Once A Tree debuted with a self-titled EP and the single "Light Me Up". Their first professional EP Thousand Lives, released in 2015 under Toronto-based Foreseen Entertainment, followed the single "Howling", inspired by their childhood religion. They continued working with Foreseen, going on to release their first album Phoenix in 2017. Rolling Stone named them "New Artists You Need to Know" and compared them favourably to Phantogram, Crystal Castles, and Chvrches. Phoenix won Best Electronic Music Album at the 2018 Indigenous Music Awards.
The duo released their second album Fool's Paradise independently in 2020. Fool's Paradise was described as more lighthearted than their previous work, which Hayden attributed to coming "to a much happier place in life". The single "Rush" was filmed in Los Angeles, and the acoustic version featured Boy Pape.
Jayli also acts and releases solo music, such as "Child of the Government" about her First Nations father being taken in the Sixties Scoop; Hayden is a visual artist and photographer. They co-write most of their songs, and produce most of their music videos themselves.
Wild Ride
once a tree Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We’ve been living on this
Wild ride wild ride
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
There’s a fire in the room
And there’s no one else but you
What can I do, what can I do?
It’s a firefight, firefight
We’ve been living on this
Wild ride wild ride
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
I notice how these walls
burn down around us
Now we can see it all
the good the bad
And we wouldn’t have it any other way
Not another path that we would take
I never said it’s easy if you stay
It’s how they say that love’s a burning flame
It’s a firefight, firefight
We’ve been living on this
Wild ride wild ride
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
Don’t cry don’t cry
Now I’m begging you
(X3)
The lyrics of "Wild Ride" by Once a Tree express a sense of chaos and urgency, likening their experiences to a firefight, a situation of high intensity and danger. The repetition of the phrase "firefight" emphasizes the relentlessness of the challenges they are facing, suggesting that they have been navigating through rough and unpredictable circumstances for some time. The idea of a "wild ride" further reinforces this notion of a turbulent and unpredictable journey that they have been on.
The plea not to cry signifies a sense of vulnerability and emotional strain in the face of their struggles. The repeated begging for composure suggests a need to remain strong and resilient despite the overwhelming situation they find themselves in. The image of a fire in the room with only the singer and the listener present implies a sense of intimacy and reliance on each other in the midst of chaos.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of destruction and revelation. The reference to walls burning down around them symbolizes a breaking down of barriers and a newfound clarity in their relationship. By acknowledging both the good and bad aspects that are being revealed, they are embracing a sense of truth and acceptance in the midst of turmoil.
The final verses reflect a sense of acceptance and perseverance in the face of challenges. The acknowledgment that love is a burning flame alludes to the intensity and passion that is required to navigate through difficulties. Despite the hardships they face, there is a sense of determination and commitment to the journey they are on, with the repeated refrain of "Wild ride, wild ride" reinforcing the idea that they are in this tumultuous journey together.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s a firefight, firefight
This relationship is full of challenges and conflicts that we constantly have to battle against.
We’ve been living on this Wild ride wild ride
We have been on an unpredictable and adventurous journey together.
Now I’m begging you Don’t cry don’t cry
I am pleading with you not to show your emotions and vulnerability in a difficult situation.
There’s a fire in the room And there’s no one else but you What can I do, what can I do?
We are facing a crisis together and I am relying on you to help find a solution.
I notice how these walls burn down around us Now we can see it all the good the bad
As our defenses are crumbling, we are able to see the truth, both the positives and the negatives in our relationship.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way Not another path that we would take I never said it’s easy if you stay It’s how they say that love’s a burning flame
Despite the challenges, we wouldn't change a thing about our journey together because love is a powerful and intense force.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Hayden John Kelcey, Jayli Wilson, Hayden Wolf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MD ALONE FF
Just discovered this song and group... thank you for making this day special for letting me know how I feel with the help from your music it's amazing!
Gaming with Sehzada
Love these guys so much..so talented and so underrated
Etsg Eyeh
I know I say it a lot, but I’m seriously amazed every time they release something! True masters of their craft 🖤
Gadaa Tube
Okay. I'm in the loop now. Great song!
legendary gojira & fnaf 1964
This song is so amazing!!!
SRM gaming
Love this song ♥
Rayndrop
I just heard this on CFUV and fell in love immediately☺
25 M subscribers
Keep doing your thing Once a Tree
Nived Ravi
just brilliant!
Nived Ravi
I dont know how ppl sleep on them