Almost Cut My Hair

Album: Déjà Vu (1970)
Play Video
  • Almost cut my hair
    Happened just the other day
    It's gettin' kind of long
    I could've said it was in my way

    But I didn't and I wonder why
    I feel like letting my freak flag fly
    And I feel like I owe it, to someone, yeah

    Must be because I had the flu this Christmas
    And I'm not feeling up to par
    And increases my paranoia
    Like looking in my mirror and seeing a police car

    But I'm not, I'm not giving in an inch to fear
    'Cause I've promised myself this year
    I feel oh, like I owe it,to someone

    When I get myself together
    I'm gonna get down in that sunny southern weather, yeah

    I'm goin' find a space inside a laugh, yes
    Separate the wheat from some chaff
    I feel
    Like I owe it, yeah, to someone Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 13

  • Beba from WisconsinI received the 45 of Almost Cut My Hair February 27, it took 3 weeks to get here from the Netherlands. It wasn't released as a single in USA. In 1970 Netherlands as a single 45 with Helpless on back side. It and picture sleeve were pristine, never played. It's now in my 1957 Seeberg 222 Jukebox.
  • Nitram from Texas"Almost cut my hair," by CSNY is an Anthem of sorts for those of us who prefer to send that subtle message, who support protests by throngs of silent, peaceful warriors for what is right, being there for the Rights of ALL oppressed beings across our planet.
  • Steven from KyTim from Akron-- You're thinking of "Long Time Gone." In an interview with Rolling Stone, Crosby said: "I wrote that right after they assassinated Bobby Kennedy. It was a result of losing him, of losing John Kennedy and Martin Luther King. I started to feel overwhelmed. It seemed as if it was ballot by bullet. It seemed as if it didn't matter how good a person we could find to put up as an inspiration and a leader for the good, that somehow the other side would triumph by simply gunning them down."
  • Tim from Akron OhI once heard Bobby Kennedy's assassination was the inspiration for this song. I see I was wrong. Anybody know if there was one by CSNY?
  • Clemence from New YorkPs. And did they appreciate it?
  • Clemence from New YorkWho is the "someone" he owes it to not to cut his hair?
  • Bill from Fairfax, VaAnyone who thought that Neil Young sang this is a freaking idiot.
  • Chip from Stratford, CtTrust me,I've been following these guys since Woodstock.That is all David Crosby singing.The freak flag is his long hair.
  • Matt from Victori, TxNeil Young doesn't sing this! It sounds nothing like him. It's David Crosby.
  • Max from Boston, MaIn this song Neil Young sings "I'll let my freak flag fly" which is a reference to Jimi Henrdix's "If 6 was 9" in which Hendrix sings the same lyric
  • Bob from Southfield, MiThe opening comment on this song, ("I will now proceed to entangle the entire area.")was actually edited onto this song and was actually spoken prior to cutting a song called "Horses in the Rainstorm". You can find the original track on the two-CD Anthology, "Carry On".
  • Karen from La Crosse , WiI love letting my freak flag fly! And I love David Crosby too! Love ya Cros!!
  • Ben from Chelsea, MeI love this song. I've just recently started getting into CSNY, and I've got a lot of catching up to do.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Chris Isaak

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?