Here are the lyrics to “Don’t Touch My Hair”. Sandhill Cranes breed and forage in open wetlands and prairies throughout North America, tending to flock in large numbers, filling the sky with loud bugle calls. The pool scene, specifically, drew attention to racial stereotyping, and the individuals in the video give us a sense of true diversity, not only in their hair, but body types and personalities. I tried to drink it away I tried to put one in the air I tried to dance it away I tried to change it. This video succeeds at breaking down certain stereotypes, allowing people a glimpse into Solange’s mind as a black woman.
Again, the backdrops in this video (much like in “Cranes in the Sky”) are striking, and the wardrobes are impeccably chosen. The video for “Don’t Touch My Hair” indeed includes several radical, and beautiful, hair styles. “Don’t Touch My Hair” is literally talking about hair-people, specifically white people, are infatuated with black hair and seem to think they are entitled to touching it, even when it’s a clear violation of personal space and respect-but is perhaps also speaking of cultural appropriation in a general sense, using hair as both a lyrical and visual example. In a very basic sense, black is beautiful and everyone is entitled to their own persona, their own identity. “Don’t Touch My Hair”, in contrast of “Cranes in the Sky” is an anthemic R&B ballad meant to both warn and to empower. To write it away or cry it away (don’t you cry baby) Thought if I was alone then maybe I could recover Thought moving around would make me feel better I tried to change it with my hair I ran my credit card bill up Thought a new dress make it better I tried to work it away But that just made me even sadder I tried to keep myself busy I ran around circles Think I made myself dizzy I slept it away, I sexed it away I read it away Away, away, away, away. Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds They will flow like a poem, and stick with you after you’ve finished. Read the lyrics here, but read them without listening to the song. The video, then, is a complete work of art complete with stunning backdrops, an intense and delicate wardrobe, and raw beauty in the form of both nature and the women who grace us in the video. Her voice, too, seems ethereal and from another place, entrancing us. The song’s lyrics are poetic genius- they tell a story without spoon feeding the listener. It’s about the internal struggle of someone who isn’t exactly sure who they are or where they’re supposed to be and about all of the outward things one will do to try to make it feel better. “Cranes in the Sky” is a delicate song about feeling lost.