The Trees

Rush

About The Trees

"The Trees" is a song by Canadian rock band Rush, from its 1978 album Hemispheres. The song is also featured on many of Rush's compilation albums, and was long a staple of the band's live performances. On the live album Exit... Stage Left, the song features an extended acoustic guitar introduction titled "Broon's Bane." Rolling Stone readers voted the song number 8 on the list of the 10 best Rush songs. Live365 ranked it the tenth best Rush song. Classic Rock readers voted "The Trees" the band's 11th best song.  


Year:
1990
4:40
352 
#4

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There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas 

The trouble with the maples
And they're quite convinced they're right
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade? 

There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream 'oppression!'
And the oaks, just shake their heads 

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
'The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light'
Now there's no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw

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Rush

Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Lifeson, and drummer, percussionist and lyricist Neil Peart. The band and its membership went through a number of re-configurations between 1968 and 1974, achieving their iconic lineup when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first United States tour. Rutsey's departure stemmed primarily from health concerns regarding his diabetes. In 2015 the band played their final show due to Peart's declining health. more »

17 fans

Written by: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart

Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Concept
- "The Trees" by Rush depicts a fable about trees that mirrors human societal behavior. It tells a story of conflict and unrest between Maples and Oaks, representing class struggle.
Album
- The song is track number three on Rush's 1978 album titled "Hemispheres."
Run Time
- The runtime of "The Trees" is about 4 minutes and 40 seconds.
Musicality
- It is known for its complex musical arrangements, filled with shifting time signatures and sudden tempo changes, signature traits of Rush.
Lyrics and Music
- Like most of Rush's library, "The Trees" was written by band members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, with Peart, the drummer, primarily responsible for the lyrics.
Parody
- It has been interpreted as a parody of unnecessary conflict and the folly of forced equality.
Live Performances
- The song, being a fan favorite, has often been included in the band's flashy live performances.
Music Video
- A promotional video for "The Trees," made for Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, features Rush performing the song on a sound stage.
Recognition
- The song is recognized for Lifeson's guitar work and Lee's synthesizer playing, which adds atmospheric texture to the song.
Meaning
- While Peart has dismissed the idea that "The Trees" possesses any sort of deep philosophical or political message, it's still often considered by fans as an allegory for class warfare or the inherent problems with forcing equality.
Popularity
- Despite not being released as a single, "The Trees" is one of Rush's most popular songs.

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