The Samson effect

They say that a man’s power

Is held in his long hair

They say that Samson lost his

When Delilah cut his hair: true!

Is this a mystery: is it science?

What do you think? I’m asking you?

Back in the 1970’s

During the Vietnam War

The US army started recruiting

Indian trackers into their ranks

They were thoroughly tested

On so many amazing tasks

They passed with flying colours

They passed into history

But what’s the true story?

Well may you all ask?

It was totally amazing; totally insane

The very same thing happened

Over and over and over again

When these brave young men were tested

They passed the survival tests with ease

But: after their precious long locks were shorn

They lost their powers: like a terrible disease

They could not sense the danger

They could not escape attack

They were at a loss: defenceless!

They had simply lost the knack

So this is why they keep their hair long

This is the honest truth: it is real

Though they lost their promise

They lost their sense: their feel

It was when their hair extended out into the breeze

Sensing: feeling: all around them

With uncanny ease: it was like a sixth sense

But after their hair was lopped: crew cut

These amazing senses simply disappeared

So grow your hair long and wild

Allow your senses true reign!

Let me explain: it is ordained

Just as Samson lost his strength and power

Just as these young men lost their strength

When the hair grew back it was amazing

It was like a total change in circumstance

It is in your long hair: therein lies the magic

It is determined by its length: so keep your strength!