The Personal Crisis That Inspired “Almost Cut My Hair”

April 2, 2025

The summer of 1970 was a time of great change for David Crosby, a member of the legendary band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The world was buzzing with the sounds of rock ‘n’ roll, but for David, it was a time of personal crisis—a moment when everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. He was grappling with the pressures of fame, the weight of expectations, and a growing inner turmoil that made him question not just his music, but his very identity. As he looked in the mirror, he didn’t just see a man with long hair; he saw someone lost, struggling to find his place in a world that seemed both thrilling and terrifying.

David was deeply affected by the social upheaval around him. The Vietnam War was raging, and young men were being drafted, sent off to fight in a conflict that many believed was unjust. This sparked protests and a powerful counterculture movement, where music became a voice for change. David found himself caught in the middle of it all, deeply inspired yet intensely confused. His long hair, a symbol of freedom and rebellion, felt like a burden, something that tied him to expectations he was no longer sure he wanted to meet. There were days when he thought about cutting it all off—an act that would mean shedding not just his hair, but a part of himself that had become synonymous with his music.

One day, sitting alone in his room, David took out his guitar, desperate to express the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. That was when the words began to flow. “Almost Cut My Hair” came to life in that moment of vulnerability and reflection. As he strummed the chords, he poured his heart into the lyrics, capturing the fight between conformity and individuality. He wrote about the fear of losing oneself while also embracing the beauty of personal freedom. The song became a powerful anthem, resonating with countless fans who faced their own struggles with identity and societal pressure.

As David shared the song with his bandmates, they felt an immediate connection to its message. The sound that emerged was a blend of folk rock and heartfelt sincerity, allowing the song to soar to new heights. It was not just another track on an album; it was a call to arms for anyone feeling trapped by the expectations of society. The song struck a chord with listeners, helping them to feel understood and less alone in their battles. It opened doors for David, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and establishing him not just as a musician, but as a voice for a generation.

The aftermath of this personal crisis transformed David’s career and life in profound ways. “Almost Cut My Hair” became more than just a song; it became a milestone in the era’s music, often performed at rallies and gatherings where people sought solace and inspiration. Instead of succumbing to the pressures that once threatened to overwhelm him, David emerged stronger, learning that vulnerability can lead to incredible strength. He realized that embracing his true self, with its struggles and uncertainties, allowed him to connect more deeply with others through his music.

Looking back, David Crosby’s journey serves as an inspirational reminder that it’s okay to feel lost at times. In writing “Almost Cut My Hair,” he transformed a personal crisis into an opportunity to inspire others. He showed that music can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery, and that embracing our authentic selves, even in the face of adversity, can lead to truly remarkable outcomes. As the notes of the song still resonate today, they remind us that vulnerability can be a powerful force for change, and that sometimes, facing our fears is the path to finding our true voice.