Scalped
Grinspoon Lyrics

The first verse of Grinspoon's song "Scalped" addresses a serious occupational hazard faced by workers who operate heavy machinery in industries such as manufacturing, construction or agriculture. The singer urges these workers to take precautions and tie their hair back in order to prevent accidents where their hair might get caught in the machinery, leading to devastating injuries or even death. This warning is particularly poignant as hair can seem like an innocuous accessory, but in the wrong setting, it can quickly turn into a deadly hazard.

The next verse shares a personal story of someone who was fit and healthy, weighing 71 kilograms and enjoyed playing indoor cricket. However, despite appearing well, this person had suffered the vivid and deadly effects of drugs that left him scared and vulnerable. The line "photo, paper" could be a reference to the crimes committed by the notorious Australian gangster Mark Brandon Chopper Read, who famously took a series of Polaroid photographs of his own victims. The song then turns to the concept of training for a living and the sacrifices that come with it, including the often-overlooked aspect of personal wellness. The reference to a "plastic bag account" might suggest that the person in question was struggling financially, yet still found ways to give and contribute to the community.

Overall, Grinspoon's "Scalped" is a powerful tune that highlights the importance of safety precautions in potentially hazardous work environments. It is a warning to those who operate machinery to be mindful of the dangers of hair getting caught in the machinery, urging them to keep their hair contained in hairnets, tied back or cut short. The lyrics also bring up the issue of personal wellness, drug use and the impact of living on the edge for the sake of making a living.