Wise was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up amongst a religious family; his father owned a Christian bookstore and his mother was a choir director. Wise joined the church choir as a child and grew up with classical and gospel music as a primary influence.
He attended the University of the Arts and sang with a couple of neo-soul bands in Philadelphia, before re-locating to New York City where he started working with Robin Carolan of Tri Angle Records. The blisters EP was released in September 2016 with previously available songs 'flickering', 'blisters' and 'four ethers' , alongside 'penance' and 'redemption'. The EP was co-written and produced with The Haxan Cloak.
Wise is openly gay and from a young age used gospel music to express his sexuality.
http://tri-anglerecords.com/serpentwithfeet
wrong tree
SERPENTWITHFEET Lyrics
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When his limbs hung to the floor
Thought he was inviting me to love him more
But he broke my heart and said
Sing, choir
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
And the fruit I couldn't wait to eat
Suddenly began to bleed
Then I heard them shouting
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
I was convinced he wanted the same
(Same, same, same, same)
But a life for you is a life in flames
May these matches bring you joy
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning (the wrong tree)
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
I hear you loud and clear
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
I really wish we could've worked
But I would've listened to you when you told me what you wanted
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
This word's only the burning
Silly of me to cross the river that you put there
You put the river there for a reason
I shouldn't try to cross it for reason
Sing, choir
I wish we could've worked, wish we could've worked
(Moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan)
I'll get over it soon, but right now, right now I'm gonna moan and groan
Rock myself to peace and moan and groan
(Moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan)
The lyrics of SERPENTWITHFEET's song "Wrong Tree" explore the painful aftermath of a relationship that went wrong. The opening lines describe how the singer was initially enchanted by his partner, who seemed to be inviting him to love them more. However, as the relationship progressed, the partner "broke [his] heart" and sang "Sing, choir" - a command that suggests a sense of detachment or distance from the singer's emotional turmoil.
The key refrain of the song is "You're climbing up the wrong tree, this word's only the burning", which is repeated throughout the song. This phrase suggests that the singer is pursuing the wrong path, perhaps by trying to reconcile with his ex-partner or by holding onto feelings that are only causing him pain. The image of a burning tree adds a poignant sense of finality to the lyrics, as if the singer is watching his hopes and dreams go up in smoke.
As the song progresses, the singer describes how he was "convinced [his partner] wanted the same", but ultimately realizes that they were not on the same page emotionally. The line "May these matches bring you joy" adds a note of bitterness to the lyrics, as if the singer is sarcastically wishing his ex-partner happiness in their new life without him. In the final lines of the song, the singer acknowledges that he made a mistake by trying to cross a "river" his partner put there, suggesting that he was trying to force the relationship to work despite the obstacles in his way.
Overall, "Wrong Tree" is a haunting and introspective song that reflects on the pain of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go of a relationship that has gone sour.
Line by Line Meaning
When his limbs hung to the floor
He seemed vulnerable and in need of love and attention.
Thought he was inviting me to love him more
I felt like he was asking me to give him more of my love and affection.
But he broke my heart and said
He hurt me emotionally and then delivered some hurtful words.
Sing, choir
He told me to sing, maybe mocking me or trying to divert the subject.
"You're climbing up the wrong tree"
You are pursuing a wrong path, a dangerous and unproductive one.
This word's only the burning
These words can cause pain and harm.
And the fruit I couldn't wait to eat
I was excited about something that turned out to be disappointing and hurtful.
Suddenly began to bleed
It hurt me and caused emotional damage.
Then I heard them shouting
People around me were warning me about the wrong path I was on.
"I was convinced he wanted the same"
I thought he wanted the same things as me, but I was wrong.
(Same, same, same, same)
I was trying to hold on to what I thought we had, refusing to see the reality of the situation.
But a life for you is a life in flames
He was warning me that his lifestyle was dangerous and unhealthy for me.
May these matches bring you joy
He was saying something sarcastic or cruel, wishing me ill or more pain.
I hear you loud and clear
I am aware of what you are saying, I understand your point of view.
I really wish we could've worked
I wanted things to work out between us, I hoped for a happy future together.
But I would've listened to you when you told me what you wanted
I realize that I didn't respect your ideas and desires enough, and I regret it.
Silly of me to cross the river that you put there
I was foolish to try to cross a boundary that you clearly set and warned me about.
You put the river there for a reason
You had a good reason to create that boundary, and I should have respected it.
I shouldn't try to cross it for reason
I learned my lesson and won't try to overstep boundaries again.
Sing, choir
He repeats the same phrase, possibly trying to silence or ignore my thoughts and feelings.
I wish we could've worked, wish we could've worked
I still wish for a different outcome, I feel regret and sadness about the relationship.
(Moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan)
He moans and groans, expressing his pain and sadness in a repetitive and intense way.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Josiah Wise
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind