Roots Before Branches
Cory Monteith/Glee/Lea Michele Lyrics


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So many things
To do and say
But I can't seem
To find the way
But I wanna know how
I know
I'm meant
For something else
But first
I gotta find myself
But I don't know how

Oh, why do
I reach for the stars
When I don't have wings
To carry me that far?

I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world
For me

Sometimes
I don't wanna feel
(Sometimes I don't wanna feel)

And forget the pain
Is real
(And forget the pain is real)

Put my head
In the clouds

Oh, start to run
And then I fall
(start to run and then I fall)

Thinking
I can't get it all
Without my feet
On the ground

There's always a seed
Before there's a rose
The more that it rains
The more I will grow

I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world
For me

Whatever comes
I know how to take it
Learn to be strong
I won't have to fake it
Oh, you're understandin'
Oh, but we can come
And do it best
There ain't nothin'
To stoppin' east to west
But I'll still
Be standing
I'll be standing

I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am (To know who I am)
Before I know
Who I'm gonna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world

I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith

To take chances
And live like I see
A place in this world
For me

I gotta have




Roots before branches
Oh yeah

Overall Meaning

The song Roots Before Branches is a powerful and reflective piece about the journey of self-discovery and the importance of cultivating a sense of purpose before pursuing one's dreams. The opening lines express the singer's sense of aimlessness and frustration, as they struggle to find their way in the world. However, the chorus offers a solution - to have "roots before branches" - which means to establish a strong sense of self-identity and faith in oneself, before reaching for the stars. This idea is reinforced by the metaphor of a seed needing to grow roots before it can bloom into a rose.


Later, the song touches upon the pain and uncertainty that comes with taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The lyrics suggest that it takes strength and courage to face these challenges, but with a solid foundation of roots, one can weather any storm. The final lines of the song convey a sense of determination and resilience, as the singer vows to stand tall and pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles may come their way.


Overall, Roots Before Branches is a heartfelt and inspiring song that encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their potential, while also acknowledging the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.


Line by Line Meaning

So many things
Feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities and options life has to offer.


To do and say
So much to explore and express.


But I can't seem
Feeling stuck, unable to navigate through life's complex maze.


To find the way
Uncertain of the path that leads to personal fulfillment.


But I wanna know how
Seeking answers, trying to uncover the truth about oneself.


I know
Having a deep intuition or inner knowing.


I'm meant
Believing that there is a greater purpose or destiny for oneself.


For something else
Feeling that there is more to life than what one is currently experiencing.


But first
Recognizing that self-discovery is a necessary step.


I gotta find myself
Understanding that true happiness and fulfillment come from knowing oneself.


But I don't know how
Admitting that self-discovery is a difficult and challenging process.


Oh, why do
Questioning oneself.


I reach for the stars
Aspiring for greatness and pursuing one's dreams.


When I don't have wings
Feeling limited or incapable of achieving those dreams.


To carry me that far?
Doubting one's ability to reach their desired destination.


I gotta have
Realizing the importance of something.


Roots before branches
Understanding that personal growth and success require a solid foundation.


To know who I am
Knowing oneself is the starting point for personal growth and self-actualization.


Before I know
Recognizing that personal growth is a journey, not a destination.


Who I wanna be
Understanding that personal growth allows one to realize their full potential.


And faith
Having trust in oneself and the journey.


To take chances
Taking risks is crucial for personal growth and success.


To live like I see
One's beliefs and values guide their actions in life.


A place in this world
Believing that there is a unique and meaningful role for oneself in the world.


Sometimes
Acknowledging that life is not always easy.


I don't wanna feel
Avoiding difficult emotions.


And forget the pain
Choosing to ignore or suppress emotions.


Is real
Recognizing the existence and importance of negative emotions.


Put my head
Avoiding reality and living in one's own imagination.


In the clouds
Being disconnected from reality.


Oh, start to run
Taking action towards one's goals.


And then I fall
Encountering setbacks and obstacles along the way.


Thinking
Reflecting on one's experiences.


I can't get it all
Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged by the challenges ahead.


Without my feet
Recognizing the importance of grounding oneself in reality.


On the ground
Being present in the moment and grounded in reality.


There's always a seed
Recognizing that personal growth starts small and requires patience.


Before there's a rose
Acknowledging that greatness requires time and effort.


The more that it rains
Believing that challenges and struggles lead to growth.


The more I will grow
Understanding that personal growth comes from facing and overcoming challenges.


Whatever comes
Being resilient in the face of adversity.


I know how to take it
Having the skills and knowledge to navigate through difficult times.


Learn to be strong
Recognizing the importance of resilience and strength.


I won't have to fake it
Being authentic and true to oneself.


Oh, you're understandin'
Finding support and understanding in others.


Oh, but we can come
Overcoming challenges together.


And do it best
Believing that one can achieve greatness through collaboration.


There ain't nothin'
Believing that anything is possible.


To stoppin' east to west
Believing that there are no limits to what one can achieve.


But I'll still
Remaining persistent and determined.


Be standing
Standing tall and being resilient in the face of adversity.


Oh yeah
Expressing confidence and determination.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ADAM ANDERS, NIKKI HASSMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Charlotte (MOVED ACCOUNTS)

The part that got to me was when she was on the train and Finn was waving to her, then the train starts to leave the station and he runs along beside it. The expression on his face... You can tell that it wasn't only Finn loving Rachel, it was Cory loving Lea. Amazing episode, amazing performance. <3

heily

🙌🙌🙌💖💖💖

siobhan pinto

well said ;)

bjuble

Oh you said that so nice:')

Kayla

That was the part that got me too :(

Nicole Rendler

+Charlotte (MOVED ACCOUNTS) awww tearing up bc of this comment

15 More Replies...

Rodrigo Dutra

This episode was actually more tearful than the Series Finale.

Ximena López

Rodrigo Dutra You are sooooooo right

Amaya Tarver

Right that was the best glee out of the whole show

Laura Guzmán

This episode and The Quarterback :'(

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