environment | January 24, 2026

The Meaning Behind The Song: Farrah Fawcett Hair by Capital Cities

TitleArtistWriter/ComposerAlbumRelease DateGenreDurationProducer
Farrah Fawcett HairCapital CitiesSebu, Ryan Merchant, André 3000In a Tidal Wave of MysteryJune 4, 2013RockN/ARyan Merchant, Sebu

Capital Cities teamed up with André 3000 and NPR’s most recognizable voice, Frank Tavares, on this gem off their upcoming LP In A Tidal Wave of Mystery. Titled “Farrah Fawcett Hair,” this song is quite simply about “good shit.”

Listening to the lyrics of “Farrah Fawcett Hair,” it becomes clear that the song is an ode to the simple yet profound joys of life. It celebrates the little things that make us happy and bring us a sense of joy. From the mention of Michael Jackson’s iconic album “Thriller” to the reference to Farrah Fawcett’s legendary hair, the song draws inspiration from pop culture to express this message.

In the opening lines of the song, Frank Tavares, known for his voiceover work on NPR, sets the stage for the track with a list of things that evoke positive emotions. Lazy Hooks, National Public Radio, “Back to the Future II,” Daniel Day Lewis, and sunsets are all cited as sources of support for Capital Cities. These references further emphasize the theme of finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “You know it when you see it, you know it when it’s there” to highlight the recognition of these moments of happiness. The comparison between Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Farrah Fawcett’s hair further emphasizes the idea that these moments are universally recognizable and elicit a positive reaction from people.

The verse contributed by André 3000 delves further into specific aspects of life that bring joy. Full-length mirrors, children with big glasses, girls with old-school names, and babies with baby breath are all mentioned as things that evoke happiness. André 3000’s lyrics describe the feeling of being tucked in by American Apparel ad girls, which adds a playful twist to the song’s meaning.

As the song progresses, André 3000 shares personal preferences and experiences. From enjoying the tranquility of being underwater to the escapism provided by music, the lyrics illustrate the power of these simple pleasures to transport and uplift the listener.

As someone who has listened to “Farrah Fawcett Hair” numerous times, I can personally relate to the feeling of joy and nostalgia that it evokes. The catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make it a song that never fails to put a smile on my face. It reminds me of carefree moments and the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.

The mention of Farrah Fawcett’s hair brings back memories of a bygone era and the iconic styles that defined it. Her hair symbolizes a sense of freedom, individuality, and confidence, which can be associated with the happiness and positivity conveyed in the song.

In conclusion, “Farrah Fawcett Hair” by Capital Cities is a song that celebrates the joy found in the simple things in life. It reminds us to appreciate the little moments of happiness and to find joy in the ordinary. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a feel-good anthem that leaves a lasting impression. So the next time you need a pick-me-up, give “Farrah Fawcett Hair” a listen and let it bring a smile to your face.