Karen pointed out that the idea behind this song seems to play a bit on Hegel’s of the universal rug/weave of which we are all a part…
we’ve all got things that are hanging about
things that make us cool, things that make us whack, things that make us mad
things we wish we never had done
but they’re just the things that make us real
not the maps to guide where we go from here
the road twists and braids our hair
until we all get there…
Braided Hair – Speech and Neneh Cherry [3.8MB], from the 1 Giant Leap CD
stephen 9 July 2002 at 17:36
yes, its a wonderful project, and a beautiful song. its very much about unity, but the diversity of that unity. they visited a variety of artists near their homes, in a sense illustrating the journey itself. this project is much more than music though, and
go to the site to find out more. its pretty cool. now to find the dvd!
stephen 9 July 2002 at 17:38
oops. got a bit cut off that comment. its also about the journey of life, the pits, the highs, and how it all defines us.
I highly recommend checking out the cd. some great talent on there and you can hear more what they all have to say.
jima 15 July 2002 at 08:07
That song also got used in some advertisement that’s shown in theaters. I don’t remember what for.
weeza 15 July 2002 at 11:10
As long as it wasn’t for Britney Spears.
Ginger 23 July 2002 at 14:23
Speaking of braided hair, I was talking to a sistah and told her if I had my way, I’d wear my hair in those short twists. But, I said, I have no nap and it would just come undone. She said I should put peanut butter and aloe in it.
Imagine the flies.
Jackass 25 July 2002 at 15:14
Christ. I’ve never read such self-gratifying drivel. Are we really giving Nenh Cherry credit for anything but ass sucking?
Furthermore, anyone who makes a reference to Hegel in terms of popular culture needs to spend more time with his/her PlayStation.
Jack 25 July 2002 at 15:15
Good lord. What a bunch of self-gratifying drivel. End the pseudo-intellectual analysis already will ya. You people need to put down the f-ing books, quit licking Neneh Cherry’s twat and get back to your PlayStations. Immediately.
weeza 27 July 2002 at 19:43
Gee, Jack, thanks for the thoughtful commentary. I wasn’t aware that liking a song was tantamount to oral sex – and of course, what was I thinking? Philosophy has no place in everyday life. Yep, you can bet I’ll get right on the PlayStation, seeing as it’s done such wonders for you.
Whew, glad you came around before it’s too late!
peach 8 November 2002 at 19:34
I think it’s one of best song. Does anybody have a full lyrics for “Braided Hair” please post it here or mail me.
Many thanks!!!
tschörda 2 March 2003 at 16:28
i heard this song for the frist time like last week or so. well. here in austria everything is a bit slow *g* in case you did not get the lyrics to this beautiful song yet, here they are (this is just a copy-paste from HotLyrics.net):
One Giant Leap Ft. Speech And Neneh Cherry – Braided Hair
Yo we was talking earlier and I was telling you talking bout life
I feel like life is like braided hair
Its sorta like twist you know
Bout braided hair like twist
You know three strands twist together
Ultimately you get to where you wanna get to
From the same dirt from the heels of my ancestors
The naked roads and the fields where the pain festered
And I wonder where the hold came from
In the deeps of my heart make me yearn for the drum
It’s the same place where the cross is burned
The same place where the loss was earned
It’s the place where the floss was yearned
Gold teeth and bling ice on the ring baby sure
Chorus: We’ve all got things that are hanging about
Things that make us cool,
Things that make us whack,
Things that make us mad
Things we wish we never had done
But they’re just the things that make us real
Not the maps to guide where we go from here
The road twists and braids our hair
Until we all get there
I like that I don’t know some mysteries
Ancient things and beginnings
Excited about the day when I don’t have to hear all the theories
My scalp needs some grease
It’s the same place where the crosses burned
The same place where the loss was earned
The only way we all can learn
Is if we have these braids with the twist and turns so
Walking in the race of life
Looking for my own pace
Not always wanting to but I have to
Sometimes feeling like I’ve bitten off much more than I could chew
But the wind goes though my hair
Lifts me up with ease not a crease
Hair full of grease no weave embracing me
It’s you I see
I am you and you are me I see yeah
I am you and you are me I see
We might survive as brothers yeah or perish here as fools
Go place your bets
Don’t bet too soon
You might find me in another
Feels like someone you once knew
You know that face yeah we all do
Braided hair (what’s it all for?)