Comments: 17

• Dmitry from UkraineI think the song is about the technological progress that has captured humanity, the shock of the future that surrounded people with electronics at that time, because the lyrics are about ibm, data control, TV programs, science. And all this captivates people, but does not give anything to the soul, but devastates it.
• Whoknows from EarthA few sites about lyrics have said it's about a television. It's not. It's about a stereo system that one of the singers recently bought.
• George from Vancouver, CanadaNaturally they said, publically, it's about a stereo -- otherwise in t hat era of censorship, they'd lose all their airplay. The lyrics make it clear it's about a dildo or vibrator.
• Rosie from Philly There are so many references to Sex and it sounds like A Plastic Blow up doll. But then the references to chrome are confusing. So The Theory about TV is good guess or Stereo System. But chrome has got he baffled Could it be his Guitar he Is taking about it a Car. They are often named after Girls. I guess we will never know I unless we could Chanel the spirit of the great Amazing Singer Songwriter. Marty Balin one thing we do know this songs Rocked jn 1967 and it still Rocks in 2021 ! Sii ok ahead if thee ur time Jefferson Airplane. That’s why my fave band of the 69 s. Grace my Idol because if her I became a Rock singer fur 30 yrs after see them in Concert in 1969
  Love Grace and Marty and all JA band
  Rosie
• Pam M. from Huntington BeachThe Surrealistic Pillow album version, hands down, is the best. Marty could rock with the best of them but he was outstanding singing just like this.
• Beth from DallasBut what about the reference to data and IBM? Could it be prophetic?
• Apsa from AfricaThe song is about television, and the way it captures all attention. It's kind of a robot that you'd be in love with.
  The band had visited a TV factory, which led Marty to write this song.
  There's some kind of a mechanical feeling there (the drumming, the unusual cool vocals, maybe the piano too) which makes me actually think of a factory.
  
  It's the last song of the Surrealistic pillow LP, and the lead guitar somehow announces what will be done in the next LP, After bathing at Baxter's.
• George from Vancouver, Canadavery first line:
  > Her neon mouth with a bleeding talk smile
  proves it's about a sex doll, not a stereo!
• George from Vancouver, CanadaDragster slang "plastic fantastic" refers to a funny car. could they have been just singing about someone who loves funny cars?
• Josh from Westborough, MaThis song is about a dildo. yes it is. yes.
• Larry from Medina, OhThe live version... listen to Kaukonen and Cassady. One of the greatest lead and bass guitar jams in rock music. And Balin's vocals are at their best. He could belt it when he wanted to.
• Cyberpope from Richmond, CanadaJefferson Airtplane was one of a kind - they only /devolved/ going to Jefferson Starship then "The Starship"
• Joshua from La Crosse, WiNorm: Well, the liner notes from Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship Greatest Hits (a 2-CD compilation from 2002) said the song was about a stereo system. Evidently one of these two albums has it wrong.
• Norm from Orlando, FlTo set the FACTS straight, Plastic Fantastic Lover is about a television set. Check out Marty Balin's quote stating so in the liner notes of 2400 Fulton Street, the 1987 compilation. Now that I think of it, I have Marty Balin's autograph on the liner notes of that CD!
• Mark B. Stoned from Desperate Hot Springs, CaThe live versions definitely rock harder, but I love the groove they get going on the album version. Plus, closing the album with it works to great effect given the way that "Embryonic Journey" flows into "White Rabbit", which climaxes and settles into this. Gotta love early Airplane.
• Meredith from Chesapeake, VaThe live versions were a lot better, I think.
• Mark B. Stoned from Desperate Hot Springs, CaExcellent song to end a classic album.

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