Process

soundclip

by John Lee Hooker
recording of 1961
from The Vee Jay Years 1955-1964 (Charly 82333-1754-2) &
Vee Jay No. 2201, copyright notice

I don't want no woman, crazy 'bout a process head¹
I don't want no woman, crazy 'bout a process head
She a process head, it's almost simple head

Ain't got no money, only got a hair-do fare
Ain't got no money, only got a hair-do fare
Ain't got a dime, enough to your hair did right

Been a fool one time, crazy over process head
Been a fool one time, crazy over process head
That no-good woman, almost drove me insane
Have mercy she begged

Lord, have mercy, on this processing fool
Lord, have mercy, on, on this processing fool
She won't have a process head, she's seen*
walking up and down the street
Have mercy, have mercy, with a processing fool

_________
* I'm not sure about the underlined part in the last verse
Hear the soundclip, please mail me if you think you know the words

Note 1: process head, refers to the "marcel" hairstyle of deep waves made with a curling iron. It also refers to the "conk" style in which tightly curled hair is straightened using the chemical congolene (or should it be conkolene, according to Lionel Boyd) and then combed out. In the inner cities this is usually referred to as a comb and conk. African American men would usually have this done on a Thursday and then go to work on Friday wearing a bandana on their heads to keep their hair straight for the evening. the bandana is called a "do-rag". Thanks to Alan Wexler for this contribution.