Lyric discussion by dibo 

This is a beautiful song, no doubt, but the second verse in particular is one of the most beautiful uses of imagery I've heard in a long time.

The tree is quite obviously representative of the writer and, quite frankly, makes me want to plant a tree for my kids if/when I have them.

The line "branches were sewn by the color green" indicates the tree/writer has grown into a healthy mature being.

That said, the "cracks of the skin" with which the tree was climbed indicate that the growth experienced has not been without some difficulties/scars. The fact that the tree was climbed by these cracks is very poignant in the sense that we typically learn/grow from our mistakes and, provided we actually learn/grow, this is what allows us to "rise" and see the world.

The last part of this verse almost brought me to tears when I first heard it simply because of the simplicity of the comparison... hanging on for dear life atop a tree blowing in the wind is very much like hanging on for dear life amidst a dying love. I think we've all been there and I'm not sure I need to say much more.

Ultimately I think this song stands for the notion that, no matter how solid or stable or satisfying something is (whether it be a house, your beliefs or a relationship), nothing is permanent and no matter how tightly we hold onto things/people, sometimes they disappear anyway. Although it is sad in a certain respect, I think it really speaks more to enjoying the moments we have when we have them without any expectations of permanence. In other words, we can either focus on the tragedy of the fleeting nature of these things; the difficulty of choice between a past life and a new one; or we can focus on the beauty of the moments in which we live and have lived and will continue to live with the knowledge that they too will pass.

stupid and naive interpretation

@dibo Beautiful interpretation. Don't listen to old "BBOGHEAD".

If you must hold on to anything, let it be the fruits of those seemingly permanent harvests.

@dibo You have pinpoint insight and write lyrically. You have to be a writer by trade! Thanks for the deconstruction and interpretation ;)

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