Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
Sitting In My Tree
The Idle Race Lyrics
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Waving to the ones that wave at me
I think well just how stupid can they be
Waving to a man up in a tree
What they don't know is I am counting them
I even count the ladies and the men
I put the numbers in my little book
All I ask is a piece of mind
Which I lost somewhere down amongst the mess
All I want is for people to be kind
And walk slower to be counted when they pass
I think well just how stupid can they be
Waving to a man up in a tree
I know that I will have to stop my fun
When I meet a girl who I can not count on
Maybe marry her and happy we would be
Not counting but a-sitting up a tree
I put the numbers in my little book
And only me can ever have a look
I think well just how stupid can they be
Waving to a man up in a tree
The Idle Race's "Sitting In My Tree" is a satirical song about a man who sits alone up in a tree, counting the people who pass by and observing their behaviour. The lyrics express a sense of alienation, as the man separates himself from society and is critical of the way people act. He sees them as foolish for waving to a man up in a tree, and takes note of their actions in his little book. However, despite his cynicism, he still wishes for kindness from people and a sense of peace for himself.
The theme of isolation and disconnection from society is a common thread throughout the song, as the man sits alone in his tree and retreats from the chaos of the world below. He no longer desires to be a part of it, and instead finds solace in his own activities. The line "all I ask is a piece of mind, which I lost somewhere down amongst the mess" suggests a longing for simplicity and a desire to escape the noise and confusion of everyday life.
The song is ultimately a commentary on the human condition and the way we interact with one another. It highlights the lack of connection and understanding between people, and the ways in which we can become consumed with our own thoughts and concerns. The man's counting and observing of others is a reflection of this, as he seeks to understand them but ultimately distances himself from them.
Line by Line Meaning
I often sit alone up in a tree
Frequently, I sit by myself, positioned in a tree
Waving to the ones that wave at me
I reciprocate the wave to individuals that wave at me
I even count the ladies and the men
I keep count of both females and males
And only me can ever have a look
The only person allowed to view the numbers is myself
All I ask is a piece of mind
My sole request is to have peace of mind
Which I lost somewhere down amongst the mess
This was lost somewhere within the confusion
All I want is for people to be kind
I desire for individuals to display kindness
And walk slower to be counted when they pass
To increase accuracy, it would be ideal if people walked slower to allow me to count them as they pass by
I know that I will have to stop my fun
I am aware that this activity will have to come to an end soon
When I meet a girl who I can not count on
Once I have met a girl that I am unable to count, this activity will be halted
Maybe marry her and happy we would be
There is a possibility that I will marry her, and we would be content
Not counting but a-sitting up a tree
Although I am no longer counting, I will still find myself positioned in a tree
I think well just how stupid can they be
I often ponder, how stupid can these individuals be?
Waving to a man up in a tree
Waving towards a person situated in a tree
I put the numbers in my little book
I store the numbers within my small book
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.