How to sing Flowers in Your Hair

The Essence of Folk Rock Vocals

"Flowers in Your Hair" is a masterclass in stripped-back, emotive singing. Released on The Lumineers' self-titled debut album in 2012, this track relies heavily on the "stomp and holler" folk aesthetic. It’s short, punchy, and defies the complexity of pop ballads by staying grounded in a conversational range.

To sing this well, you don't need a massive octave range. You need authenticity. The challenge lies in the rhythmic phrasing and the raw, unpolished tone that Wesley Schultz delivers. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.

Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:40)

The song begins in G major. The opening lines sit in a very comfortable mid-range for Baritones (D3-D4). The tone should be dry and upfront, almost like you are speaking to someone across a small room.

The Trap: Because the melody is simple, singers often let the energy drop. Keep the rhythm driving forward. The vocals should feel percussive, locking in with the acoustic guitar strumming pattern.

Phase 2: The Chorus Lift (0:40 - 1:10)

Here the energy lifts, but the pitch doesn't jump drastically. The focus is on intensity. When you sing "It's a dead end job," you want to add a bit of "grit" or vocal fry to the onset of the notes to match the folk-rock style.

• Volume Control: Don't shout. Increase your breath pressure from the diaphragm to create volume without tightening the throat.
• The "Hey!": These interjections are classic Lumineers. Keep them short, sharp, and placed forward in the mask (the front of the face).

Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro

The song is brief, clocking in under two minutes. The bridge maintains the momentum. The highest significant note you will hit is an E4. This is the transition point (passaggio) for many male singers.

To hit the E4 comfortably, modify the vowel slightly towards "Uh" rather than a wide "Ah." This keeps the larynx neutral and prevents the sound from becoming too thin or strained.

Frequently Asked Questions