Jefferson Airplane — Comin' Back to Me
Album: Surrealistic PillowAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1422
Length: 5:12
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The summer had inhaled
And held its breath too long
The winter looked the same
As if it never had gone
And through an open window
Where no curtain hung
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
One begins to read between
The pages of a look
The shape of sleepy music
And suddenly you're hooked
Through the rain upon the trees
The kisses on the run
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
You came to stay and live my way
Scatter my love like leaves in the wind
You always say you won't go away
But I know what it always has been
It always has been
A transparent dream
Beneath an occasional sigh
Most of the time
I just let it go by
Now I wish it hadn't begun
I saw you, yes, I saw you
Comin' back to me
Strolling the hills
Overlooking the shore
I realize I've been here before
The shadow in the mist
Could have been anyone
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
Small things like reasons
Are put in a jar
Whatever happened to wishes
Wished on a star?
Was it just something
That I made up for fun?
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
And held its breath too long
The winter looked the same
As if it never had gone
And through an open window
Where no curtain hung
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
One begins to read between
The pages of a look
The shape of sleepy music
And suddenly you're hooked
Through the rain upon the trees
The kisses on the run
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
You came to stay and live my way
Scatter my love like leaves in the wind
You always say you won't go away
But I know what it always has been
It always has been
A transparent dream
Beneath an occasional sigh
Most of the time
I just let it go by
Now I wish it hadn't begun
I saw you, yes, I saw you
Comin' back to me
Strolling the hills
Overlooking the shore
I realize I've been here before
The shadow in the mist
Could have been anyone
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
Small things like reasons
Are put in a jar
Whatever happened to wishes
Wished on a star?
Was it just something
That I made up for fun?
I saw you, I saw you
Comin' back to me
Comments (175)add comment
Just a terrific song from a terrific album. One of the best albums of all time.
gatorade wrote:
Was 15 too, with a silly boy's head. I WAS Marty Balin! 🤣
I was 15 when this was released and I saved my baby-sitting money to buy the LP. This was the most romantic and beautiful ballad this girl had ever heard. Oh my goodness, the fantasies that filled that silly girl's head, fueled by Marty Balin. 
Was 15 too, with a silly boy's head. I WAS Marty Balin! 🤣
gatorade wrote:
I hear that, when it came on today I went right back there and had to log in to see what others say.
I was 15 when this was released and I saved my baby-sitting money to buy the LP. This was the most romantic and beautiful ballad this girl had ever heard. Oh my goodness, the fantasies that filled that silly girl's head, fueled by Marty Balin.
I hear that, when it came on today I went right back there and had to log in to see what others say.
Really nice.
Before hearing this today, I was only aware of the Rickie Lee Jones version (which is also beautiful)
Before hearing this today, I was only aware of the Rickie Lee Jones version (which is also beautiful)
Saw them [way] back in the day! What a great sound!
Marty Balin! What a voice!
Shipp wrote:
Marty.
signe singing?
Marty.
Oh, Lord, where is these days, these tunes?
This song can instantly transport me into dozens of scenes across the years, and it effortlessly connects all of them into a galaxy of complex feelings. The sparse arrangement, the haunting recorder, the stirring strings, the edgy, vulnerable voice, the intensely cerebral lyrics going all the way into the very deepest places...all of it, quantum-coupled with each and every time I've ever heard it and been irrevocably moved by its power, simply add up to making this one of my very favorite songs of all time. Now, as I was the first time, I'm smitten.
This is one if the many reasons why I don’t listen to commercial radio, hidden gems like this LLRP
signe singing?
Still a great JA track. Not typical but beautiful. Rickie Lee Jones does an excellent cover too
hagz21 wrote:
seaweed?
There is not enough weed on the planet for this song.
seaweed?
This is one of a few songs that transfixed me so long ago ... and still does. Every time it is played on RP, my OCD compels me to check to makes sure I have rated it a 10. I wish I could rate a few such songs higher.
Update: I listened to it again today on RP, and if I didn't check yet again that I had rated it a 10! I also found this post I had made a year ago, which I had forgotten about; sheesh. I note Surrealistic Pillow was the first LP I purchased as a kid.
Update: I listened to it again today on RP, and if I didn't check yet again that I had rated it a 10! I also found this post I had made a year ago, which I had forgotten about; sheesh. I note Surrealistic Pillow was the first LP I purchased as a kid.
There is not enough weed on the planet for this song.
Randomax wrote:
"Hyperdrive" off of Dragon Fly is nothing short of perfection. Take it for a ride.
"This is great stuff from long before they morphed into that insipid abomination called "The Starship". "
Totall agree with this comment..........S/Pillow was a magical album in a magical time.
Totall agree with this comment..........S/Pillow was a magical album in a magical time.
"Hyperdrive" off of Dragon Fly is nothing short of perfection. Take it for a ride.
Sounds very much like a Joni Mitchell song,,,
Always loved JA Thanks Marty
RIP Brother
I was 15 when this was released and I saved my baby-sitting money to buy the LP. This was the most romantic and beautiful ballad this girl had ever heard. Oh my goodness, the fantasies that filled that silly girl's head, fueled by Marty Balin.
Oh my... a rainy day at the ragged end of summer, and this song comes up from the deep past. Another damp late-summer day. Was that fifty years ago? It resonates like last week.
jagdriver wrote:
Unfortunately... https://www.google.com/search?...
Sitting here thinking, "Man, that sure sounds like Marty Balin. What happened to him?"
floydslips.blogspot.com
Unfortunately... https://www.google.com/search?...
RIP Marty... I am friends with Jorma and Marty's passing was extremely difficult for him. He has a guitar clinic here in southern Ohio and we ride motorcycle's together. It's a wonderful place called Fur Peace Ranch, visit their website and read what he wrote about Marty's passing called "and now we are three", very touching...
Not to mention one of the great opening lines in rock music.
Thank you so much Bill! Always a favorite from back in the day. Easy to play on guitar too.The posted comments for this track go back to 2001!
Though there are often dozens of videos to accompany a song this one in particular strikes me as somehow fitting. Take a look if you will:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hziG-cLZW1Y
Boring you say? Then click on this for Fat Angel. Man how I wish I was at this gig:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A7jM-7bNYs
Though there are often dozens of videos to accompany a song this one in particular strikes me as somehow fitting. Take a look if you will:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hziG-cLZW1Y
Boring you say? Then click on this for Fat Angel. Man how I wish I was at this gig:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A7jM-7bNYs
Love.
One of the best showcases of all they held and believed in, and one of my favorite stop-me-in-my tracks songs. Truly timeless — a 10+
radiojunkie wrote:
I sense a slight difference of opinion. You sir, are unlistenable.
I sense a slight difference of opinion. You sir, are unlistenable.
I'm always up for this beautiful tune.....and it takes me back...and I smile
actually the first Starship album, "Blows against the Empire" was a Sci-Fi rock opera and excellent.
Jerry Garcia, Crosby etc... all the SF rockers were on it.
Though I agree, after it went downhill.
Jerry Garcia, Crosby etc... all the SF rockers were on it.
Though I agree, after it went downhill.
the early fall of 1969 - outdoor park in southern california - moody blues had been stopped at the vancouver border. the airplane played solo for hours and hours. great to hear their music holds up so well - very very cool.
Simple, soulful
SHE COVERED TODAY< BOTH GREAT TUNES
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
That's Grace on recorder.
I thought of Rickie Lee Jones...she covered it, many moons ago. and did a nice job but I like this better. it's cool to hear the softer side of JA. i even liked the flute. thanks RP! 
That's Grace on recorder.
Brings back some great memories, feelings, and puts chills down my spine.
"This is great stuff from long before they morphed into that insipid abomination called "The Starship". "
Totall agree with this comment..........S/Pillow was a magical album in a magical time.
Totall agree with this comment..........S/Pillow was a magical album in a magical time.
A truly classic album (thank's to Jerry's guidance, ha!). Always remember a drive up Pac Coast Hwy, just south of Carmel, this song playing, careening through the curves, the bright evening light of the sun coming through the windshield as it set over the pacific...always such a lucid memory.
In time, all paths are well worn, all fears cleanly shorn...
Pretty astounding that this was done in 1967, over 40 years ago.
Has magical powers.
A Truly Timeless Song....
Awesome. Always.
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
I cannot totally agree with your comment. I will say that some of Starships stuff was lame. In life and creativity we must all grow outward and onward and that is what the Airplane did. A band should not stay in the past. Many have and have not produced any good material. I think the Airplane-Starship transition was in the most part original and creative and on there part a first in rock & roll. There sound changed as did the times. There is nothing worst than a band like Airplane and others having to retire to the bar gigs because they neglected to move on from there musical foundation.
This is great stuff from long before they morphed into that insipid abomination called "The Starship".
I cannot totally agree with your comment. I will say that some of Starships stuff was lame. In life and creativity we must all grow outward and onward and that is what the Airplane did. A band should not stay in the past. Many have and have not produced any good material. I think the Airplane-Starship transition was in the most part original and creative and on there part a first in rock & roll. There sound changed as did the times. There is nothing worst than a band like Airplane and others having to retire to the bar gigs because they neglected to move on from there musical foundation.
mcYammer wrote:
Every young man needs an older woman at least once in his life. I'll never forget those women.
jadewahoo wrote:
yah, I was taught how to love by an older girl to this tune
Every girl I have ever loved, have yearned for, felt lost into her sweet smile, is brought back to life with this song.
yah, I was taught how to love by an older girl to this tune
Every young man needs an older woman at least once in his life. I'll never forget those women.
I've got this album hanging in a frame on my office wall right here, right now. One of the best from the 60's. Think I'll dig out the cd and give it a few spins. An 11.
jadewahoo wrote:
yah, I was taught how to love by an older girl to this tune
Every girl I have ever loved, have yearned for, felt lost into her sweet smile, is brought back to life with this song.
yah, I was taught how to love by an older girl to this tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwnMYZS1hSc
"Alongside her close contemporary Janis Joplin, Slick was an important figure in the development of rock music in the late 1960s and was one of the first female rock stars. Her distinctive vocal style and striking stage presence exerted a definite influence on other female performers, including Stevie Nicks, Patti Smith, Sandy Denny and Dolores O'Riordan, Like Joplin, Slick's uncompromising persona and powerful voice helped to open up new modes of expression for female performers, giving a new legitimacy to the role of the female lead singer in the male-dominated world of rock music."
"Some people say "Don't go away just stay right here"
Some say "If you stay at home you're gonna wind up alone"
Now you know you can't go two different
ways you can't believe everything you hear
And if you always do just what you're told
hen you've got no mind of your own
So if each man has a different plan let 'em go let 'em go
You have a power all your own
There's a spirit child inside you ready for life and I know
It's just waiting to see how you will grow
And when the spirit feels the need to wander let it go
Sometimes they say the only way is to really sing that song
Sometimes they say you're singing that way too loud too long
And if they can't make up their minds then I think I'll make up mine
Whatever way I feel is the only way I'm gonna sing that song
And if people don't seem to like it that's O.K. let 'em go
Some day they'll sing a song of their own
'Cause there's a spirit child inside them ready for life and I know
It's just waiting to see how they will grow
And when their spirit feels a need to wander I'm sure they'll go
Some people said "Try this,it'll make your smile"
Some said "Don't touch it, you end up crying"
Well it felt so good for a while but then I saw too many dying
When all they wanted to do was get a little higher
So if the game won't follow through let it go let it go
And leave the loaded dice alone
'Cause there's a spirit child inside them ready for life and I know
It's just waiting to see how they will grow
One too many-users lose it all
Then there's no one-no one to help then break the fall
People just like you who say "Oh no that won't be me"
End up face down-is that where you wanted to be
So if it's going to bring you trouble let it go let it go
Remember that doesn't mean you'll be all alone
'Cause there's a spirit child inside them ready for life and I know
It's just waiting to see how you will grow "
Every girl I have ever loved, have yearned for, felt lost into her sweet smile, is brought back to life with this song.
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
Agreed, although it should be noted that, technically, the first two Starship albums, "Blows Against The Empire" and "Sunfighter" were totally different from what ultimately followed - and had some great stuff on them with guest artists such as Jerry Garcia, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. Totally different from the crew that built that city.
This is great stuff from long before they morphed into that insipid abomination called "The Starship".
Agreed, although it should be noted that, technically, the first two Starship albums, "Blows Against The Empire" and "Sunfighter" were totally different from what ultimately followed - and had some great stuff on them with guest artists such as Jerry Garcia, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. Totally different from the crew that built that city.
This is great stuff from long before they morphed into that insipid abomination called "The Starship".
This still brings a chill down my spine everytime I hear it though I've heard it 100's of times since it came out. Just great stuff.
A great song off of a great album. Man does this bring me back...back to when I wasn't a crusty old fart like I'd said I'd never be...
oldviolin wrote:
Bill... 
God, I dig this track!
Takin' me back . . .
Moon landings and Woodstock; 40 years gone
Moon landings and Woodstock; 40 years gone
lmic wrote:
And he proved his point by playing Louie Armstrong to show how much of a cultural break there was from the prior 40 years of music.
Bill, your comment about cultural continuity from '60s pop is so true! My folks had a 22-year-old contractor working on their roof yesterday, and I couldn't believe that he listened to the Classic Rock station all day. Kids today draw from the full panoply of the last 50 years. (And it still strikes me as kind of weird.)
And he proved his point by playing Louie Armstrong to show how much of a cultural break there was from the prior 40 years of music.
Bill, your comment about cultural continuity from '60s pop is so true! My folks had a 22-year-old contractor working on their roof yesterday, and I couldn't believe that he listened to the Classic Rock station all day. Kids today draw from the full panoply of the last 50 years. (And it still strikes me as kind of weird.)
this still has the power to give me the dry heaves
I think falling in love is always available. which is one reason im not sure i would ever want get married... i love the longing
RobRyan wrote:
RobRyan wrote:
This gives me very mixed feelings, all of them strong. As I said below, it brings back that poignant feeling of early love, and finding new emotions.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
RobRyan wrote:
I know exactly what you mean. I'm pushing 51 and in the last few months I feel like I've lost my Mojo.
Youth is wasted on the young.
It sucks getting old.
This gives me very mixed feelings, all of them strong. As I said below, it brings back that poignant feeling of early love, and finding new emotions.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
I know exactly what you mean. I'm pushing 51 and in the last few months I feel like I've lost my Mojo.
Youth is wasted on the young.
It sucks getting old.
This still has the power to give me chills.
GODlike!!! 
A amzing song by a great band in their heyday, it has reached people of all ages Bravo Marty
I first heard this song on the "Without Limits" Movie sound track and i have always liked it but I never followed through with figuring out who sang it. Nice call Bill
Lives well lived.
Beautiful.
Bill, you're killing me. 41 years ago, sheesh. Do you have to remind me? 
Ohh, the ache, the sweet ache of years gone by, teenaged hours gazing up at clouds through springtime leaves. At the time many decades ago, having this song refresh the pain of unrequited teenage love gone bad. Some years later, thinking of old friends, old times, aand an era of strong emotions and less scheduled days. The very definition of wistful.
I hear this, and all days I ever heard it, and/ or all times, days, and situations it applied/ applies to start comin' back to me! WHAT A TIME MACHINE! and still love it, love it, love it; tears of joy, sadness, love, heartache, and sometimes all rolled into one have gone down my cheek not a few times to this song.
rtrudeau wrote:
Indeed it is, my friend!
What was I doing with this as an 8? 
This is a true 10.
This is a true 10. Indeed it is, my friend!
RobRyan wrote:
Perhaps, but we can always be a beacon, we don't nessarily need to be on the receiving end. Great tune, forgot about this one!
This gives me very mixed feelings, all of them strong. As I said below, it brings back that poignant feeling of early love, and finding new emotions.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
Perhaps, but we can always be a beacon, we don't nessarily need to be on the receiving end. Great tune, forgot about this one!
figsout wrote:
True. And arguably a different band altogether.
THEY NEEDED $$$$
Well, technically they weren't the same by then. They were a lot older. And other things.
Well, technically they weren't the same by then. They were a lot older. And other things.
True. And arguably a different band altogether.
RobRyan wrote:
This gives me very mixed feelings, all of them strong. As I said below, it brings back that poignant feeling of early love, and finding new emotions.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
Very interesting post on this song. Since the Forums are down right now I can't PM you about it. It was a nice slow break before I have to get going again though..
This gives me very mixed feelings, all of them strong. As I said below, it brings back that poignant feeling of early love, and finding new emotions.
But it also makes me realize what's no longer available to me at 53, and the potential no longer there....
All in all, though I love it, I'm not sure I want to hear it.
This album, yes it was an album, has so many memories. I was too young to understand it when it came out, but an older friend played it for me when I was in college. We played this album to death, during those sessions of ah ah ah ah, can't say in the forum. Needless to say it was prefect for those special occasions. Thanks RP!
What was I doing with this as an 8? This is a true 10.
This is a true 10. THEY NEEDED $$$$
Well, technically they weren't the same by then. They were a lot older. And other things.
stebe wrote:
How can a group go from a song like this to We Built this City. It boggles the mind.
Well, technically they weren't the same by then. They were a lot older. And other things.
That's what we were saying about all the Baby Boomers in the 80s.
greetings Boomers, from Generation X, the ones cleaning up after you... 
stebe wrote:
stebe wrote:How can a group go from a song like this to We Built this City. It boggles the mind.
biking_chick wrote:
I do too -- this most evocative, lost-love, angst-filled song brings back old heartbreaks and loves lost and gained. From a very innocent time...
Thanks, Bill. Good music for a rainy day.
I was about to type the same thing. It brings me back to the poignant love lost in my college days, and those feelings are palpable. Absolutely amazing that a song could evoke such strong feelings.
Brings back memories of my 16th birthday.
Does anyone else hear Tuna's 'Water Song' here?
How can a group go from a song like this to We Built this City. It boggles the mind.
Alpine wrote:
One of the best cuts on this fantastic album. A true 10. What ever happened to Marty Balin?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Balin
93vx800 wrote:
I recognized it from the first three notes. Superb! Thank you, RP.
I do too -- this most evocative, lost-love, angst-filled song brings back old heartbreaks and loves lost and gained. From a very innocent time...
Thanks, Bill. Good music for a rainy day.
Alpine wrote:
One of the best cuts on this fantastic album. A true 10. What ever happened to Marty Balin?
I've always considered his voice to be one of the most expressive and poetical in Rock.
One of the best cuts on this fantastic album. A true 10. What ever happened to Marty Balin?
I was just a little too young to know this band. This is lovely. Thank you, RP.
Well, now I\'m going to have to dig out the vinyl and play the whole thing.
Bill...
This song just gives me chills. They don\'t record songs like this anymore. 10 
Always in the mood for this!
Sitting here thinking, "Man, that sure sounds like Marty Balin. What happened to him?"
floydslips.blogspot.com
hippiechick wrote:
Oh, I love this song!!! I got this record (yes, record) for my 16th birthday, a long, long, long time ago.
Love to see that 9x9 box
Oh, I love this song!!! I got this record (yes, record) for my 16th birthday, a long, long, long time ago.
beautiful, melodic....such a nice change from standard JA - who I love, but all the same, it's this kind of a song that makes you remember special moments and people. Marty Balin has such a soulful voice. making my heart ache....
I recognized it from the first three notes. Superb! Thank you, RP.
Typesbad wrote:
I tend to skip over this one on the disc. My mind goes "Oh here is that real slow song" And I'm on to the next. Which in my own defense, is a common response to soft songs when I'm heading down the highway with the top down.
Having it aired
I can understand...but don't you go into different mindsets as you drive on any given day, or lets say you heard this on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or late night with the lights low and the cool breeze blowing through the windows??
With that said, I don't much care for White Stripes either at 7:30 a.m. but I know that it too shall pass.
This band had some good stuff, but this kind of hippy droning is just plain dull
My absolute fave Airplane track. It doesn't bring back memories, though, it's just beautiful every time I hear it.
Ricky Lee Jones does a very faithful and cool version of this on 'Pop Pop'.
oldviolin wrote:
Marty Balin on vocal I think. Captures a time in a moment...
I think of Surrealistic Pillow as JA's more poetic period verses their more drug induced stuff from the albums that followed.
siandbeth wrote:
Help! I'm trying to do my TAXES and this music is just getting on my nerves almost more that Uncle Sam. Please, please, consider my delicate state.
Simple - don't pay tax!!!
Ah, analog tape hiss! 
Help! I'm trying to do my TAXES and this music is just getting on my nerves almost more that Uncle Sam. Please, please, consider my delicate state.
Man, did I ever love this album (still)!
Thanks for the "trip" back...
mrmagoo wrote:
I think to appreciate this song/lyrics you had to be there at that time.
For you "old hippies" out there listening to this is a trip back in time....thanks for the memory.
Absolutley. Great memories....
Marty Balin (and a guy named Jerry)
I am glad I'm not alone in my sentiments for that song and time...I think you had to be there (but that's just me). Peace
radiojunkie wrote:
Absolutely one of my all time favorites. Incredibly evocative of a lost time and place, and evidence of how special all the ingredients of JA were, especially Balin. It still sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it.
I think to appreciate this song/lyrics you had to be there at that time.
I know, old hippies are a pain in the ass, but when I hear this I remember the person I was standing with and where we were and all the rest.
For you "old hippies" out there listening to this is a trip back in time....thanks for the memory.
yeah, slightly. oh well - to each his own.
radiojunkie wrote:
I sense a slight difference of opinion.
daveesh wrote:
unlistenable
I sense a slight difference of opinion.
unlistenable
Absolutely one of my all time favorites. Incredibly evocative of a lost time and place, and evidence of how special all the ingredients of JA were, especially Balin. It still sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it.
Egrey wrote:
"We built this city. We built this city on Rock and..."
Thanks a lot..... Now I've got THAT in my head.....
Godlike...
10
I heard it the first time as soundtrack of the film 'the indian runner'
I bought the CD surrealistic pillow about 10 years ago, maybe's time to dig it up...
thanks RP 
Drivel
"We built this city. We built this city on Rock and..."
frednic wrote:
If you want to hear these guys rock listen to, "Bless it's Pointed Head", live album.
BTW this one could be considered a dead album ?
This is a very long haul airplane. I guess they happened to fall asleep in the middle of a take.