When the truth is found
To be lies/
And all the joy
Within you dies.

“Somebody to Love” is a great psychedelic rock classic sung by Gracie Slick of Jefferson Airplane. Her message: you better find somebody to love. The message is very traditional in this song: “When you don’t have anything else, you can rely on those you love”. But that is not really what she’s saying. She’s saying, “shit is going down, you better have some that loves you or you’re screwed. Find someone.” The sense of urgency with which she sings is rivaled by no one else in rock that I can think of. Everything she sings sounds imminent and important.

The song is produced incredibly well. I can’t imagine that a cover or a live performance could match the album performance. There are several layers of guitar that sound great including the bizarre distant sounding lead guitar during the solo at the end. The bass is excellent, but a bit hidden in the track…it helps establish the groove of the song. The rhythm section of the band is quite strong on the record.

Somebody to Love 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
Love

When the garden flowers
Baby, are dead, yes
And your mind, your mind
Is so full of red

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

Your 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
They’re all running down your breast
And your friends, baby
They treat you like a guest

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

written by Gracie Slick