Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Almost Cut My Hair

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Almost cut my hair
It happened just the other day
It was getting kind of long
I could have said it was in my way

But I didn't and I wonder why
I feel like letting my freak flag fly
And I feel like I owe it to someone

Must be because I had the flu for Christmas
And I'm not feeling up to par
It increases my paranoia
Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car

But I'm not giving in an inch to fear
Cos I promised myself this year
I feel like I owe it to someone

When I finally get myself together
I'm gonna get down in some of that sweet summer weather
I'm going to find a space inside to laugh
Separate the wheat from the chaff

Cos I feel like I owe it, yeah
Said I feel like I owe it, yeah
You know I feel---- like I owe it yeah to someone

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Lyrics submitted by Hunter

Track duration: 04:13


Almost Cut My Hair song meanings
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13 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:My hair has been growing (from a shaved head) for 3 years now. Every time I go to get it cut I walk out b4 it's my turn.
    Yeah, I guess I do feel like i owe it to someone....

    Good tune.
    Flag rabidrebelon June 18, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion:I guess long hair (on a man) is still seen as a sign of a social deviant.

    "It increases my paranoia
    Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car "

    People's first impressions are based on looks. Someone who 'looks the part' is always going to be the first to be accused (at various times that could mean black, long-haired, tattooed or a skinhead etc).
    Life might be 'easier' in some ways if we all conformed and gave up our individuality, but it would be a miserable life.

    Of course the song's not just about hair, but it's a simplified way of looking at the bigger issue..
    Flag ziva77on June 11, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:ive always heard this song was about david crosby almost committing suicide
    Flag boleteon February 22, 2010   Link
  • +2
    General Comment:In the early to mid 60's, before it got really popular, long hair was a contentious trademark of hippies. Unlike now, when it seems most boys have a long hair phase, back then you really could distinguish straights from freaks by the length of their hair.

    It seems that Crosby, Stills, and Nash felt the pressure to cut their hair, but this is probably more of a metaphor for conforming generally.

    "It increases my paranoia/like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car"

    Hippies, because of their distinct hairstyles and dress and notorious reputation, could easily be targeted by cops and others straights. Anyone seen Easy Rider? Probably shows the most extreme examples of straight violence against hippies.

    So the boys of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young definitely had reason to be paranoid. But luckily, the refused to "give an inch to fear," choosing freedom over conformity. And really, that's what made the hippies so great.
    Flag Evie56on August 12, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:go to youtube and look at the live solo acustic version crosby did in the early 90's. he shows off his superb voice even more and all he plays is static acoustic guitar which makes it sound even more lonesome and powerful. a message to every one to be free and happy with who you are.
    Flag juliano69on March 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:To me this song always felt like it was about the draft. The “almost cut my hair” being a reference to the buzz cut of the army, and the “I feel like I’m owing someone” being the feelings of guilt that are placed on those who are against a war. And of course, the draft caused massive feelings of paranoia in many people. Especially as the draft approached there number.. And the sweet summer weather I always saw as a reference to South America and running from the war. Then again, maybe I’m over reaching who knows. Either way it’s a great song.
    Flag bradburyesquon June 01, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is great. its all about being yourself, and sticking it to the man. thats the only way to live
    Flag slk9877on March 18, 2006   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:When listening to this, mentally replace "Almost cut my hair" with "Almost ended my life". It makes more sense.
    Flag LafayetteBlueson August 31, 2005   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:good point by Kozmic Tequila...as for hippies.....you should be glad you live in the U.S. (if you do) because you do have the freedom to have any kind of hair you want...look at north korea, men there cannot have hair longer than 2 inches
    Flag dasquien!on April 22, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Wow, letting my freak flag fly. Long time ago....what a beautiful time in my life. This song always makes me feel a little melancholy, especially lately, because we tried so hard to make this country a better one, and it seems we're in the same position, possibly worse. Never again has the youth of America been as united as we were back then. Too bad they won out. Hard to fight crack, aids, no mental health care, just jails and prisons. Thanks for letting this old hippie vent a bit. Ya know if we didn't become Yuppies, we just faded away. Peace
    Flag GypsyJanaon April 14, 2005   Link

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