Elijah Palnik and Jeremy Shanas are taking American music in a new direction. The Northwoods restore the beauty of poetry to its rightful place in today's music through rich, soulful vocal harmonies and an occasional dose of funky, percussive rhythms.
Voted BEST NEW BAND OF ST. LOUIS 2009 - The Riverfront Times - St. Louis's most respected music magazine.
Tree
The Northwoods Lyrics
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Then who and what are we
I am you and you are me
Don't you see
If the wind is just the wind
Where's it end where's it begin
Does it know how long its been
Come wonder with me
And when times get tough
And friends they scream your name with shades of fire
I'll be waiting
When the flowers up and bloom
I can't help but assume
That my mind is your own room
And you're comfortable
If a tree just a tree
Then who and what are we
Are we gentle are we free
I wonder
Come wonder with me
In The Northwoods' song "Tree", the lyrics explore the idea of unity amongst all things in nature. The repetition of the words "I am you and you are me" emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the idea that we are not so different from one another. The comparison between a tree and ourselves prompts us to ponder our place in the world and our relationship with nature. It raises the question, if a tree is just a tree, then what makes us any different?
The second verse delves deeper into the mystery of nature, asking where the wind begins and ends and if it knows how long it's been. This echoes the philosophical inquiry about our place in the universe and the perpetual cycle of existence. The invitation to "come wonder with me" encourages the listener to pause and contemplate these big questions about nature and existence.
Line by Line Meaning
If a tree is just a tree
Are we just living beings like a tree, existing and consuming resources?
Then who and what are we
Who are we supposed to be and what is our purpose in life?
I am you and you are me
We are all connected and share the same human experience.
Don't you see
Can't you see and understand the connection between us?
If the wind is just the wind
Is the wind just a natural element or does it carry a deeper meaning?
Where's it end where's it begin
Does the wind have a starting and end point or is it infinite?
Does it know how long its been
Is the wind aware of its existence and longevity?
I wonder
These questions fill me with curiosity.
Come wonder with me
Join me in exploring these questions and seeking answers.
And when times get tough
In times of difficulties and challenges,
And friends they scream your name with shades of fire
When friends call for your help with urgency and passion,
I'll be waiting
I'll be there for you and support you through your struggles.
When the flowers up and bloom
During the season of bloom and growth of the flowers,
I can't help but assume
I can't help but believe and have faith
That my mind is your own room
That our minds are connected and we share similar thoughts and emotions.
And you're comfortable
And you feel at ease with our connection and shared experiences.
Are we gentle are we free
Do we have the capacity to be kind and compassionate? Are we truly able to fulfill our potential?
I wonder
These questions continue to fill me with curiosity and wonder.
Come wonder with me
Let's explore these questions and seek answers together.
Contributed by Claire T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.