The Meaning Behind The Song: Hair by The Cowsills
When The Cowsills released their hit song “Hair” in 1969, it quickly became an anthem for the counterculture movement. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate long hair and a carefree lifestyle, resonated with youths who were challenging the traditional norms and values of American society at the time. But what is the meaning behind this iconic song? Let’s take a closer look.
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The Lyrics of “Hair”
The opening lines of “Hair” set the tone for the entire song: “She asks me why, I’m just a hairy guy. I’m hairy noon and night, hair that’s a fright.” The song goes on to describe the joy of having long hair, and the freedom it represents. The chorus repeats the line “Gimme head with hair, long beautiful hair” several times, celebrating the beauty and sensuality of hair.
But there’s more to “Hair” than just a celebration of long locks. The song’s lyrics also touch on important social and political issues of the time. The line “My hair like Jesus wore it, Hallelujah I adore it” is a reference to the hippie movement’s embrace of long hair as a rejection of mainstream society’s expectations. The song also references the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement with lines like “Vietnam, anti-love, Nixon, bombing the dove” and “Black, white, yellow, no hair prejudice.”
The Legacy of “Hair”
“Hair” was not just a hit song, it was a cultural phenomenon. The song and the musical it inspired (also called Hair) helped to define the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1968 and featured songs that tackled issues like sexuality, drugs, and war. It was a sensation, running for over 1,700 performances and winning a Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical’s success helped to bring the ideas and values of the counterculture movement to a wider audience.
FAQs about “Hair” by The Cowsills
1. Who wrote the song “Hair”?
The original version of “Hair” was written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, who also wrote the book for the musical Hair. That version of the song was performed by the cast of the musical. The version by The Cowsills, which became a hit, was a cover.
2. What year was “Hair” released?
The Cowsills released their version of “Hair” in 1969.
3. What is the meaning behind the line “My hair like Jesus wore it”?
This line is a reference to the fact that Jesus is often depicted in paintings and other artwork as having long hair. The line is suggesting that the speaker’s long hair is a symbol of his rejection of mainstream society’s expectations.
4. What is the significance of the line “Vietnam, anti-love, Nixon, bombing the dove”?
This line is a reference to the political and social issues of the time. “Vietnam” refers to the controversial war that was happening at the time. “Anti-love” is a reference to the counterculture’s rejection of traditional notions of love and relationships. “Nixon” refers to President Richard Nixon, who was a polarizing figure at the time. “Bombing the dove” is a reference to the symbol of peace, which was often represented by a dove.
5. What is the meaning behind the line “Black, white, yellow, no hair prejudice”?
This line is a reference to the civil rights movement, which was also happening at the time. The line suggests that hair should not be a reason for prejudice or discrimination.
6. Who else has covered the song “Hair”?
Many artists have covered the song, including The 5th Dimension, Nina Simone, and Shirley Bassey.
7. How did “Hair” become a hit for The Cowsills?
The Cowsills were a family band from Rhode Island who were already well-known for their hit song “The Rain, The Park & Other Things” when they decided to cover “Hair.” Their version of the song became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
8. What is the musical Hair about?
The musical Hair is about the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It follows a group of young people who are rebelling against mainstream society and the Vietnam War. The musical features songs that tackle issues like sexuality, drugs, and war.
9. Was “Hair” controversial at the time?
Yes, “Hair” was considered controversial at the time because it dealt with topics like sexuality, drugs, and war. The musical was even banned in some places because of its content.
10. What impact did “Hair” have on popular culture?
“Hair” helped to define the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song and the musical inspired a generation of young people to challenge mainstream society’s expectations and to embrace a more progressive and inclusive worldview.
11. Did The Cowsills continue to have hits after “Hair”?
Yes, The Cowsills continued to have hits into the early 1970s, including “Indian Lake” and “Love American Style.”
12. What is The Cowsills’ legacy in music?
The Cowsills were known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and catchy pop songs. They were one of the first “bubblegum pop” bands and paved the way for later acts like The Partridge Family. Their music continues to be popular today and their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary pop artists.
