The People Tree
N.A.S.A. Lyrics

From the drop of blood, to bones and body parts
Life begins with a drop of blood that later forms bones and various body parts.

To vital organs, forming your brain and tiny heart
These formed body parts later turn into vital organs like the brain and heart.

The fetus, date of birth; until puberty finally starts
The continuation of this process results in the birth of a child who later reaches puberty.

Adolescence, adult, then your elderly body rots
As humans age, they go through different stages from adolescence to adulthood, and eventually their bodies deteriorate.

It was divine decree that begun the plan
The creation of life and the universe was due to a divine plan.

But is diseased by the greed of the sons of man
Human greed has caused destruction and disease within this divine plan.

Don't try to leave with the guns in hand
Violence and weapons are not the solution to the problems caused by human greed.

Understand: God's the one in command
It is important to remember that a higher power is in control.

Did we climb out of the sea?
The origins of humanity are still a mystery, including the possibility of life originating from the sea.

Where did we come from, you and me?
Humans are still exploring and learning about their own origins.

Two legs to walk, and as you see
One thing that is certain about humans is that they are bipedal and walk on two legs.

I'm not a man I want to be
The artist is not content with their own humanity or gender.

People growing, my backyard (I'm growing in your backyard)
The idea of the 'people tree' symbolizes the growth of humanity and the interconnectedness of individuals.

In my garden, in my heart (I'm in your garden, I'm in your heart)
The same theme of interconnectedness is present in the idea that humanity is part of a larger garden or ecosystem.

Pink and purple, red and blue (See all the colors?)
The colors represent the diverse and colorful aspects of humanity.

On this sunny afternoon (It's a sunny afternoon)
This is a peaceful and pleasant moment in time.

Back before time was time and space was space
The idea that there was a time before the universe as we know it existed.

The ever-present eye divine so laced with grace
A higher power was present during the creation of the universe.

Decided it was time to try to chase, to chase
This higher power decided that it was time to create life.

But what it would design, now life is taking place
The creation of life was unpredictable, and now it is happening.

Within itself, divided; now it takes some space
The creation of life resulted in division and duality.

And it can't be found alive, the mind creates the state
The mind is what creates our perception of reality and life.

Of ego, now what's mine is mine
The ego is what creates feelings of ownership and attachment.

OK, now hate will reign until the blind have eyes and lay awake in wait
The idea that hate will continue to exist until people are able to see through their own blindness and ignorance.

How are the seeds in the ground?
This question relates to how humans come into existence, similar to the theme present throughout the song.

How is my garden growing now?
This line is a metaphor for the growth and development of humanity.

A tender kiss, a little smile
This line speaks to the more tender and loving aspects of humanity.

The way a mother holds its child
A mother's love and nurturing is a prime example of the gentler aspects of humanity.

Tasty little human beings (Tasty little human beings)
This line is a shocking implication of the darker aspects of humanity, referencing the consumption of human flesh.

I grow them on the people tree (I grow them on the people tree)
The people tree is symbolic of the interconnectedness of humanity, and this line implies that humans are connected even in the most disturbing ways.

I will eat them one by one (Eat them one by one)
This line is a gruesome continuation of the idea of consuming human flesh.

If there's enough for everyone (Like you and you)
This line implies that there may be enough resources for everyone if humans learn to live in harmony.

Born in the ever-flowing life beyond the dirt
This line reinforces the idea of interconnectedness and the cycle of life.

Tell me what the purpose is for creating the earth
This line speaks to the age-old question of why the universe was created and what the purpose of life is.

(Maybe we created the planet as man's habitat
This line presents a possible explanation for why the earth exists: as a habitat for humans to live in.

Be fruitful and multiply across the planet's back)
This line references a biblical command to humans to reproduce and populate the earth.

Well, why does hate exist?
This line returns to the theme of hate and its existence in the world.

The war and AIDS and shit?
These examples of human suffering further illustrate the idea that hate is causing destruction.

If we're to be fruitful, why can't poor people pay they rent?
This line speaks to the ongoing issue of wealth inequality and poverty in the world.

('Cause love and hate, both sides are conjoined
This line suggests that the existence of both love and hate are necessary and interconnected.

Physical forms have to deal with both sides of the coin)
Humans must learn to navigate the dualities present in the world.

Why do we die? (So you can live!)
This line presents the idea that death is a necessary part of life.

Why do we strive? (So you can win!
The idea of achievement and striving is related to the idea of reproduction and survival.

But why did you defy every truthful word I recommend?)
This line speaks to the idea of human disobedience and free will.

My question back, why do you recommend an ode temptationing
This line suggests that personal temptation is part of the testing of human willpower and faith.

(So I can test your patience and tolerance in the face of sin)
This line reinforces the idea that temptation is a test of faith and moral fortitude.

But why attest when you hold all the answers to the state we in?
This line questions why a higher power would put humans through tests and suffering if it already knows the outcome.

(For you to bear witness of imperfections of mortal men)
This line suggests that human imperfections are part of the divine plan and that humans should learn from their mistakes.

So it's a lesson? (And a blessing
This line implies that suffering and struggles are not necessarily negative experiences, but rather opportunities for growth and learning.

Journey back to where you been
This line speaks to the idea of returning to one's roots and learning from past experiences.

('Cause before the tree can flourish seeds must first be planted in)
This line reinforces the idea that growth and development require a foundational beginning.

People growing, my backyard (I'm growing in my backyard)
This line again references the idea of interconnectedness and the growth of humanity.

In my garden, in my heart (I'm in your garden, I'm in your heart)
The themes of connectedness and personal growth are present throughout the song and are reinforced in this line.

If you like my garden, you might like me (Look at all the colors!)
This line implies that one's personal growth and development is reflective of their own inner 'garden'.

Underneath the people tree
The image of the 'people tree' is a powerful symbol of interconnectedness and the growth of humanity as a whole.