Family Tree
Kyle Falconer Lyrics
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The pint puts me in jail
So I'll stick with the Vimto, it's safer in my head
Print my progress often
And keep the wolves at bay
Pretend I'm in a limbo from darker days
The wiser words are never more than three
Cause I'm working on me, and the family
I'm growing up, ye' see?
I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
I'm working on the family tree
I'll stay right with the program
And pull my weight indeed
I'm pulling weeds in autumn, should keep the birds in feed
I'll write my jolly jingles, and document my time
Mixing up the tinkle pails of children's rhymes
The wiser words are never far from me (do-re-mi)
And let the shadows dance, and filled of course with glee
Cause I'm working on me, and the family
I'm growing up, ye' see?
I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
I'm working on the family tree
Cause I'm working on me, and the family
I'm growing up, ye' see?
I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
I'm working on the family tree
She said she won't marry me
It saddens me, oh no
She said she won't marry me
It saddens me, oh no
She said she won't marry me
It saddens me, oh no
So I'm working on me, and the family
I'm growing bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
I'm working on the family tree
Cause I'm working on me, and the family
I'm growing up, ye' see?
I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
You'll never get the better of me
I'm working on the family tree
Do you really wanna go home?
Do you really wanna stay here?
Do you wanna keep your head up?
Do you really wanna be the one who lives in fear?
Kyle Falconer's song Family Tree is a reflective piece about the singer's journey to better himself and his desire to create a better future for his family. The opening lines of the song, "The pipe takes me to heaven, the pint puts me in jail, so I'll stick with the Vimto, it's safer in my head" refer to the idea that the vices that once brought him pleasure and made him feel good (smoking and drinking) are no longer a part of his life as he now chooses to prioritize his family and become a better version of himself. He recognizes that he needs to keep his focus, document his progress, and avoid the negative influences ("keep the wolves at bay") in his life to succeed.
The lines, "Cause I'm working on me, and the family, I'm growing up, ye' see? I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me" highlights that while he is growing up and maturing, he is also making changes to improve the lives of his loved ones. He expresses his desire to build a "family tree" that is free from the negative influences of the past and takes pride in the progress he is making. The song also touches upon the idea that some relationships may not always work out, as demonstrated through the repeated refrain "She said she won't marry me, it saddens me, oh no" which adds another layer to the song's theme of personal growth and family values.
Line by Line Meaning
The pipe takes me to heaven
Smoking pipes helps me reach a euphoric state
The pint puts me in jail
Drinking alcohol makes me feel trapped and imprisoned
So I'll stick with the Vimto, it's safer in my head
I'll avoid drinking and smoking and instead stick to a non-alcoholic beverage called Vimto to keep my mind and body safe
Print my progress often
I'll keep track of my milestones regularly by printing them out
And keep the wolves at bay
I'll do what I can to protect myself from danger or difficulty
Pretend I'm in a limbo from darker days
I'll try to mentally detach myself from my past struggles and hardships
The wiser words are never more than three
Wisdom doesn't always have to be complex or long-winded
So let the snow prints melt, and keep the sun with me
I'll let go of past mistakes and embrace positivity and warmth
Cause I'm working on me, and the family
I'm focusing on self-improvement and bettering my family's life
I'm growing up, ye' see?
I'm maturing and developing as a person
I'm putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me
I'm leaving my addiction to alcohol in the past
I'll stay right with the program
I'll remain dedicated and committed to my goals
And pull my weight indeed
I'll actively contribute and work hard towards my aspirations
I'm pulling weeds in autumn, should keep the birds in feed
I'm doing small tasks that can have a positive impact and help others
I'll write my jolly jingles, and document my time
I'll express my creativity and record my experiences
Mixing up the tinkle pails of children's rhymes
I'll create playful and fun content for children
And let the shadows dance, and filled of course with glee
I'll embrace joy and positivity, even in the midst of darkness
She said she won't marry me
The person I love doesn't want to marry me
It saddens me, oh no
This news makes me feel upset and disheartened
You'll never get the better of me
I won't let anyone or anything defeat me
Do you really wanna go home?
Are you sure you want to return to your old habits/ways?
Do you really wanna stay here?
Do you want to remain stagnant and not make any progress?
Do you wanna keep your head up?
Do you want to stay positive and persevere through tough times?
Do you really wanna be the one who lives in fear?
Do you want to live in fear and let it hold you back?
Writer(s): KYLE FALCONER
Contributed by Scarlett N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DaddyShark3470
Class tune Kyle! feel at home again in Dundee whenever this Is put on in the car 👍
@kevinmartin296
kyle falconer is the Best singer/songwriter in British Music yesterday, tommoro and most certainly Today IMWPO.
@markkelly940
Top tune .....Respect to Kyle and his family.......
@eileenure1534
Oh go on Laura! Marry him! Great family tree to be building Kyle. Lovely video, music and lyrics.
@SOSO-ey2fz
Ass an addict that is still struggling this song was beautiful, simple and heart felt, i did cry because im far from free
@jamesmoir256
Same I’m James too crying iday too stay strong had worst weeks in life last few fuck it if got music, Kyle n view ul be alright peace god bless love every1 no matter what they’ve done or who they are as long is ur always giving (love) people can’t say shit m8 ✊✊🏾🙏❤️❤️
@hazysundaysband
It's been 2 years. How are you?
@oliverbloor1029
Hope you are well man
@AnDyP1875
The most underrated man ever
@jthomson2916
A play your album about 10 times every day man top class you deserve everything that’s coming for you chief