Do you remember a time when a haircut turned into a memorable and sometimes regrettable experience? Ray Stevens certainly does, and he captures those comical and relatable moments in his song “The Haircut Song”. Released in 1985 as part of his album “I Have Returned”, this humorous tune takes us on a journey through different barber shops and the unexpected consequences that can arise from trusting a stranger with your hair.
Relatable Lyrics
The lyrics of “The Haircut Song” are filled with funny anecdotes and unexpected encounters that many of us can relate to. The song begins with a catchy chorus advising listeners to be cautious when getting a haircut, emphasizing the importance of going to a familiar barber to avoid looking like Larry, Moe, or Curly, the iconic trio from The Three Stooges. From there, Ray Stevens takes us on a wild ride through three distinct barber shop experiences.
The first encounter takes place in Butte, Montana, where Ray stops to get a haircut while passing through. He finds himself in a macho barber shop, surrounded by hair dryers mounted on a rifle rack and lacking traditional mirrors. The barber himself is larger than life, wearing a hard hat, chewing a cigar, and even sporting a t-shirt that boldly declares his disdain for musicians. Ray, being the confident person he is, tells the barber that he’s a logger from Coos Bay, Oregon, trying to establish his toughness to put the barber at ease. But to his surprise, he walks out of the shop with an unexpectedly short haircut that makes him look like Kojak, a bald television detective from the 70s.
The second encounter takes place in Los Angeles, where Ray desperately needs a haircut after looking like Bozo the Clown for too long. He finds himself in a barber shop that is clearly influenced by punk rock aesthetics, complete with black leather walls and chains hanging around. The barber himself matches the punk rock vibe with orange hair, black mascara, and stainless steel teeth. Despite the unconventional setting, Ray remains unfazed and confidently tells the barber about his own experiences as a logger, a football player, and a Marine Corps member. However, this time, he leaves the barber shop with a purple mohawk and Mr. T-inspired looks that grab quite a bit of attention.
The final encounter takes place in the South, where Ray’s long hair attracts the attention of a sheriff who believes it is time for a drastic change. Ray finds himself in a barber shop with religious undertones, complete with a steeple, an organ, and a choir. The barber, a self-proclaimed born-again Christian, adds an extra twist to the haircut experience. He alternates between cutting hair and preaching about the evils of dancing, music, liquor, and wild women. In response, Ray confidently claims to run a church for loggers, matching the barber’s fervor with his own conviction.
Additional Information
“The Haircut Song” by Ray Stevens is a lighthearted and humorous take on the common experiences many of us have had in barbershops. It highlights the importance of choosing a trusted barber and the potential consequences of putting your hair in the hands of a stranger. By sharing his own colorful encounters, Ray Stevens reminds us to be cautious and to find a familiar face when it comes to getting a haircut.
It is worth noting that Ray Stevens is known for his comedic style and ability to weave humor into his songs. His unique storytelling and catchy melodies have earned him a loyal fanbase over the years. “The Haircut Song” is just one example of his quirky and amusing take on everyday situations.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of a trim, remember the advice from “The Haircut Song” and choose your barber wisely. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up looking like Larry, Moe, or Curly!
