A Small Package of Value Will Come to You, Shortly

Album: After Bathing at Baxter's (1967)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Psychedelic Rock often attempts to replicate the drug experience through music, which can in many cases lead to introspection and a deeper awareness. However, many drug experiences feel more like this sounds: a cacophony of noise with no real meaning. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 6

  • Robbie Saltaire from New Yorkthis album, like most others at the time, was designed to be listened to all at once--or to one complete side, anyway. so the song is best heard in context with the rest of the album, not as a single.
  • Fred from Laurel, MdNote that the YouTube video on this page goes from the end of this track, at 1:40, into the song, "Young Girl Sunday Blues," which goes up to the end (actually to ~ 5:10).
  • Fred from Laurel, MdBertrand - I largely agree; this one reminds me of "Revolution 9" on the Beatles' white (double) album, and Zappa & the Mothers' "Help, I'm a Rock," and "Return of the Son of Monster Magnet," from their Freak Out album. I think Zappa did a better job of it than JA, though.

    I believe a large part of the appeal of this at the time, was to get us to listen repeatedly, in order to find 'hidden gems.'
  • Ryan from Orange, CaWhile it may not have much musical or lyrical value, the last line obviously has great meaning: "No man is island. He is a peninsula." Pretty easy to understand. If nobody is an island, but a peninsula, then we're all one. I like the metaphor.
  • Peter from Newark, NyI really enjoy the part where the person says "I don't believe New York City is an Island." Unfortunately, I don't know the voices of the guys well enough to know who is who on this one. I look at the ad on this page, and think to myself that this song would make one heck of a ringtone.lol
  • Norlyn from Geneva, IlOne of the very few Jefferson Airplane songs that do nothing for me. I guess I'm not experimental enough to enjoy it ...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus WainwrightSongwriter Interviews

Rufus Wainwright on "Hallelujah," his album Unfollow The Rules, and getting into his "lyric trance" on 12-hour walks.