Music has the power to evoke memories and emotions that are deeply ingrained within us. It is a medium that allows us to express ourselves, our experiences, and our culture in a way that is relatable and accessible to all. One aspect of our culture that has been a frequent subject in music is our hair – a symbol of identity, rebellion, and self-expression. From rock and roll to hip hop, artists have used hair as a metaphor to express their individuality, their struggles, and their triumphs. “Songs about Haircuts” is an exploration of this rich and diverse musical landscape, featuring some of the most memorable and influential tracks that have been inspired by the act of cutting, shaving, or styling hair. This article will take a closer look at the ways in which hair has been used as a symbol in music, and how it has reflected the social and cultural movements of the times. From the Beatles’ mop-top haircuts to the punk-rock shaved heads of the 1970s, and from the afros of the 1980s to the dreadlocks of the 1990s, this article will take you on a journey through the history of music and hair, and explore how these two seemingly unrelated topics have been intertwined in some of the most iconic songs of our time.
1. “Haircut” by Har Mar Superstar
“Haircut” by Har Mar Superstar is an upbeat, funky track that tells the story of a man who is getting a haircut and feeling great about himself. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, groovy bassline, and Har Mar’s soulful vocals, which are reminiscent of classic R&B singers like James Brown and Prince. The lyrics are playful and lighthearted, with Har Mar singing about the joys of getting a fresh new haircut, and the confidence it can bring. Overall, “Haircut” is a fun and infectious song that celebrates self-care and the transformative power of a good haircut.
2. “Cut Your Hair” by Pavement
“Cut Your Hair” by Pavement is a classic indie rock track from the mid-1990s, known for its catchy guitar riffs, lo-fi production, and witty, sarcastic lyrics. The song’s title is a nod to the pressure that artists face to conform to mainstream standards of appearance, and the lyrics poke fun at the music industry’s obsession with image and style. Despite its cynical tone, “Cut Your Hair” is a catchy and accessible song that showcases Pavement’s signature slacker-rock sound, and has become a beloved track in the indie rock canon.
3. “German Haircut” by Flying Lotus
“German Haircut” by Flying Lotus is a mesmerizing instrumental track that blends elements of jazz, hip hop, and electronica. The song is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and intricate instrumentation, including soaring saxophone solos and intricate drum programming. The title of the song is a reference to a particular style of haircut that was popular in Germany during the 1980s, and the song’s dreamy, otherworldly quality evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a bygone era. Overall, “German Haircut” is a captivating and evocative piece of music that showcases Flying Lotus’s genre-bending creativity and unique artistic vision.
4. “Devil’s Haircut” by Beck
“Devil’s Haircut” by Beck is an infectious, bluesy track that showcases the artist’s eclectic and idiosyncratic sound. The song is characterized by its funky guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and catchy vocal hooks, and features Beck’s signature blend of disparate genres, including rock, hip hop, and folk. The lyrics of the song are enigmatic and poetic, touching on themes of identity, temptation, and the darker side of human nature. Overall, “Devil’s Haircut” is a standout track in Beck’s catalog, and has become a staple of alternative rock radio since its release in 1996.
5. “Hair” by Graham Central Station and Larry Graham
“Hair” by Graham Central Station and Larry Graham is a funky, upbeat track that celebrates the natural beauty and power of black hair. The song is characterized by its infectious bassline, tight grooves, and soaring vocals, and features powerful lyrics that explore the history and cultural significance of black hair. The track’s catchy chorus – “Don’t change your hair for me, not if you care for me” – has become an anthem for black pride and self-acceptance, and the song’s message of empowerment and self-love has resonated with audiences for decades. Overall, “Hair” is a timeless classic that showcases the talent and creativity of Larry Graham and Graham Central Station.
6. “Cut My Hair” by The Who
“Cut My Hair” by The Who is a poignant and introspective track that reflects on the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. The song is characterized by its simple acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment, and features introspective lyrics that explore the narrator’s conflicted feelings about his own identity and place in the world. The track’s title serves as a metaphor for the narrator’s desire to reject the societal norms and expectations that he feels are holding him back, and the song’s bittersweet tone captures the sense of hope and disillusionment that characterized the counterculture movement of the era. Overall, “Cut My Hair” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
7. “Don’t Want No Foo‐Foo Haircut on My Head” by Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper
“Don’t Want No Foo-Foo Haircut on My Head” by Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper is a raucous, irreverent track that pokes fun at the vanity and superficiality of modern society. The song is characterized by its driving beat, distorted guitar riffs, and Mojo Nixon’s signature gravelly vocals, and features tongue-in-cheek lyrics that ridicule the absurdity of certain grooming and fashion trends. The track’s title and refrain serve as a playful commentary on the cultural pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance, and the song’s irreverent spirit and punk rock attitude have made it a cult favorite among fans of alternative and underground music.
8. “The Haircut Song” by Ray Stevens
“The Haircut Song” by Ray Stevens is a humorous and light-hearted track that tells the story of a man who goes to the barber shop and ends up with a disastrous haircut. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and Ray Stevens’ distinctive vocal style, and features a lively country-western sound that reflects the artist’s roots in Nashville. The track’s humorous story and relatable themes have made it a beloved novelty hit, and the song’s catchy chorus – “Hey Moe, hey Joe, I’m a cuttin’ my throat, and you’re a cuttin’ my hair” – has become a popular catchphrase among fans of classic country music.
9. “Haircut Anxiety” by Sweeney Toad
“Haircut Anxiety” by Sweeney Toad is a quirky and introspective track that explores the anxiety and uncertainty that can come with getting a haircut. The song is characterized by its dreamy, lo-fi sound, and features introspective lyrics that touch on themes of self-doubt, social anxiety, and personal growth. The track’s catchy chorus – “I’m gonna get a haircut, gonna get a fresh start, gonna feel like a new man when I’m walking out that door” – captures the sense of hope and renewal that can come with making a change, and the song’s offbeat charm and introspective spirit make it a standout track in Sweeney Toad’s catalog.
10. “Don’t Cut Your Hair” by The Pretenders
“Don’t Cut Your Hair” by The Pretenders is a slow and soulful track that celebrates the natural beauty and power of long hair. The song is characterized by its bluesy guitar riff, Chrissie Hynde’s distinctive vocals, and the band’s signature rock sound, and features powerful lyrics that urge the listener to embrace their individuality and reject societal expectations. The track’s evocative chorus – “Don’t cut your hair, it’s the only thing that’s long enough to keep you warm” – captures the sense of comfort and security that can come with embracing one’s own identity, and the song’s empowering message has made it a beloved classic among fans of alternative rock.
11. “Haircut” by MC David J
“Haircut” by MC David J is a lighthearted and upbeat track that celebrates the simple pleasure of getting a fresh haircut. The song is characterized by its catchy beat, playful lyrics, and MC David J’s smooth flow, and features a fun and upbeat sound that reflects the artist’s roots in hip-hop and R&B. The track’s chorus – “Gonna get a haircut, gonna look so fly, gonna feel so fresh, gonna touch the sky” – captures the sense of confidence and swagger that can come with looking and feeling your best, and the song’s upbeat energy and positive vibes make it a fun and enjoyable listen.
12. “We Gotta Get Haircuts” by Spray
“We Gotta Get Haircuts” by Spray is a tongue-in-cheek track that pokes fun at the social pressure to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. The song is characterized by its infectious beat, quirky lyrics, and playful vocals, and features a synth-pop sound that blends retro and modern influences. The track’s chorus – “We gotta get haircuts, we gotta look sharp, we gotta get our act together and stop looking like bums” – captures the absurdity of societal expectations around grooming and appearance, and the song’s irreverent humor and playful spirit make it a standout track in Spray’s catalog.
13. “Haircut And Attitude” by Dictators
“Haircut And Attitude” by Dictators is a high-energy punk rock track that celebrates the rebellious spirit of youth and the power of personal style. The song is characterized by its fast-paced guitar riffs, driving drums, and snarling vocals, and features lyrics that urge the listener to reject conformity and embrace their own unique identity. The track’s defiant chorus – “Haircut and attitude, that’s all you need” – captures the sense of freedom and empowerment that can come with embracing your own sense of style and self-expression, and the song’s raw energy and punk spirit make it a classic track in the genre.
14. “Emotional Haircut” by LCD Soundsystem
“Emotional Haircut” by LCD Soundsystem is a driving, danceable track that explores the emotional highs and lows of a relationship. The song is characterized by its propulsive beat, punchy guitar riffs, and frontman James Murphy’s distinctive vocals, and features lyrics that touch on themes of frustration, desire, and vulnerability. The track’s chorus – “So let it happen, let it happen, let it happen” – captures the sense of surrender and release that can come with letting go of control and allowing oneself to be vulnerable in a relationship, and the song’s electrifying energy and catchy hooks make it a standout track in the band’s discography.
15. “Can U Keep a Secret?” by De La Soul
“Can U Keep a Secret?” by De La Soul is a smooth, jazz-infused hip-hop track that showcases the group’s lyrical skills and musical versatility. The song is characterized by its laid-back groove, jazzy samples, and the group’s signature vocal interplay, and features lyrics that touch on themes of secrecy, trust, and loyalty. The track’s chorus – “Can you keep a secret? Promise not to tell? / You’ve got to keep it / Nobody else can know” – captures the sense of intimacy and shared confidences that can come with close friendships, and the song’s mellow vibes and intricate instrumentation make it a classic track in De La Soul’s catalog.
16. “Get A Haircut” by George Thorogood
“Get A Haircut” by George Thorogood is a classic rock track that delivers a tongue-in-cheek message about the value of a clean-cut appearance. The song is characterized by its driving blues rock sound, Thorogood’s signature guitar licks, and his gravelly vocals, and features lyrics that urge the listener to clean up their act and get a haircut. The track’s chorus – “Get a haircut and get a real job” – captures the sense of humor and irreverence that have made Thorogood a beloved figure in the rock world, and the song’s catchy hooks and energetic delivery make it a standout track in his discography.
17. “Cute Boys With Short Haircuts” by Anneliese Van Der Pol
“Cute Boys with Short Haircuts” by Anneliese Van Der Pol is a fun and upbeat pop track that celebrates the joys of crushes and attraction. The song is characterized by its bouncy synth-pop sound, Van Der Pol’s sweet and playful vocals, and its lyrics that describe the appeal of guys with short haircuts. The track’s chorus – “I love cute boys with short haircuts / Makes me wanna do the nae nae” – captures the lighthearted and infectious spirit of the song, and its playful lyrics and catchy hooks make it a fun addition to any pop playlist.
18. “No Haircut Talk” by Aha Gazelle
“No Haircut Talk” by Aha Gazelle is a hip-hop track that is a part of the artist’s 2018 album “Trilliam 3”. The song features Gazelle’s smooth and confident flow, backed by a catchy trap beat, and is characterized by its message of staying focused on one’s own goals and not getting distracted by “haircut talk” – or irrelevant chatter from others. The lyrics encourage the listener to stay true to their own path and ambitions, and to avoid being sidetracked by the opinions or distractions of others. The track’s empowering message and Gazelle’s strong delivery make it a standout track on the album.
19. “Haircut Economics” by Hot Hot Heat
“Haircut Economics” is an energetic and frenetic indie rock song by Canadian band Hot Hot Heat. The song features a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs, and is characterized by its wry lyrics and satirical take on modern capitalism. The song’s title is a nod to the economic concept of a “haircut” – or the reduction in the value of an asset or investment. The lyrics playfully critique the failings of modern society, touching on themes of greed, corruption, and consumerism. With its fast-paced energy and wry lyrics, “Haircut Economics” is a standout track on the band’s 2016 album, “Hot Hot Heat”.
20. “I Am Not My Hair” by India.Arie
“I Am Not My Hair” is a powerful and uplifting song by American singer-songwriter India.Arie. The song features a soulful, acoustic sound and poignant lyrics that explore themes of identity, self-expression, and societal pressures. The title of the song serves as a powerful refrain throughout, emphasizing the message that one’s physical appearance does not define them as a person. India.Arie’s smooth vocals and the song’s stripped-down instrumentation lend a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, creating a moving and empowering message of self-acceptance and self-love. “I Am Not My Hair” remains a beloved anthem for individuals striving to celebrate their true selves.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
