Tree Snake Son

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a deceptively simple guide to life, advising to "Plant a tree" and "Kiss a girl." It's an unhurried vision of patience and simple joys. But this pastoral scene quickly gives way to a more pragmatic philosophy. The central message emerges fast: the world is what you make it. This initial optimism is soon tempered by a starker reality. The shift from nurturing a tree to "Kill a snake" introduces a tougher, more confrontational aspect of life. The advice evolves from gentle encouragement to a stoic acceptance that "what's done is done" and that "Hard rains fall and cold winds blow." This contrast highlights the dual nature of existence – moments of peace alongside unavoidable challenges. The recurring chorus acts as a grounding mantra, emphasizing personal agency: if you see a chance, you take it. Crucially, this agency is tied to emotional discipline, repeatedly urging "feelings under control." The final iteration sharpens this, declaring that one's feelings are all you can control. This isn't about suppressing emotion, but recognizing it as the ultimate internal frontier where true power resides. The bridge adds an introspective layer, acknowledging the ease of self-absorption and the illusion of external saviors, stating "there's nobody else." This reinforces the self-reliance theme. The final chorus then introduces a specific moral imperative: "don't break it," referring to a heart given. This adds a vital dimension, suggesting that while personal control is paramount, it must also extend to ethical responsibility in relationships, making the overall message both empowering and deeply accountable.