Don't Put It Down
Hair Lyrics


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Om mane padme om
On mane padme om
Folding the flag means taking care of the nation.
Folding the flag is putting it to bed for the night.
I fell through a hole in the flag
I'm falling through a hole in the flag
Help!
Don't put it down
Best one around
Crazy for the red blue and white
Crazy for the red blue and white

You look at me
What do you see
Crazy for the white red and blue
Crazy for the white red and blue

Cause I look different
You think I'm subversive
Crazy for the blue white and red
Crazy for the blue white and red

My heart beats true
For the red white and blue
Crazy for the blue white and red
Crazy for the blue white and red




And yellow fringe
Crazy for the blue white red and yellow

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from the song Don't Put It Down by Hair may be difficult to understand or interpret at first, but upon closer examination, they contain a patriotic message that is both insightful and critical. The first few lines reference folding the American flag, which is seen as a symbol of national pride and unity. However, the singer notes that they have fallen through a hole in the flag, perhaps suggesting that the nation has some flaws or weaknesses that need to be addressed.


The chorus of the song encourages listeners to "Don't put it down," referring to the flag and all that it represents. The singer describes themselves as being "crazy for the red, blue, and white," indicating their passion and devotion to the country. However, they are also aware of the fact that some people may view them as subversive or different due to their appearance or beliefs.


The final lines of the song reference the yellow fringe that sometimes appears on the American flag, which has led to some controversy and conspiracy theories in certain circles. Overall, the song seems to be a call for people to love and appreciate their country while also remaining critical of its flaws and committed to making positive change.


Line by Line Meaning

Om mane padme om
Meditative chant for spiritual purification


On mane padme om
Continuation of meditative chant


Folding the flag means taking care of the nation.
Respect for the national flag is necessary for the well-being of the country


Folding the flag is putting it to bed for the night.
Metaphorical description of the respectful way to handle the flag


I fell through a hole in the flag
Feels like there is something wrong with the country


I'm falling through a hole in the flag
Continuation of the feeling that something is wrong with the country


Help!
Desperate call for assistance in addressing the issues in the country


Don't put it down
Don't diminish the importance of the national flag


Best one around
The national flag is the best one among all others


Crazy for the red blue and white
Passionate about the colors of the national flag


You look at me
The singer is being observed


What do you see
What is the observer's perception of the artist?


Crazy for the white red and blue
The singer's passion for the national flag is being judged


Cause I look different
The singer is being judged based on their appearance or behavior


You think I'm subversive
The observer believes the singer is engaging in rebellious activity


Crazy for the blue white and red
The artist's passion for the national flag, even if judged negatively, remains the same


My heart beats true
The artist's love for the country is genuine


For the red white and blue
Continuation of the singer's genuine love for the country


And yellow fringe
Acknowledgment of the unique aspect of the national flag that sets it apart from all others


Crazy for the blue white red and yellow
Passionate about the national flag, including its unique aspect




Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

April Smith

I had the HAIR album years ago, love it. Loaned it to a so called friend and never saw it again. Today is my 75th birthday and I'm holding a grudge about that album to this day!

Danny B

I cry every time I hear this song. We had no business over there we couldn't fucking win. Peoples lives, man...life is is sacred and so many were wasted. 

Tina Cheverie

Even if they take this off you tube I have the record.

From Darkness to Light

Good message!

Kelly Mirabal

When my cousin and me were little kids. She & me would sing, I m falling through a hole in the flag help me & help us we would say it over & over again, every time she played that song. We didn't know what it was supposed to mean, now many years later every once In a while I say it to my girlfriend, she thinks I losing it. Maybe I am, maybe baby.

Peggy Randall

Today as Trump cancels the Philadelphia Eagles event, and this argument about, (The First Amendment, the right to protest, police brutality, equal justice, The National Anthem and The American Flag), once again rages on. I can't help but think of this song, every time I listen to this stupid argument about taking a knee. 50 years later and we've learned nothing. Symbols are still thought to be more important than lives, by many today, especially by those in power. Apparently lives only matter before birth, the attitude is, just don't have an abortion, but we don't care what happens to anyone after they are born, especially people of color.

Chris Pope

Two years later, on Flag Day (6/14/2020), Trump is still bent about it... but the NFL doesn't care what he thinks now.

coolchef64

This song is too good for a vid🇺🇲✌️

Victoria Hawes

Somebody needs to make a good video for this.

Tina Cheverie

Someone would take it the wrong way.

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