Willow Tree
Chad Van Gaalen Lyrics


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Sleep all day
Just waiting for the sun to set
I hang my clothes
Up on the line

When I die
I'll hang my head beside the willow tree
When I'm dead
Is when I'll be free

And you can take my body
Put it in a boat
Light it on fire
You can use the kerosene

Take my body
Put it in a boat
Light it on fire
Send it out to sea

Woo, woo

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Sleep all day
Just waiting for the sun to set
I hang my clothes
Up on the line

When I die
I hang my head beside the willow tree
When I'm dead
Is when I'll be free

So you can take my body
Put it in a boat
Light it on fire
Use the gasoline

Take my body
Put it in a boat




Light it on fire
Send it out to sea

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Chad VanGaalen's song "Willow Tree" are powerful and poetic. The song appears to be about death and letting go of life's burdens. The first verse talks about sleeping all day and waiting for the sun to set while hanging up clothes on the line. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for a detachment from the usual routine of life, abandoning the mundane daily activities and accepting the nightfall.


The chorus talks about hanging one's head beside the willow tree when he dies, suggesting that the tree is a symbol of a peaceful place where one can finally rest. The line "when I'm dead, is when I'll be free" seems to imply that death is a release from the struggles and pressure of life.


The second verse repeats the chorus and adds a stanza about cremation. The lines "take my body, put it in a boat, light it on fire, send it out to sea" paint a vivid picture of a ritualistic send-off, perhaps with the idea of setting the soul free from the physical existence.


Overall, Chad VanGaalen's "Willow Tree" is a beautiful song with thought-provoking lyrics that leave a lasting impression on the listener.


Line by Line Meaning

Sleep all day
I spend my days in a dreamlike state, avoiding the world


Just waiting for the sun to set
I avoid the light of day, preferring the darkness of night


I hang my clothes
I go through the motions of daily life, but without any real purpose or meaning


Up on the line
I go through the motions of daily life, but without any real purpose or meaning


When I die
I see death as a release from my meaningless existence


I'll hang my head beside the willow tree
I have a specific image in mind for my death, which involves being near a willow tree


When I'm dead
I believe that only in death will I find true freedom


Is when I'll be free
I believe that only in death will I find true freedom


And you can take my body
I am willing to let go of my physical being at any time


Put it in a boat
I have a specific idea for how I want my death to be carried out


Light it on fire
I see flames as a way to bring closure or purification


You can use the kerosene
I am specific about the details of my death


Send it out to sea
I have a specific idea for how I want my death to be carried out


Woo, woo
The repetition of this sound suggests a deep sense of detachment or apathy


Yeah, yeah, yeah
The repetition of this sound suggests a deep sense of detachment or apathy




Lyrics © Fintage House Publishing
Written by: CHAD VANGAALEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@cruelaz

I found his CD randomly on a flea market in berlin. One of the best things I've got for a euro. So dark, so beautiful

@ebenezershabazz4793

thats awesome

@BeyondTheMind007

super awesome! I do this also, grab random weird looking cd's at op shops or garage sales, that look interestingly weird. Then listen the shit out of it. Also find random good shit on them. So many muso's out there with strange good music, just have to find them.

@winasideways

give you €5 and can pick it up anywhere within the ring ahah

@jo89k41

I use to know a girl who loved this song. I fell in love with her. Its been a long-time, but i haven't felt that way with anyone since.

@BeyondTheMind007

Did she find you and she killed you?

@ArcherAC3

@mase ofspades Wrong song? xD

@ceejsturr4828

I understand. I had the love of my life and i was a young boy who didnt appreciate her . I will miss her forever, i cannot forget her and i dont want to. I am comfortable knowing she was the one and i messed up. I appreciate the time she gave me. She cannot be mine so i love her alone and never bother her

@ceciliabedin8415

@@BeyondTheMind007 molten light

@-thesignpainter9486

hey man did you find someone else yet?

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