Based in the UK, the two musicians set out to create a multimedia project that would encompass a CD, DVD and cinematic presentation that would offer a complete artistic statement. The project offers music, digital video footage shot over the course of six months by Catto and Bridgeman, images, rhythms and spoken word content.
The first project features contributions from Dennis Hopper, Kurt Vonnegut, Michael Stipe, Robbie Williams, Tim Robbins, Brian Eno, Baaba Maal, Speech, Asha Bhosle, Neneh Cherry, Anita Roddick, Michael Franti and other artists and authors.
The band's theme for the project is "Unity Through Diversity".
1 Giant Leap's "My Culture" video, featuring Robbie Williams and Maxi Jazz from Faithless has received extensive airplay.
After nearly four years the new 1 Giant Leap project, currently titled 'What About Me' has been handed over by Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto. Twelve films and twleve tracks about "...all the different ways we're mad...desperate, obsessed, neurotic, fixated...the insane ways we make ourselves unhappy..."
When Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman joined forces to create the project 1 Giant Leap, they embarked upon a global journey that included Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, India, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, America and Europe, equipped solely with a digital video camera, a laptop and a vision - to capture and weave together a unique fusion of sound, image and spoken word from some of the world's most happening musicians, authors, scientists and thinkers and to explore 'The Unity in the Diversity'.
Their treasure hunt brought many unexpected collaborations with such inspirations as Michael Stipe, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Dennis Hopper, Brian Eno, Asha Bhosle, and Baaba Maal. The resulting double-Grammy nominated DVD consists of 11 short films - INSPIRATION, MONEY, FAITH, SEX, DEATH, CONFRONTATION, TIME, BLASPHEMY, UNITY, MASKS, HAPPY, and 30 behind the scenes movies. You might have seen 'The Making Of 1 Giant Leap' which has been broadcast globally by National Geographic Channel. Or perhaps you've seen them playing live with their 10 piece band and cinema screens.
Trailers to all the TV episodes can be found on www.youtube.com/1giantleapofficial and events and screening information can be found at www.myspace.com/1giantleap
We traveled round the world collaborating with the most happenig musicians, authors, scientists and thinkers we could find to explore the unity in diversity. Produced by Duncan Bridgeman & Jamie Catto. 70% water, 18% carbon, 5% nitrogen, 2% calcium.
Braided Hair
1 Giant Leap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the same dirt from the heels of my ancestors
The naked roads and the fields where the pain festered
I wonder where the hold came from
In the deeps of my heart make me yearn for the drum
It's the same place where the cross is burned
The same place where the loss was earned
Gold teeth and bling ice on the rings baby, sure
We've all got things that hang at the back
Things that make us cool
Things that make us whack
Things that make us mad
Things we wish we never had done
But they're just the things that make us real
Not the maps to guide where we go from here
The road twists and braids our hair
Until we all get there
I like that I don't know some mysteries
Ancient things and beginnings
Excited about the day when I don't have to hear all the theories
My scalp needs some grease
In the same place where the crosses burned
The same place where the loss was earned
The only way we all can learn
Is if we have these braids with the twist and turns so
We've all got things that hang at the back
Things that make us cool
Things that make us whack
Things that make us mad
Things we wish we never had done
But they're just the things that make us real
Not the maps to guide where we go from here
The road twists and braids our hair
Until we all get there
Walking in the race of life
Looking for my own pace
Not always wanting to but I have to
Sometimes feeling like I've bitten off much more than I can chew
But the wind goes through my hair
And lifts me up with ease, not a crease
Hair full of grease no weave embracing me
It's you I see
I am you and you are me I see, yeah
I am you and you are me I see, yeah
We might survive as brothers, yeah, or perish here as fools
Go place your bets
Don't bet too soon
You might find me in another
Feels like someone you once knew
You know that face, yeah, we all do
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
We might survive as brothers, yeah, or perish here as fools
Go place your bets
Don't bet too soon
You might find me in another
Feels like someone you once knew
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
The main theme of "Braided Hair" by 1 Giant Leap is finding one's identity and accepting oneself, including the mistakes and choices made. The opening lines suggest that the singer is from the same place as their ancestors, which may symbolize that their roots influence who they are. The following lines talk about the pain and loss that was experienced in that place, but also about yearning for the music and cultural symbols that represent the energy of the land. The line "I'll have to tell everybody about-about-about myself" may imply that the singer feels the need to express their thoughts and experiences to others.
The chorus emphasizes that everyone has something that makes them unique and sometimes, those things may be undesirable traits or experiences, but they are what make us real. The lines "Not the maps to guide where we go from here/The road twists and braids our hair/Until we all get there" may suggest that the journey to self-discovery is long and winding, and it's important to embrace the ups and downs that come along the way.
The final lines repeat "Braided hair" several times, which may signify unity or a connection between individuals based on shared experiences, whether good or bad.
Line by Line Meaning
From the same dirt from the heels of my ancestors
I come from the same place as my ancestors, from where my roots grew.
The naked roads and the fields where the pain festered
I come from a place of struggle and suffering, where there were no easy paths.
I wonder where the hold came from
I wonder where the grip of the past came from, that continues to affect me.
In the deeps of my heart make me yearn for the drum
In my soul, I yearn for the beat of music that connects me to my ancestors.
It's the same place where the cross is burned
It's the same place where people were persecuted for their beliefs or race.
The same place where the loss was earned
The same place where people suffered losses and heartaches.
It's the place where the floss was yearned
It's the place where people aspire for material wealth and luxury.
Gold teeth and bling ice on the rings baby, sure
People seek material wealth to feel successful and important.
We've all got things that hang at the back
We all have personal struggles or challenges that we carry with us.
Things that make us cool
Our unique traits and experiences make us interesting and likable.
Things that make us whack
Our quirks and flaws can also make us seem weird or odd to others.
Things that make us mad
Past grievances and injustices can trigger strong emotions.
Things we wish we never had done
We all have regrets about past actions or decisions.
But they're just the things that make us real
Our struggles and flaws are what make us human and relatable.
Not the maps to guide where we go from here
Our past doesn't dictate our future; we must create our own path forward.
The road twists and braids our hair
Our life journey is full of unexpected twists and turns that shape us.
Until we all get there
We will all face challenges, but eventually, we will overcome them.
I like that I don't know some mysteries
I enjoy the sense of wonder and mystery that comes with not knowing everything.
Ancient things and beginnings
I find fascination in the history and origins of our world.
Excited about the day when I don't have to hear all the theories
I look forward to when we no longer have to theorize about things and have concrete knowledge.
My scalp needs some grease
I need to take care of myself physically and culturally.
The only way we all can learn
We can only grow and develop from our shared experiences.
Is if we have these braids with the twist and turns so
Our life journey and cultural roots are intertwined and make us who we are.
Walking in the race of life
We are all competing in the journey of life.
Looking for my own pace
We are all trying to find our own unique path forward in life.
Not always wanting to but I have to
We must face challenges and obstacles even when we don't want to.
Sometimes feeling like I've bitten off much more than I can chew
We can feel overwhelmed by the struggle of life's challenges.
But the wind goes through my hair
The simple, natural things in life can bring us joy and comfort.
And lifts me up with ease, not a crease
The beauty of the world can make us feel light and carefree.
Hair full of grease no weave embracing me
Embracing my natural hair and heritage is a source of strength.
It's you I see
In myself and my heritage, I see my ancestors and community.
I am you and you are me I see, yeah
My culture and ancestors are a vital part of who I am as a person.
We might survive as brothers, yeah, or perish here as fools
We must work together to create a better future or risk destruction.
Go place your bets
We must take risks and make bold decisions to move forward.
Don't bet too soon
We must take calculated risks and not act impulsively.
You might find me in another
We must be open to different experiences and perspectives to grow.
Feels like someone you once knew
Our shared experiences make us feel connected to others.
You know that face, yeah, we all do
We are all part of a shared humanity and community.
Braided hair (braided, braided hair)
Our heritage and culture are intertwined with who we are as individuals.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES DAVID CATTO, DUNCAN PHILIP BRIDGEMAN, TODD THOMAS, NENEH CHERRY, JENNIFER ELIZABETH KREISBERG, SONI MOREENO, PURA FE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind