Heartache
The Willow And The Builder Lyrics

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Heartache
Don't come near me
Dark days
Stay away from me
Willow
Lay here with me

Sadness

Don't come closer
Longing
Your days are numbered

Willow hanging over
Stay here as long as you like
Bow your branches lower
Guard me from the night

Heartache
Don't come near me

Willow you can have me
Keep me from the crow
And if those calicoes come scratching
Don't ever let me go

Willow! Willow!
I was there when your branches broke

Overall Meaning

The song "Heartache" by The Willow And The Builder is an emotional song that speaks about pain, longing, and seeking comfort. The first two lines indicate a desire for distance from heartache and dark days. The singer then looks to find solace in the arms of a weeping willow tree, a symbol of mourning and grief.

The lyrics convey a sense of fear and despair as the singer tries to evade sadness and the pain it brings. The willow tree, however, provides a protective embrace and a shelter from the hurt. The tree is personified, as it is given the role of a caretaker and protector against the "calicoes," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggles that threaten to pull the singer back into a cycle of sadness and pain.

The chorus serves as a repetition and emphasis to the plea to stay away from heartache, while the verses reveal a need for companionship with the willow tree. The song ends on the note of the singer having been there for the tree in its moment of need. Overall, "Heartache" is a poignant song that speaks to the human experience of seeking comfort in times of pain.

Line by Line Meaning

Heartache
Feeling of emotional pain

Don't come near me
I do not want to experience more emotional pain

Dark days
Difficult and challenging times

Stay away from me
I need space to deal with my struggles

Willow
A tree often associated with resilience and protection

Lay here with me
Offering comfort and support during difficult times

Sadness
Feeling of sorrow and melancholy

Don't come closer
I do not want to be consumed by my sadness

Longing
A strong desire or yearning for something

Your days are numbered
My longing will eventually come to an end

Willow hanging over
The protection and shelter offered by the resilient willow tree

Stay here as long as you like
Take as much time as you need to seek comfort and healing

Bow your branches lower
Provide even more protection and security

Guard me from the night
Keep me safe from the darkness and negativity

Willow you can have me
I trust the protection of the willow tree

Keep me from the crow
Protect me from negative and harmful external influences

And if those calicoes come scratching
Even if difficulties and struggles persist

Don't ever let me go
Continue to provide protection and support through adversity

Willow! Willow!
An expression of gratitude and admiration for the protective qualities of the willow tree

I was there when your branches broke
I know the willow tree has been through its own struggles and challenges, but it has remained resilient and protective

Contributed by Charlie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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