Branches
Openside Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We keep flowing, flowing
Going, going nowhere
Hypnotising
We keep throwing, throwing
Knowing, knowing nothing
Branches don't fall far from the tree
Just like a wandering gnome
Like a rolling stone
We're branches in a stream
There's nothing that we need
Life heats so slow you hardly notice
Something started boiling
And now we're past the point
Of mindless noise
Without roots, we're part
Of something larger
Free to stay or go, without a lover
Moving fast or slow, it doesn't matter
We will grow and grow
And grow and grow
Branches don't fall far from the tree
But boy, do they have means of their own
Just like a wandering gnome
Like a rolling stone
We're branches in a stream
The lyrics of Openside's "Branches" explore the concept of identity and the relationship between individuality and belonging. The metaphor of branches in a stream represents the idea that we are all unique individuals who are part of something larger than ourselves. The flowing stream symbolizes the passage of time and the constant change and growth that we experience in life.
The opening lines suggest a lack of direction or purpose, with the branches simply "flowing" and "going nowhere." However, the repetition of the word "knowing" suggests a deeper level of awareness and consciousness, despite the apparent aimlessness. The chorus reinforces the idea that while we may be connected to our roots (the tree), we are also free to develop our own distinct paths and identities. The comparisons to a wandering gnome and a rolling stone further emphasize the idea of movement and evolution.
In the second verse, the lyrics touch on the idea of change and transformation, with the metaphor of boiling water representing the point of no return where we must confront and embrace our individuality. The final lines of the song emphasize the idea of growth - not only in terms of physical growth but also personal and emotional growth. The overall message is one of empowerment and the celebration of individuality within a larger community.
Line by Line Meaning
We're branches in a stream
We are individuals in the flow of life
We keep flowing, flowing
We keep moving forward in life
Going, going nowhere
Our journey does not necessarily have a final destination
Hypnotising
Our journey can be mesmerizing or captivating
We keep throwing, throwing
We continue to experience life's challenges and opportunities
Knowing, knowing nothing
Despite gaining experiences, we may still feel uncertain about our purpose or future
Branches don't fall far from the tree
We may share similarities or traits with our ancestors or upbringing
But boy, do they have means of their own
However, we still have our own unique identity and path in life
Just like a wandering gnome
Our journey may take unexpected turns or detours
Like a rolling stone
We may feel unsettled or restless on our journey
There's nothing that we need
We may realize that material possessions are not essential for happiness or fulfillment
Life heats so slow you hardly notice
Life can move slowly and gradually without us realizing important changes
Something started boiling
Internal or external factors may start affecting us more intensely
And now we're past the point
We may have reached an irreversible turning point in our lives
Of mindless noise
Things that may have previously seemed important or distracting, now appear insignificant
Without roots, we're part
Even if we don't have a traditional support system, we still belong to something larger than ourselves
Of something larger
We are connected to the greater universe or community around us
Free to stay or go, without a lover
We have the freedom to make choices without having to rely on others' opinions or emotions
Moving fast or slow, it doesn't matter
The pace or timing of our journey is not important, what matters is that we continue moving forward
We will grow and grow
As we experience life, we will continue to learn, change, and develop
And grow and grow
Our growth and development may occur in various areas of our lives and be ongoing
Contributed by Kaelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
amxnda
Saw y'all last night at twenty one pilots. Obsessed with this song 😄
Katrina
+YeahImANerd and theyre so great live!
Leigh Mete
+YeahImANerd Yeah same. They are great.
Skye Were
Even though Years and Years didn't open for Ellie Goulding, no regrets going to her concert as I had the opportunity to see, understand, embrace and fall in love with the beautiful brilliance that is this band! Their style and songs are amazing, they created such a beautiful atmosphere I look forward to seeing more magnificent music from these truly great humans.
Zoe Wilson
I have loved this song for a bit now and hearing it live last night was amazing i love this
Amberleigh Rose
you guys are so good live!!!
it makes sense in context
I love it!
s o p h i e
Love the cinematography and storyline to the video- also go Ravi! Omg so funny seeing you on T.V and YT! Love Openside- great NZ talent. :)
Kate Sagun
the video turned out so sick! congrats guys! x
OneEyeBruh
I love this!