From a first single in 1979, the group successfully combined a pop rock and power pop (and sometimes, a blues rock) influenced backing with harmony side-vocals and Lewis' strident voice, and the band had numerous hit songs during the 1980s and early 1990s. These include "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" (both of which were featured in the film "Back to the Future"), "I Want a New Drug", "Doin' It All (For My Baby)", "Do You Believe in Love?" "Hip to Be Square", "Stuck With You", and "Jacob's Ladder". Huey Lewis shared three Grammy awards, an American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award along with several artists for his role singing the 1985 charity song "We Are the World" as well.
=Albums=
Huey Lewis & the News (1980)
Picture This (1982) [#13 U.S. Gold]
Sports (1983) [#1 U.S. 7x Platinum]
Back to the Future Soundtrack (1985) [Gold]
Fore! (1986) [#1 U.S. 3x Platinum]
Small World (1988) [#11 U.S. Platinum]
Hard at Play (1991) [#27 U.S. Gold]
The Heart of Rock & Roll - The Best of Huey Lewis and The News (1992)
Four Chords & Several Years Ago (1994) [#55 U.S.]
Time Flies: The Best of Huey Lewis and the News (1996) [#185 U.S.]
Plan B (2001) [#165 U.S.]
Live at 25 (2005)
Greatest Hits & Videos (2006) [#70 U.S.]
www.hueylewisandthenews.com
Forest for the Trees
Huey Lewis & The News Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You really need someone to help you out
It looks like life or death is your only choice
It's really hard to see
The forest for the trees
The forest for the trees
And when you get angry and everything's black or white
You know that you're life it worth living
You gotta start taking if no one else is giving
And if you're not afraid to open your eyes
You may be pleasantly surprised
Things are never as bad as they seem
Just gotta learn to see
The forest for the trees
Forest for the trees
You gotta learn to see
If you need somebody, tell them please
If you want someone, get up off your knees
You know that your life is worth living
You gotta start taking if no one else is giving
And if you're not afraid to open your eyes
You may be pleasantly surprised
Things are never as bad as they seem
Just gotta learn to see
The forest for the trees
Forest for the trees
You gotta learn to see
Forest from the trees
You just gotta learn to see
The forest for the trees
Gotta learn to see
The song "Forest for the Trees" by Huey Lewis & The News is a song about the struggles of being a young man and feeling lost and alone. The lyrics suggest that in times of need, it is important to ask for help and to look beyond the immediate problems to see the bigger picture. The phrase "forest for the trees" is a metaphor for this idea, reminding the listener that it is easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the overall situation.
The first verse describes the feeling of being down and out and needing someone to help. The second verse speaks to the anger and frustration that can arise from feeling alone and unsupported, yet reminds the listener that life is worth living and there is always hope. The chorus encourages the listener to ask for help and to see beyond the immediate problems in order to find a solution.
Overall, the song can be seen as a message of hope and resilience. It acknowledges the difficulties of life, but also reminds the listener that there is always a way forward, and that it is possible to overcome any obstacle with a positive attitude and a willingness to ask for help.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're a young man, down and out
As a young person experiencing hardship, it's crucial to have someone to rely on for help.
You really need someone to help you out
During times of difficulty, it's important to have a support system in place to offer aid and advice.
It looks like life or death is your only choice
In trying situations, it can seem like there are no alternative options and everything is a matter of life or death.
It's really hard to see
When feeling overwhelmed, it can be tough to gain a clear perspective.
The forest for the trees
Seeing the larger picture or the overarching theme can be challenging when caught up in details.
And when you get angry and everything's black or white
When in a state of anger, it's easy to view things as either completely right or wrong, and to miss the gray area in between.
You know that it isn't that simple, no one's always right
Recognizing that life is complex and there are multiple perspectives is crucial in learning how to handle difficult situations.
You know that you're life it worth living
It's important to remember that every individual has value and purpose.
You gotta start taking if no one else is giving
If there isn't support or aid available, one must take charge and make things happen.
And if you're not afraid to open your eyes
Being receptive to new information or different viewpoints can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
You may be pleasantly surprised
Unforeseen benefits or positive changes can arise in any situation.
Things are never as bad as they seem
It's easy to get caught up in negative emotions and fail to recognize that things may not be as dire as they appear.
Just gotta learn to see
It takes effort and mindfulness to gain a fresh perspective and see things in a new way.
If you need somebody, tell them please
It's important to communicate one's needs and ask for help or support when necessary.
If you want someone, get up off your knees
Taking charge of one's destiny and pursuing one's desires often involves action and initiative.
You just gotta learn to see
A shift in perspective and a willingness to see the situation differently can lead to positive changes.
The forest from the trees
Seeing the big picture and not getting bogged down in details or obstacles is crucial for success.
Gotta learn to see
A shift in perspective and a willingness to see the situation differently can lead to positive changes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNY LOGGINS, HUEY LEWIS, WILLIAM SCOTT GIBSON, JEROME FLETCHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind