The group released their self-titled first album in 1994 on Okeh/Epic, a subsidiary of Sony Music. On the strength of the single "Cold Beverage", in part due to MTV rotation, the album nearly went gold. After which, trying to capitalize on the success of the album, the group toured heavily, eventually landing a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. tour.
In 1995 they released their follow up album Coast to Coast Motel. Though it did not sell as well as the first album, it is generally considered among critics as the stronger of the two albums.
On tour following the release of the second album the group nearly broke up, due to bickering about finances. Deciding on a hiatus the three members went their separate ways, working on various side projects.
By October 1997 the group had reconciled their differences and released their third album, Yeah, It's That Easy, which along with their own work, showcased their collaboration with several other bands and musicians, including All Fellas Band, Philly Cartel, King's Court, and Dr. John. This soul-influenced album was more similar to their debut album than their previous release.
Soon after G. Love & Special Sauce set out on another world tour, returning to Philadelphia in 1999 for the release of their fourth album, Philadelphonic. Philadelphonic was followed up with Electric Mile in 2001, an album that shows the wide-ranging influences of the group, incorporating hip-hop, funk, psychedlia, blues, and soul in equal and ambitious measure. Ever the road band, the release of "Electric Mile" was followed by extensive touring.
By 2004 and The Hustle, G. Love (with the help of his bandmates and others) went solo and had eased up a little on the kitchen sink approach, offering instead a cohesive, dry groove reminiscent of his earliest efforts. Hustle was also the first G. Love release under Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records banner; the two had been pals at least since Philadelphonic, which Johnson had been a guest on.
Special Sauce did a series of shows in 2004 with Jack Johnson and fellow Brushfire artist Donavon Frankenreiter, and the trio also found time to issue a brief live EP, titled Some Live Songs.
In the summer 2005, the band was featured (along with the less well known Philly local Chuck Treece of 80's skate-rock band McRad) in an advertisement for the launch of Coca-Cola Zero, featuring the groups own unique version of the noted Coca-Cola advertising song I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.
G. Love's 2nd electrical solo release Lemonade also included Special Sauce on some tracks. Jack Johnson, Tristan Prettyman, Ben Harper, Jasper, and Blackalicious also contrbuted.
G. Love still continues to tour with the Special Sauce in the meantime.
Willow Tree
G. Love & Special Sauce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Surround you with my lonely
And my day
Let me grow in the shade
In the sand
The banks by your river
Let me drink from your stream
We will sing together
Water over the bevel
I stand by your side forever
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
Sweet river caress how softly
?
Maybe the sun in the summers heat
Let it cool you
We have been dancing so long
In the winters freeze
The summers drought
We survive
We belong
Let us sing together
Water over the bevel
I stand by your side forever
I wish I was
Your weeping
Willow tree
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
Let us sing together
Water over the bevel
I stand by your side forever
Let us sing together
Water over the bevel
I stand by your side forever
We can sing together
Water over the bevel
I stand by your side forever
Let me be
Your willow tree
Your willow tree
"Willow Tree" by G. Love and Special Sauce is a love song where the singer offers to be his partner's comforting willow tree. The lyrics suggest that the singer wants to share his partner's struggles and be a source of comfort for them. When he says "let me be your weeping willow tree," he is offering to be a safe haven where his partner can feel protected and nurtured. He wants to be surrounded by his partner and share in their loneliness, in order to strengthen their bond. The imagery of the willow tree is particularly appropriate since a willow tree is known for having long, flexible branches that sway with the wind. This means that the tree can survive strong winds, just like the couple in the song. Additionally, the willow tree is known for its healing properties, as it releases a unique anti-inflammatory that can soothe fever, etc. This kind of healing is also what the singer is offering to his partner.
As the song continues, the lyrics describe the natural world and how the elements interact with it. The banks by the river, the cool breeze, and the water all suggest that the singer wants to be fully immersed in nature so that he can be close to his partner. He wants to share in the beauty of their surroundings and be as close to them as possible. The end of the song is especially poignant when he repeats the phrase, "let me be your willow tree," showing that the partnership he offers is enduring, and he will always be there for his loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me be your weeping willow tree
I want to be your comforting support during moments of sadness.
Surround you with my lonely
I want to share my own feelings of loneliness with you and care for you.
And my day
I want to share my everyday experiences with you.
Let me grow in the shade
I want to grow and thrive under your guidance and nurturing.
In the sand
I want to be with you in a place where we can both feel grounded.
The banks by your river
I want to be close to you and be part of your life, like the riverbanks are to the river.
Let me drink from your stream
I want to fully immerse myself in everything that you have to offer, and be completely devoted to you.
The cool breeze fill my limbs
I want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated by your presence, like a cool breeze on a hot day.
We will sing together
Let's collaborate and harmonize together in life, sharing beautiful moments.
Water over the bevel
Let's enjoy the sound of water flowing over the edge of a streambank or waterfall.
I stand by your side forever
I am committed to standing by you and supporting you always.
I wish I was a weeping willow tree
I want to embody the calm, stoic strength of a weeping willow tree as a source of comfort and support for you.
Sweet river caress how softly?
How softly does the river touch us with its peaceful, calming presence?
Maybe the sun in the summers heat
Perhaps the warmth of the sun in summertime can provide us with comfort and ease.
Let it cool you
Allow yourself to be soothed and comforted by the natural beauty around us.
We have been dancing so long
We have been partaking in the dance of life for so long, together and separately.
In the winters freeze
Even when times get tough and difficult, we can still stand strong together.
The summers drought
Even during the difficult and dry times, we can still find ways to thrive and persevere.
We survive
We have come through so many challenges and obstacles, and yet we still push through and thrive.
We belong
We are meant to be together, as part of each other's lives and journeys.
Let us sing together
Let's come together in harmony and express our joy and gratitude for life.
I stand by your side forever
I will continue to stand by you and be there for you, no matter what happens.
Let me be your willow tree
I want to be your constant source of comfort and support, like a willow tree that offers shade and a place to rest.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Garrett Dutton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind