The Anthem of Hair: A Celebration of Freedom and Identity
The song 'Hair' by the band Hair is a vibrant and exuberant celebration of personal freedom and identity, using hair as a powerful symbol. The lyrics are a joyful ode to long, flowing hair, which in the context of the 1960s counterculture, represented rebellion against societal norms and a desire for individuality. The repeated emphasis on hair being 'long as God can grow it' underscores a natural, unrestrained existence, free from the constraints of conventional grooming and societal expectations.
The song's playful and descriptive language paints a vivid picture of hair in all its forms—'long, straight, curly, fuzzy,' 'shining, gleaming, streaming.' This variety highlights the beauty of diversity and the acceptance of all forms of self-expression. The references to hair being a 'home for fleas,' 'a hive for bees,' and 'a nest for birds' further emphasize a harmonious relationship with nature, suggesting a return to a more organic and unpretentious way of living.
Cultural references, such as the mention of the Grateful Dead and the comparison to Jesus' hair, root the song firmly in the era's countercultural and spiritual movements. The line 'Why don't my mother love me?' adds a poignant touch, hinting at generational conflicts and the struggle for acceptance within one's family. This blend of humor, reverence, and rebellion makes 'Hair' not just a song about hair, but a broader statement on freedom, identity, and the quest for self-acceptance in a conformist society.
