Hair
Graham Central Station; Larry Graham Lyrics
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They say, "Is that really all your hair?"
I just tell them if it ain't
Well it sure don't mean that now I can't
'Cause I just don't believe it's fair
To judge a man by the length of his hair
I take two words like hip and square- hey
Even the blind can damn near see
What's outside you and inside me
Down or high, truth or lie
A weak man's laugh can be
A strong man's cry
Black or blonde or nappy or fair, hey
You can't judge nobody by hair
No, no, no
If I thought that you would care
I'd wear a wig up under my hair
Down or high, truth or lie
A weak man's laugh can be
A strong man's cry
People ask me everywhere
Is that really all your hair?
I just tell them if it ain't
Well, it sure don't mean that now I can't
I just don't believe it's fair
To judge a man by the length of his hair
In "Hair," Larry Graham of Graham Central Station challenges societal norms and prejudices by addressing the act of judging individuals based on their appearance, specifically focusing on hair length. The song begins with people questioning Graham about the authenticity of his hair, implying that long hair is somehow indicative of his abilities or worth as a person. Graham responds by asserting that even if his hair is not natural, it shouldn't diminish his capabilities or define who he is. He argues that it is unfair and unjust to judge someone based on the length of their hair.
Graham further emphasizes his point by contrasting the concepts of "hip" and "square," suggesting that true authenticity and truth come from one's inner self, not their external appearance. He implies that even though some may be blind to it, the truth will still shine through, showing that what truly matters lies within a person. He also highlights the power dynamics that exist, with the weak sometimes hiding their vulnerabilities behind laughter while the strong may express their pain through tears.
The lyrics continue to challenge the notion of judging others by discussing different hair types and colors, including the references to black, blonde, nappy, or fair hair. Graham asserts that hair does not define a person's worth or character, and individuals should not be judged based on such superficial aspects. He goes further and playfully mentions wearing a wig underneath his own hair, reiterating his belief that external appearances should not dictate how someone is perceived.
In summary, "Hair" by Graham Central Station is a song about the unfairness of judging individuals based solely on the length of their hair. It emphasizes the need to look beyond external appearances and recognize the intrinsic value of each person.
Line by Line Meaning
People ask me everywhere, hey
People constantly question me, hey
They say, "Is that really all your hair?"
They inquire, "Is that your genuine hair?"
I just tell them if it ain't
I simply inform them that if it's not
Well it sure don't mean that now I can't
It certainly doesn't imply that I am unable to
'Cause I just don't believe it's fair
Because I simply do not think it's equitable
To judge a man by the length of his hair
To evaluate a person based on the length of their hair
I take two words like hip and square - hey
I consider two terms like trendy and conventional - hey
The truth will shine in like your hair
The genuine nature will become evident just like your hair
Even the blind can damn near see
Even those who are visually impaired can almost perceive
What's outside you and inside me
What's externally visible and internally present within each of us
Down or high, truth or lie
In a low or elevated state, whether it's truth or falsehood
A weak man's laugh can be
The laughter of a feeble man might be
A strong man's cry
The crying of a strong man
Black or blonde or nappy or fair, hey
Regardless of being black, blonde, having curly hair, or being fair - hey
You can't judge nobody by hair
It is not possible to assess anyone based on their hair
No, no, no
Absolutely not, no
If I thought that you would care
If I believed that you would be concerned
I'd wear a wig up under my hair
I would wear a wig beneath my actual hair
Down or high, truth or lie
In a low or elevated state, whether it's truth or falsehood
A weak man's laugh can be
The laughter of a feeble man might be
A strong man's cry
The crying of a strong man
People ask me everywhere
People inquire from me constantly
Is that really all your hair?
Is that genuinely all of your hair?
I just tell them if it ain't
I simply inform them that if it's not
Well, it sure don't mean that now I can't
Well, that doesn't imply that I am unable to
I just don't believe it's fair
I simply do not think it's equitable
To judge a man by the length of his hair
To evaluate a person based on the length of their hair
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Larry Graham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@christopherpetersen4989
I had the luck and honor of running into Larry Graham at the grocery store one night. I was star struck because he's been an idol of mine since I first heard his playing when I was 12 years old. He was the nicest guy and stood there chatting with me and my wife for a few minutes and took a picture with me. I still have the picture framed and hanging up in my home office. Larry is an amazing musician and human being.
@rmis32
World's greatest inventions - 1. The wheel 2. Larry Graham's funky bass
@woody95124
Yep!
@pryzmcat
yep
@broq9194
The wheel ain't all that great
@victito8
I think we could live without the wheel...
@peponation
@@victito8 lol exactly! I read God's day not in that order, the wheel is needed less
@alanpettysr191
I remember that when this song came out, all the bass players here in Philly had to learn this song. If you couldn't play Hair, you were not funky.
@charleskelly4125
Bobby Byrd.. in Philly... nuff said
@alanpettysr191
Bobby Byrd was a killer Bassist back in the day.