About the song
“Miracles,” crafted by Marty Balin and immortalized through Jefferson Starship’s rendition on the 1975 album Red Octopus, stands as a definitive anthem of romantic yearning and introspection within the rock and pop landscape. The song soared to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as the highest-charting single ever released by the band under their various names, including Jefferson Airplane.
Balin drew inspiration for “Miracles” from multiple sources, including his personal experiences and the spiritual influence of Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba. Known for its soulful lyrics and lush instrumentation, the song resonated deeply with listeners, capturing Balin’s heartfelt emotions and his adeptness at crafting memorable melodies.
Originally recorded as a sprawling 6-minute, 52-second opus for the album, the single version was trimmed down to 3 minutes, 25 seconds to increase its appeal for radio airplay. This editing decision, while controversial due to the removal of a sexually suggestive lyric, contributed to the song’s broader accessibility and commercial success.
Critically acclaimed for its production and Balin’s emotive delivery, “Miracles” received praise for its orchestration, including David Freiberg’s signature organ riff and Craig Chaquico’s distinctive guitar work. The seamless vocal interplay between Balin and Grace Slick, alongside harmonies from Paul Kantner and backing vocals from the band members, added layers of depth and emotion to the track.
Beyond its chart success, “Miracles” has been celebrated for its enduring impact on popular culture, featuring prominently in films like The Family Stone and Crank, as well as in the television series Supernatural. Marty Balin’s role in shaping the song’s intimate yet expansive sound has been recognized as a pivotal moment in his career, marking a departure from his earlier work with Jefferson Airplane while retaining his distinctive musical vision.
Today, “Miracles” remains a cherished classic in the rock canon, emblematic of Marty Balin’s artistic evolution and Jefferson Starship’s ability to resonate across generations with their heartfelt ballads and rock anthems. Its inclusion in various retrospectives and its enduring popularity underscore its status as a timeless testament to the power of love and longing in music.
Video
Lyrics
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
I might have to move Heaven and Earth to prove it to you, baby (baby)
So we’re making love, you feel the power and I feel the power
And there’s really nothing we can’t do
(You know we could, you know we could)
If we wanted to
(You know we could, you know we could)
We could exist on the stars, it was so easy
All we got to do is get a little faith in you
Whoa, I’ve been so many places I’ve seen some things (yes I have)
I know that love is the answer (yes it is)
Keeps holding this world together (oh yeah)
Ain’t nothing better? Ain’t nothing better? (Nothing’s better)
And all the answers to our prayers
Hell, it’s the same everywhere (just the same now)
Nothing ever breaks up the heart (love’s a game now)
Only your tears give you away (ain’t it a shame now)
When you’re right where I found you (oh baby)
With my arms around you (oh baby)
Baby, baby
Love is a magic word, ooh, yeah, few ever find in a lifetime
But from that very first look in your eyes
I see you and I have but one heart
Only our bodies were apart (it’s making me crazy)
That was so easy, so easy
I had a taste of the real world (just a drop of it)
When I went down on you, girl, oh
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
I can hear windmills and rainbows whenever you talkin’ to me
(Never say never)
I feel like swirling and dancing whenever you walk in with me (whenever, whenever you walk with me)
You ripple like the river when I touch you (let me touch you)
Then I pluck your body like a string (show you what I mean)
Then I start dancing inside you (oh baby, a love song)
Oh baby in a love song, aw baby
(Love song) aw baby (love song) aw baby (love song)
Oh yeah, yeah, alright
Baby, we’re sure doin’ it tonight (baby, we’re sure doing it)
Every time you come by let me try (come on by)
Pretty please, with sugar on it, that’s how I like it, uh
I can’t even believe it with you
It’s like having every dream I ever wanted
(Dream of a lifetime) come true
I picked up your vibes, you know (I’m having a fine time)
It opened my mind but I’m still dreaming
Yeah (yeah, oh)
And you’re right where I found you, with my arms around you (oh baby)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
So would I
So would I
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would I)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would I)