Recording original, high-quality songs is one thing, but the ability to perform them live with passion, energy and a great, unique sound is a completely different beast. Capital Cities have both down to a science. (The Chuckness) They controlled the audience with addictive beats that caused strangers to dance with each other. Everyone sang along throughout the night regardless if they were first-time listeners. (Campus Circle)
In 2008, Ryan Merchant found Sebu Simonian on craigslist in his search for a collaborator. The two formed a composing team, and in 2010, they began producing material for Capital Cities. The band released their debut EP last summer and saw their lead single 'Safe and Sound' climb to #2 on Hype Machine and hit #1 on CMJ's A&R unsigned spin chart.
Capital Cities have played sold-out shows in their hometowns of Los Angeles and San Francisco and embarked on a successful mini tour of the East Coast and Canada last October. In November, after reaching #1 on South American radio, the band flew to Lima, Perú to play in front of 1000 fans. They just headlined the W Hotel New Year's Eve party in San Francisco and are now back in L.A. as 987fm's January Resident Artist. Look for them in Austin, Texas at this year's SXSW.
Farrah Fawcett Hair
Capital Cities Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lazy Hooks
(I like it when you play with my hair)
(I like it when you play with my hair)
National Public Radio
Back to the Future 2
Sunsets
You know it when you see it
You know it when it's there
Like Michael Jackson Thriller
Like Farrah Fawcett Hair
It's good shit
It's good shit
It's good shit
Oh yeah
Solar Energy
Nutella
Democracy
My voice
Enjoying ceviche in Peru and seeing a double rainbow
While listening to Bitches Brew as recorded by Miles Davis (that's cool)
Andre 3000
Full length mirrors and her hair in a bun (a bun)
Kids with big glasses that laugh when they run
Girls with old school names, like Ruby May
Or how infants with baby breath yawn in your face
Tucked in every night for a month
By all of the American Apparel ad girls
American Apparel and ad girls
You know what I mean?
I like it when you're under the ocean and all you can feel is calm
I like it when I'm sleeping
I like it when I'm listening to music
Because that's the only thing that takes me to another world
I like it when public bathrooms have scented candles
I like it when you talk to me like that
I like it when my hair is fluffy
I like it when it rains at night and I'm curled up in bed with a good book
I like it when I turn my head around and I catch you looking back
You know it when you see it
You know it when it's there
Like Michael Jackson Thriller
Like Farrah Fawcett Hair
It's good shit (I like it when you play with my hair)
It's good shit (I like it when you play with my hair)
It's good shit (I like it when you play with my hair) Oh yeah
(I like it when you play with my hair)
You know it when you see it
You know it when it's there
Like Michael Jackson Thriller
Like Farrah Fawcett Hair
It's good shit
It's good shit (oh it's good shit baby)
It's good shit (oh yeah)
(Hm that's not right)
The song "Farrah Fawcett Hair" by Capital Cities is a lively tune that combines pop and electronic sounds. The lyrics revolve around the concept of things that make people feel good in life, from small pleasures like someone playing with their hair to bigger things such as solar energy and democracy. The song expresses that these things are ubiquitous and undeniable, and once you recognize them, they become a part of you. The line "You know it when you see it, you know it when it's there" reinforces this idea.
The chorus of the song compares these good things to the iconic hairstyle of Farrah Fawcett, which became a sensation in the 1970s. The reference is both playful and insightful, as Farrah Fawcett Hair is recognised as a timeless touchstone of beauty, much in the same way that the good things in life are also evergreen.
The verses of the song paint vivid pictures of small moments that bring joy in everyday life, like a baby's yawn or a double rainbow. The lyrics also make references to pop culture icons like Michael Jackson and Andre 3000. Overall, the song portrays a sense of optimism and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
Line by Line Meaning
I like it when you play with my hair
I enjoy the physical sensation of having my hair played with
National Public Radio
A well-known American public radio network
Back to the Future 2
A popular science fiction movie sequel
Daniel Day Lewis
A renowned actor known for his method acting approach
Sunsets
The natural phenomena of the sun setting in the sky
You know it when you see it
It's instinctual to recognize something when you see it
You know it when it's there
It's recognizable when it exists
Like Michael Jackson Thriller
Referring to the popular and iconic song by Michael Jackson
Like Farrah Fawcett Hair
Referring to the hairstyle made popular by actress Farrah Fawcett in the 1970s
It's good shit
It's something enjoyable and desirable
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement or enthusiasm
Solar Energy
Clean, renewable energy derived from the sun
Nutella
A popular hazelnut spread
Democracy
A system of government by the people
My voice
The sound produced by a person speaking
Enjoying ceviche in Peru and seeing a double rainbow
An enjoyable and memorable experience in a particular location
While listening to Bitches Brew as recorded by Miles Davis (that's cool)
A cool and enjoyable musical experience
Andre 3000
A popular hip-hop artist and musician
Full length mirrors and her hair in a bun (a bun)
An aesthetic appreciation of a certain hairstyle and fashion choice
Kids with big glasses that laugh when they run
An appreciation of the innocence and joy of childhood
Girls with old school names, like Ruby May
An appreciation of names with a certain vintage or timeless quality
Or how infants with baby breath yawn in your face
An appreciation of the cuteness and intimacy of bonding with a baby
Tucked in every night for a month
A feeling of comfort and security from a regular and consistent routine
By all of the American Apparel ad girls
A reference to a specific brand's models and advertising campaign
You know what I mean?
An inquiry if the listener shares a similar understanding of the singer's point of view
I like it when you're under the ocean and all you can feel is calm
An appreciation of a serene and peaceful experience
I like it when I'm sleeping
An enjoyment of a restful and rejuvenating activity
I like it when I'm listening to music
An appreciation of a particular art form
Because that's the only thing that takes me to another world
A belief that music has the power to transcend reality
I like it when public bathrooms have scented candles
An appreciation of a particular detail in a specific environment
I like it when you talk to me like that
An enjoyment of a specific communication style
I like it when my hair is fluffy
An appreciation of a certain physical appearance or sensation
I like it when it rains at night and I'm curled up in bed with a good book
An enjoyment of a particular setting and activity
I like it when I turn my head around and I catch you looking back
A feeling of mutual attraction and connection
It's good shit (I like it when you play with my hair)
An enjoyment of a particular action or experience
It's good shit (oh it's good shit baby)
Reinforcement of the artist's positive sentiments
It's good shit (oh yeah)
An expression of enthusiasm and enjoyment
(Hm that's not right)
An interjection indicating confusion or uncertainty
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SEBU SIMONIAN, RYAN MERCHANT, ANDRE BENJAMIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NotTyler67
I’m sad nobody gave all their other songs a chance. Because years later now… every time I listen to Capital Cities it’s one of the only things that takes ME to another world. Thank you guys. I miss this short time of music
Taylor Johnathan
this is the first song i've heard from them outside "Safe & Sound" and i'm pretty disappointed I haven't checked them out sooner. this bops
Chillmolder
there's people who did, it's just...2013 was a GREAT year for music
Relaxation Meditation
You're just sad. Lol. Enjoy the music. Who cares about their success. Worry about yours and appreciate what they did for you.
that guy
@Taylor Johnathan bro you've gotta check our kangaroo court if you haven't already. That song is godlike
NotTyler67
@that guy lol that was one of their more popular ones. I’m shocked no one’s brought up Origami or I Sold My Bed But Not My Stereo
angela frogman
I love Capital Cities' lyric videos. They are so unique compared to other song artists, and they always seem to put more effort in to the videos.
BowLattery2507
Everything that Andre 3000 touches becomes gold
dge
I love Capital Cities (until now. I still listen to them!) I’m really sad that they didn’t get to peak with this album. They create great music that i think deserve to reach the charts.
Grumpy Sergal
André's voice, and the spectacular bassline fit very well