Redwood Tree

Song Meaning

Van Morrison's "Redwood Tree" isn't just a folksy ramble; it's a concentrated dose of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring power of nature to heal. The song meaning operates on multiple levels, contrasting youthful innocence with the harsher realities of adulthood. The opening verse, with its image of a boy and his dog chasing rainbows, establishes a yearning for a simpler time, a prelapsarian state of joy and boundless possibility. That "blue streak" energy, the laughter echoing through meadows, feels almost mythical, a half-remembered Eden. But the lyrics subtly hint at an impending fall. The quest for the rainbow, inherently unattainable, foreshadows the disappointments to come. The narrative then pivots, and the carefree boy is now a man, searching not for rainbows but for a lost dog, accompanied by his father. This shift marks a significant loss of innocence. Unlike the initial quest, this search ends in explicit failure: "They did not bring him back / He already had departed." The repetition emphasizes the finality of death and the pain of absence. Yet, amidst this somber tone, Morrison offers a glimmer of hope. The lyrics stress what they have "learned" since that day, suggesting that even in loss, there is growth and understanding to be found. This acknowledgement of life's inherent pain, coupled with resilience, is key to understanding the song’s deeper emotional landscape. The recurring chorus, a plea to the "redwood tree," acts as a grounding force throughout this emotional journey. The redwood isn't merely a tree; it's a symbol of shelter, protection, and enduring strength. The line, "When we were young we used to go / Under the redwood tree," reinforces the connection to childhood innocence and the desire to return to that state of safety. The smell of rain, even thunder, doesn't evoke fear but rather a sense of cleansing and renewal. The redwood offers sanctuary from the storms of life, both literal and metaphorical. Ultimately, "Redwood Tree" is a poignant meditation on the cyclical nature of life, loss, and the enduring power of nature to provide solace and a sense of continuity in the face of inevitable change.