Hide nor Hair

Ray Charles · Hallelujah I Love Her So! [2010]

Ohh, I was lyin' in the bed with fever

And I was burnin' up inside

My baby walked in my bedroom

And I could hardly open my eyes

She said that she was goin' to the pawnshop

Just across the track

She started packin' some clothes in a hurry

And then she said she would be right back

But I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day, yeah

Well I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since she went away

I remember so well when she slammed the door

But the girl didn't make it back no more



I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day

Well, I waited for twenty four hours and I was just

about to starve to death

It didn't look like she was comin' back, so I had to look out for myself

Well, I called the police department to find out what they knew

They said, "No, by heck, but we will get her yet"

Because they was lookin' for her too



But I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day, yeah

Well I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since she went away

Well, I don't know what happened across the track

But I know my baby didn't make it back



I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day

Well, I called my Dr. Foster and when the girl answered the phone

I got a funny feeling, the way she said 'Dr. Foster had gone'

She said, "He left with a lady patient, about twenty four hours ago"

I added two and two and here's what I got

I got I'll never see that girl no more



Well, I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day, yeah

But I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since she went away

If Dr. Foster has got her, then I know I'm through

Because he's got medicine and money too

I ain't seen hide 'nor hair of my baby since that day, woh, no

Hide nor Hair

Hide nor Hair stands as a compelling example of Ray Charles's mastery over the blues and soul genres. Recorded during a prolific period in his career, the track showcases his signature ability to blend gospel fervor with secular storytelling. The song reflects the emotional depth and rhythmic sophistication that defined his extensive discography. Charles's vocal delivery on this recording captures the raw intensity characteristic of his work, moving seamlessly between melancholy and hope. As part of a vast catalogue of influential recordings, the piece highlights his role in shaping modern American music. It remains a testament to his enduring legacy as a performer who could convey complex human experiences through melody and phrasing alone.