Lather (song)

"Lather" is a song written by Grace Slick and performed by the band Jefferson Airplane. It was released on their 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. The song is a biographical reflection on Spencer Dryden, the band's drummer, and his experiences growing up and becoming a musician.

The lyrics explore themes of youthful rebellion, societal expectations, and the passage of time. "Lather" uses metaphors related to soap and washing to represent the cleansing and transformative nature of life. The song depicts Dryden as a young man, "lathering" himself in experiences and confronting the world with both innocence and defiance. The line "Fifteen years ago, I came to my senses" suggests a moment of awakening or realization in Dryden's life.

Musically, "Lather" features a driving rhythm and swirling instrumentation characteristic of Jefferson Airplane's psychedelic rock sound. Grace Slick's vocals are both powerful and vulnerable, conveying the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song has become a staple of the band's repertoire and is often cited as one of their most poignant and introspective compositions. Its enduring popularity stems from its universal themes of youth, identity, and the search for meaning.