Almost Cut My Hair

In the early to mid 60's, before it got really popular, long hair was a contentious trademark of hippies. Unlike now, when it seems most boys have a long hair phase, back then you really could distinguish straights from freaks by the length of their hair.

It seems that Crosby, Stills, and Nash felt the pressure to cut their hair, but this is probably more of a metaphor for conforming generally.

"It increases my paranoia/like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car"

Hippies, because of their distinct hairstyles and dress and notorious reputation, could easily be targeted by cops and others straights. Anyone seen Easy Rider? Probably shows the most extreme examples of straight violence against hippies.

So the boys of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young definitely had reason to be paranoid. But luckily, the refused to "give an inch to fear," choosing freedom over conformity. And really, that's what made the hippies so great.

this song is great. its all about being yourself, and sticking it to the man. thats the only way to live

To me this song always felt like it was about the draft. The “almost cut my hair” being a reference to the buzz cut of the army, and the “I feel like I’m owing someone” being the feelings of guilt that are placed on those who are against a war. And of course, the draft caused massive feelings of paranoia in many people. Especially as the draft approached there number.. And the sweet summer weather I always saw as a reference to South America and running from the war. Then again, maybe I’m over reaching who knows. Either way it’s a great song.

This song is wonderful, yet sadly, seldom brought up. To me it's one of the ultimate songs about freedom. It represents the most important kind of freedom... Personal freedom. The ability to be yourself. Everybody feels the pressure to follow the leader, and this song reminds us that it isn't necessary to be happy.

this song is great. it really brings out the bad ass side of david crosby. and it still shows off his voice at the same time.

I wore my hair in a very long ponytail for years and because of this song I felt like I was selling out when I cut it off . It still haunts me evey time I go to the barber. I guess I still want to let my freak flag fly.

Wow, letting my freak flag fly. Long time ago....what a beautiful time in my life. This song always makes me feel a little melancholy, especially lately, because we tried so hard to make this country a better one, and it seems we're in the same position, possibly worse. Never again has the youth of America been as united as we were back then. Too bad they won out. Hard to fight crack, aids, no mental health care, just jails and prisons. Thanks for letting this old hippie vent a bit. Ya know if we didn't become Yuppies, we just faded away. Peace

go to youtube and look at the live solo acustic version crosby did in the early 90's. he shows off his superb voice even more and all he plays is static acoustic guitar which makes it sound even more lonesome and powerful. a message to every one to be free and happy with who you are.

ive always heard this song was about david crosby almost committing suicide

I guess long hair (on a man) is still seen as a sign of a social deviant.

"It increases my paranoia Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car "

People's first impressions are based on looks. Someone who 'looks the part' is always going to be the first to be accused (at various times that could mean black, long-haired, tattooed or a skinhead etc). Life might be 'easier' in some ways if we all conformed and gave up our individuality, but it would be a miserable life.

Of course the song's not just about hair, but it's a simplified way of looking at the bigger issue..