Sky To Ground
Xavier Rudd & Izintaba Lyrics
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Seen a big old tree still standing tall, two thousand years healthy
I've seen the oldest woman, shaking her head at what went wrong
I drank water from a stream so fresh you couldn′t, see the water at all
At all
I've seen streets so dirty, there is hardly a place to walk
And I've fallen asleep to our bush birds, singing the prettiest songs
I′ve seen all of the pain, and all the murder on TV
The lyrics to Xavier Rudd & Izintaba's song "Sky To Ground" speak to the vast range of experiences that can be found in the world around us. In just a few short paragraphs, the song describes the extremes of life, from the desperation and struggle of babies begging for food, to the longevity and resilience of a tree thousands of years old, to the weariness and disappointment of an elderly woman who has seen too much. The song also emphasizes the power and beauty of the natural world, from the crystal-clear water of a fresh stream to the sweet songs of bush birds. And through it all, the song suggests that there is still something powerful and transcendent about being alive and standing tall on Mother Earth, even in the face of pain and murder and all that would try to tear us down.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve seen babies begging, scratching round for food to eat
I have witnessed impoverished babies struggling to find sustenance.
Seen a big old tree still standing tall, two thousand years healthy
I have observed an ancient and robust tree thriving despite centuries of age and exposure.
I've seen the oldest woman, shaking her head at what went wrong
I have witnessed the oldest member of a community lamenting about the past failures that led to current problems.
I drank water from a stream so fresh you couldn’t, see the water at all
I have indulged in crystal-clear water from a pure stream that was virtually invisible to the eye.
At all
Note: This is a one-word interjection and is considered implicit in the preceding line's meaning.
I've seen streets so dirty, there is hardly a place to walk
I have observed streets so littered and filthy that walking is almost impossible.
And I've fallen asleep to our bush birds, singing the prettiest songs
I have experienced the peaceful sounds of local wildlife, specifically the charming melodies of native birds.
I've seen all of the pain, and all the murder on TV
I have witnessed the pain and violence of the world through news and television.
And I’ve stood free on solid waves, mother earth's greatest treat
Despite the world's challenges, I have found solace and freedom in the ocean's waves, the greatest gift of nature.
Writer(s): Xavier Rudd, Isaac Moloantoa, Andile Nqubezelo
Contributed by Jake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richard Van De Veerdonk
"see the universe connected inside out" another reminder of not only how beautiful nature is but how we are a part of this and just as beautiful. Xavier is such a gift thank you
Dakotah Sumner
One of the most beautiful songs showing the saddening amount of duality in the world but remains on the middle path of the two, just joy! A genuine spirit he is!
Lorraine Boyle
How amazing is this man...His songs make me so emotional and connected to my inner self :). ❤🌸
Lewd Scoff
This album is now in my top 10 of all time :)
Justin H
this song is amazing, xavier rudd and izintaba are gods of music, when i saw this live in antigonish it brought tears to my eyes
wak rob
Powerfull song !!!!!!!! amazing poet very talented........
kiims sharia
I saw them in Asheville, NC a few months ago... it was beautiful! They are a must see band
Gangy
Thank you Nicole !!!! Album now a prized part of my collection xxx
DieDicken
105 peaceful chillers, 0 non chillers, that says all about xavier rudd
nk
I love it