Tree
Incredible String Band Lyrics


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I had a tree
In the dream hills where my childhood lay
And I'd go there in the wide long days
And my tree would listen to all that I'd say
And the sun was shining brightly and the sky was smiling
Then one day when the world had put me in its tomb
And my life was just an empty room
I went to my tree and I sat there in my gloom
And the light was fading dimly and the sky was crying
Then my tree bent its branches low down to the ground
And its green leaves shrouded up my mind
And I left the world somewhere behind
And I didn't not know what I would find




And the sun was shining brightly and the sky was smiling
(Repeat)

Overall Meaning

The Incredible String Band’s song “Tree” is a nostalgic and reflective piece that speaks to the comforting power of nature during times of darkness. The song starts with the singer reminiscing about a tree from his childhood that he used to visit and confide in. In the dream hills where his childhood lay, the tree was a source of solace where he could talk to it and the sky would be smiling. However, as the song progresses, the tone becomes somber as he returns to the tree when he’s old and alone, trapped in an empty room that symbolizes his current state. The tree then bends its branches to provide shade and comfort for the singer, and he states that he leaves the world behind, not knowing what he will find. The sky is now crying, reflecting the sadness and grief that the singer feels, but the sun still shines, suggesting that hope remains despite the darkness.


The metaphorical language used in the song is both powerful and poignant. The tree represents a constant in the singer’s life that has always been there for him to confide in and seek comfort. Its bending branches represent the sheltering effect that nature can provide, while the empty room symbolizes his loneliness and entrapment in the world. Even though the sky is crying, the sun continues to shine, representing the hope and possibility of something better.


Line by Line Meaning

I had a tree
I had a favorite spot in nature that was familiar and comforting to me.


In the dream hills where my childhood lay
This spot was located in a hilly area that was associated with my memories of my childhood.


And I'd go there in the wide long days
I would seek out this spot during long periods of free time.


And my tree would listen to all that I'd say
This spot was a place where I could confide in my surroundings and felt listened to.


And the sun was shining brightly and the sky was smiling
The weather was generally good whenever I visited this spot.


Then one day when the world had put me in its tomb
One day, I felt trapped and hopeless due to circumstances beyond my control.


And my life was just an empty room
I felt like my life had lost its meaning or purpose.


I went to my tree and I sat there in my gloom
I went to my familiar spot to seek solace during a difficult time.


And the light was fading dimly and the sky was crying
The weather was poor, reflecting my mood at the time.


Then my tree bent its branches low down to the ground
The environment around me seemed to respond to my distress.


And its green leaves shrouded up my mind
The natural surroundings seemed to envelop my thoughts, providing relief from my anxieties.


And I left the world somewhere behind
I was able to momentarily forget about the struggles I was facing in the outside world.


And I didn't not know what I would find
I was uncertain about what would come of my situation.


And the sun was shining brightly and the sky was smiling
Despite my hardships, I was grateful for moments of positivity in my life.


(Repeat)
The song repeats its message, emphasizing the importance of nature in providing comfort during difficult times.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MIKE HERON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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