album Recording
The "Volunteers" album was one of the earliest 16-track recordings and was noted for its innovative use of stereo sound.
Musical Style
"Volunteers" embodies a folk-rock style that was characteristic of the late 60s, blending elements of Rock 'n' Roll with folk music themes and a strong counterculture spirit.
Relevance Today
The song continues to maintain its popularity and cultural relevance, serving as a symbol of protest and resistance.
Recognition
Although it was not released as a single, “Volunteers” is considered one of the most iconic tracks by Jefferson Airplane and has since been included in numerous compilations and live albums by the band.

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    Volunteers

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #65


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