Trees
The Oh Hellos Lyrics


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Climbing trees like we did when we were children
Scaling walls; the walls that took us years to build

Climbing trees; haven't much since we were children
Shaking limbs tend to end up bent and broken
Safe inside the walls we built, we found ourselves a home

Higher branches, harder fall
Hesitation stops us all

Oh, you'll never know

Climbing trees; haven't much since we were children




Shaking limbs tend to end up bent and broken
But heartache pales in comparison to love

Overall Meaning

The Oh Hello's's song Trees is a nostalgic and introspective take on the journey of growing up and the various obstacles one encounters along the way. The lyrics take us back to childhood, when climbing trees was a favorite pastime. The act of climbing trees represented a sense of adventure, fearlessness, and a willingness to take risks. However, the lyrics also suggest that as we grow older, we tend to become more cautious and hesitant. We build walls around ourselves, both literally and metaphorically, in order to protect ourselves from the dangers of the world. These walls may provide safety, but they also limit us and prevent us from reaching higher heights.


The lyrics also touch upon the theme of loss and heartbreak. While we may encounter broken and bent limbs in the pursuit of climbing trees, these physical wounds pale in comparison to the emotional pain of heartache. The chorus of the song, "Higher branches, harder fall; Hesitation stops us all; Oh, you'll never know," emphasizes the fear and uncertainty that often hold us back from taking risks or chasing our dreams.


Overall, Trees is a beautifully written and introspective song that speaks to the universal experience of growing up, facing obstacles, and learning to move forward despite the fear and pain.


Line by Line Meaning

Climbing trees like we did when we were children
We remember the freedom and joy we felt as children when we climbed trees.


Scaling walls; the walls that took us years to build
We have built emotional walls over the years that have taken a long time to construct and protect us.


Climbing trees; haven't much since we were children
We don't climb trees as much as we used to, perhaps because we have lost some of that childlike wonder or fearlessness.


Shaking limbs tend to end up bent and broken
We are more cautious now and fear getting hurt if we take risks, like the shaky limbs of a tree that can lead to injury or damage.


Safe inside the walls we built, we found ourselves a home
We feel secure within our emotional walls, which have become our sanctuary and sense of home.


Higher branches, harder fall
The greater the risk or height of a situation, the harder the fall or outcome if we fail.


Hesitation stops us all
Our fear and reluctance to take risks can hold us back and prevent us from experiencing new things or reaching our potential.


Oh, you'll never know
We may hide our true feelings and experiences, making others unaware of what we have been through or what we are capable of.


But heartache pales in comparison to love
Despite the risks and potential for heartache, the rewards of love and connection outweigh the pain and make it worthwhile.




Contributed by Leo C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Soda

Climbing trees, like we did when we were children.
Scaling walls, the walls that took us years to build.
Climbing trees, haven't much since we were children.
Shaking limbs, tend to end up bent and broken.
Safe inside, the walls we built we found ourselves a home.
Higher branches, harder fall.
Hesitation stops us all
Higher branches, harder fall.
Hesitation stops us all.
Higher branches, harder fall.
Hesitation stops us all.
Higher branches, harder fall.
(Oh you'll never know)
Hesitation stops us all.
Oh you'll never know.
Oh you'll never know.
Oh you'll never know.
Climbing trees.
Haven't much since we were children.
Shaking limbs, tend to end up bent and broken.
But heartache,
Pales in comparison to love.



All comments from YouTube:

John Fereira

My 16 year old son introduced me to The Oh Hello's and I have been listening to everything from the group that I can find. I am 65 years old. Just wonderful music.

hm

You and your son have fabulous taste

Lémon_bunní

My dad introduced me to them and I’ve been listening to them for like 2 years IM OBSESSED (not going to share my age tho lol)

Icaruss Arts

Fandom memes introduced me to The Oh Hellos. I've never been so obsessed with a musical group.

Stephanie Janong

I got here from a couple of speedpaints. Never turned back ever since. The Oh Hellos my dearly beloved <3

Hannah Mills

My friend introduced me to them simply by talking about them nonstop, lol. I'm here because I'm finally listening to their entire discography.

2 More Replies...

🏳️‍🌈garlic bread slays

this song has been such a comfort to me, especially recently with how my mental health is deteriorating ever-so-slowly but surely.

this reminds me that there's things in life that makes it worth fighting.

the birds outside my window. the sky. the bugs going about their day as if i'm not even there.
the trees.

the fleeting moments of contentment.

Macarons n Cheese

😊

Danny Weiss

This song was used in our wedding video.  I had never heard it before, but now it's a constant reminder of the start to the best thing that's ever happened to me.  Every time I hear it, I'm torn between dancing and crying and praying.  You guys are wonderful

Phinehas Taylor

That's so beautiful

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