i have it on pretty good authority, as told by a neighbor and schoolmate of Hardin's at South Eugene HS, that the song was written following some time he spent at his Uncle's farm. They had sheep among other animals and H's dad remarked something about Tim being the black sheep of the family which caused him later to start in on the song. "envied hair" apparently refers to a wig his older cousin had that some guy on the street once offered her money for. "see the shine" -- H. had a sebaceous gland problem Hardin had earlier in his life which caused his skin to appear oily & wet. He contrasts this to "pretty girls w. faces fair" . Anyway it's a great song especially the melody and chords i think.
i have it on pretty good authority, as told by a neighbor and schoolmate of Hardin's at South Eugene HS, that the song was written following some time he spent at his Uncle's farm. They had sheep among other animals and H's dad remarked something about Tim being the black sheep of the family which caused him later to start in on the song. "envied hair" apparently refers to a wig his older cousin had that some guy on the street once offered her money for. "see the shine" -- H. had a sebaceous gland problem Hardin had earlier in his life which caused his skin to appear oily & wet. He contrasts this to "pretty girls w. faces fair" . Anyway it's a great song especially the melody and chords i think.