Hold Me Back from Stagnation | Cut Your Hair | Pavement

"Cut Your Hair" is a song by American indie rock band Pavement, released in 1994 on their second studio album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. The track is often considered one of the band's most iconic and enduring songs.

The lyrics of "Cut Your Hair" are somewhat enigmatic, but they seem to revolve around themes of relationships, disillusionment, and a sense of stasis or stagnation. The opening lines, "I got no right to come over here / And I'm not coming back again," set the tone for a song that's both introspective and critical of oneself.

The chorus, with its repetitive phrase "Cut your hair" (repeated three times), can be interpreted as a plea for self-improvement or a desire to break free from one's own habits or patterns. It's also possible to see it as a commentary on the superficiality of relationships, with the speaker urging someone else (or themselves) to make changes.

Musically, "Cut Your Hair" features Pavement's signature blend of lo-fi production, jangly guitars, and Stephen Malkmus' distinctive vocals. The song's structure is characterized by its slow-burning build-up and release, with a haunting guitar riff and insistent drumbeat driving the track forward.

Despite being released over 25 years ago, "Cut Your Hair" remains a fan favorite and a staple of Pavement's live shows. Its themes of self-reflection and personal growth continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless addition to the band's impressive discography.