The Garden
Tender Central Lyrics


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Free, free, flowing
What I've needed is to be on my own
With peace, not coming or going
Take a moment to let the ringing die away
So I can hear my heart and slow my mind

Is it all mapped out
What we do from when we open our eyes?
To our dying day, not me
My chest expands when I dream of
What I or you could be

The answer grows in the garden
Dig into the roots of silence
Wait and see what will come
Peace is hard to learn

Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh, oh
Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh, oh

This is not the end
There is beauty in this fire
Passion in thе rage
The quietnеss remains untouched
The blue above the haze

And the more I learn
I can see that in emptiness
A part of me is free and as Joni sings
We've got to find our way back

The answer grows in the garden
Dig into the roots of silence
Wait and see what will come
Peace is hard to learn

The answer grows in the garden
(Grows in the garden)
Dig into the roots of silence
(The roots of silence)
Wait and see what will come




Peace is hard to learn
Peace is hard to learn

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Tender Central's song "The Garden" delve into themes of self-discovery, finding peace within oneself, and the ongoing journey of personal growth. In the first paragraph, the artist expresses the need to be alone, away from the external noise and distractions, in order to truly listen to their own inner voice and find inner peace. They emphasize the importance of quieting the mind and allowing the heart to guide them.


The second paragraph touches upon the uncertainties of life and questions whether everything is predetermined or if there is room for individual agency. The artist suggests that they refuse to be bound by a predetermined path, as they find excitement in envisioning the possibilities and potential for both themselves and others. This expands their perspective and inspires them to dream of the beauty they, or anyone, could become.


The chorus brings in the concept of a garden as a metaphor for self-discovery. The artist encourages digging deep into the roots of silence, suggesting that within stillness and introspection lies the answer they seek. By waiting patiently and embracing what comes, they hope to find the peace they yearn for. However, the repetition of the line "peace is hard to learn" acknowledges that achieving inner peace is not without its challenges.


In the third paragraph, the artist declares that the journey is not over and that there is beauty to be found even in difficult or tumultuous times. They recognize that within the intensity of passion and the fire that burns within, there is also a quietness that remains untouched. This juxtaposition highlights the resilience and strength that can be found within stillness amidst chaos. The mention of "the blue above the haze" suggests a sense of clarity and hope beyond the troubles of life.


The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that the answer they seek continues to grow within their personal garden of self-discovery. They reiterate the importance of delving into the roots of silence and patiently waiting to witness the fruits of their introspection. Ultimately, they acknowledge that finding peace within oneself is a challenging process that requires persistent effort and learning, but it is a journey they are willing to embark on.


Line by Line Meaning

Free, free, flowing
Feeling unrestrained and liberated, allowing thoughts and emotions to flow freely.


What I've needed is to be on my own
Realizing the importance of solitude and independence in finding inner peace.


With peace, not coming or going
Seeking a state of tranquility that is constant and unaffected by external circumstances.


Take a moment to let the ringing die away
Pausing to let the noise and distractions fade, in order to listen to one's own heartbeat and calm the mind.


So I can hear my heart and slow my mind
Creating space to deeply connect with one's inner self and quiet the racing thoughts.


Is it all mapped out
Questioning whether our lives are predetermined and fully planned.


What we do from when we open our eyes?
Reflecting on the choices and actions we make from the moment we wake up.


To our dying day, not me
Rejecting the notion of living a predetermined, predictable life, and embracing individuality and uniqueness.


My chest expands when I dream of
Feeling an overwhelming sense of excitement and possibility when imagining different paths and dreams.


What I or you could be
Acknowledging the boundless potential and endless possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment.


The answer grows in the garden
Finding clarity and understanding in moments of silence and introspection, like tending to a garden.


Dig into the roots of silence
Delving deep into the quiet depths of one's inner self to uncover profound truths and wisdom.


Wait and see what will come
Being patient and open-minded to discover what unfolds naturally.


Peace is hard to learn
Recognizing that finding inner peace requires effort, practice, and inner work.


This is not the end
Realizing that despite challenges and hardships, there is still hope and the ability to find beauty and meaning.


There is beauty in this fire
Finding moments of inspiration, growth, and transformation amidst difficult or intense experiences.


Passion in the rage
Recognizing the fire and drive within oneself, even when feeling angry or frustrated.


The quietness remains untouched
Discovering a deep inner calm and stillness that remains unaffected by external chaos or disturbances.


The blue above the haze
Seeing the vastness and beauty of the sky beyond the fog and confusion.


And the more I learn
Through gaining wisdom and experience.


I can see that in emptiness
Realizing that in moments of emptiness or solitude, there is potential for growth and self-discovery.


A part of me is free and as Joni sings
Feeling liberated and connected to oneself, as the lyrics of Joni Mitchell's songs express.


We've got to find our way back
Understanding the importance of reconnecting with one's true self and finding inner peace.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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