Formed in 2003 by Brad Hargett and JB Townsend, they released one single and an EP. Later the pair expanded to five members (Kyle Forester, Andy Adler, and Keegan Cooke) before signing to Slumberland Records in the US and Angular Recording Corporation in Europe and releasing their critically acclaimed debut, "Alight of Night", in 2008.
Sycamore Tree
Crystal Stilts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She follows me down to the sea, she follows me into the sea
And I wanna know why, I wanna know why
I'm wondering why, I'm wondering why
I wanna know why, I wanna know, wanna know why
She's holding out both of her palms, she says you better not choose wrong
And I wanna know why, I wanna know why
I'm wondering why, I'm wondering why
I wanna know why, I wanna know, wanna know why
I wanna know, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
I wanna know, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
See the girl by the Sycamore tree, she knows she's looking at me
She follows me down to the sea, she follows me into the sea
And I wanna know why, I wanna know why
I'm wondering why, I'm wondering why
I wanna know why, I wanna know, wanna know why
I wanna know why, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
I wanna know why, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
The lyrics of Crystal Stilts’ song “Sycamore Tree” tell a story of a scene where a girl is standing by a tree and looking at the singer. She then follows him to the sea, where she is holding out both of her palms and telling him not to choose wrong. The girl then threatens to push away the dawn and tie the tongue that sings his favorite song. Throughout the song, the singer is wondering why the girl is behaving like this towards him and he is desperate to know why.
The song’s lyrics can be interpreted as a metaphor for a relationship where one person is hesitant to fully commit themselves to the other person. The girl by the sycamore tree can be seen as a representation of the singer’s love interest, who is holding out both of her palms and asking him to make the right choice in deciding whether or not to commit to her. The sea can be seen as a metaphor for the unknown and uncertain future that the two individuals may be facing in their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
See the girl by the Sycamore tree, she knows she's looking at me
There is a girl standing by the Sycamore tree who is aware of my presence and is looking at me.
She follows me down to the sea, she follows me into the sea
The girl follows me as I go towards the sea and even follows me into the water.
And I wanna know why, I wanna know why
I am curious and eager to know the reason behind her actions.
She's holding out both of her palms, she says you better not choose wrong
The girl is showing me her palms and warning me to be careful with my choices.
I just may push away the dawn, tie the tongue that sings your favorite song
She hints at the possibility of her doing something drastic and silencing my favorite singer. She may bring darkness into my world.
See the girl by the Sycamore tree, she knows she's looking at me
The girl is still there and is still watching me by the Sycamore tree.
And I wanna know why, I wanna know why
I still haven't gotten an explanation for her behavior and still want to know the reason.
I wanna know why, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
I am repeating my desire to know why, emphasizing how important it is to me.
I wanna know why, wanna know, wanna know why, wanna know why
My curiosity hasn't diminished and I am reiterating my desire to know why.
Contributed by Hunter B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Miette Esteb
Saw them at Club Dada last night in Dallas. Met the whole band got autographs and pictures, they are really chill. Pretty rad set with all the effects and great build up through out the show. They also did a cover of a Stranglers song, pretty cool. Definitely want to see them again for sure!
Eliz Manandhar
Crystal Stilts are one of the BEST BANDS right now! "In Love with Oblivion" is just as gorgeous as "Alight of Night"... This is a killer song... great lyrical craftsmanship... This song reminds me of Keats' "La Belle Dame Sans Merci"... Gothic stuff!
Caligula138
One of the best bands in Brooklyn or anywhere!
A.S.P
This is like Bo Diddley playing guitar with The Velvet Underground , NICE!
Malcolm Thompson
yep i agree...The Underground came straight to mind!
Kevin Torres
That; guitar riff is sooo wicked, 'minds me of a good 007 film.
Edin Barrientos
This should have 1 million views.
Nate Logston
great music. simple and strong. bad ass organ. what is that? anyone know?
JackYarbroughMusic
need to know more about this keyboard ahhhhhh
PeepsILoveEllie
lol that was awesome! but is it only me or does this make you think of COWBOYS? :) anyway, great band!