Manchester
Cast of Hair Lyrics

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Manchester England England
Across the Atlantic Sea
And I'm a genius genius
I believe in God
And I believe that God
Believes in Claude
That's me that's me

Claude Hooper Bukowski
Finds that it's groovy
To hide in a movie
Pretends he's Fellini
And Antonioni
And also his countryman Roman Polanski
All rolled into one
One Claud Hooper Bukowski

Now that I've dropped out
Why is life dreary dreary
Answer my weary query
Timothy Leary dearie

Oh Manchester England England
Across the Atlantic Sea
And I'm a genius genius
I believe in God
And I believe that God
Believes in Claude
That's me (that's he)
That's me (that's he)

That's me (that's he)
That's me

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song "Manchester England England" by the Cast of Hair instantly transports the listener to a different place and time. The lyrics express the idea of traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to a new and exciting land. The singer, who goes by the name of Claude, declares himself to be a genius who believes in God, and he believes that God believes in him as well. This suddenly shifts the focus onto Claude's quirky personality and his delusions of grandeur.

The next stanza of the song paints a picture of Claude as someone who enjoys escaping to the world of cinema. He hides in a movie theatre and pretends to be famous Italian filmmakers Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni, as well as his countryman, Roman Polanski. These filmmakers were revolutionaries during the 60s and 70s and are known for their avant-garde filmmaking techniques, non-linear narratives, and use of surrealism.

As the song progresses, Claude drops out of the system and is now facing the harsh realities of life. He questions the meaning of life and asks Timothy Leary, the American psychologist, philosopher and writer known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs, to answer his queries. The reprise of the chorus reinforces the idea that Claude is a misunderstood genius with a higher sense of purpose.

Line by Line Meaning

Manchester England England
Referencing Manchester in England

Across the Atlantic Sea
Highlighting the distance between Manchester and America

And I'm a genius genius
Asserting oneself as a genius

I believe in God
Expressing belief in a higher power

And I believe that God
Continuing to express belief in God

Believes in Claude
Stating that God believes in oneself

That's me that's me
Confirming that Claude is the one being referred to

Claude Hooper Bukowski
Identifying the artist by name

Finds that it's groovy
Finds it cool

To hide in a movie
Enjoys immersing oneself into a film

Pretends he's Fellini
Imagines himself as filmmaker Federico Fellini