T H E T R E E S
The Trees, by Rush, commences with soothing strings
and gentle vocals by Geddy Lee as an arboreal struggle is introduced. There
exists two rival factions, the oaks and the maples, where the point of
contention of the song is oaks stealing all of the sunlight, while maples lie
under the oaks’ looming shadow.
Breaking
their silence, the maples voice their concerns to the oaks. The energy of the
song is heightened as the instruments change from a soft lute to a raging
guitar. However, the oaks stand indifferent to the maples’ grievances. This
song mirrors many revolutions where either a class or a more specific group of
people is being oppressed to the point where they reach their limit. Ultimately
the oppressed organize and resist the powers that bind them.
Emulating
the class struggle seen in France in 1789, the oaks appear to be analogous to
the French nobility. Similar to how the Estate-General was summoned to attempt
to settle the conflict, the maples vocalize their wishes for equal share of sunlight
to the oaks, only for them to ignore the maples. After organizing, the violent
Jacobins took control of the revolutionaries, turning the movement in a violent
direction. Similar to how the oaks were logged to preserve equality in the
forest, the Jacobins incited the Reign of Terror, whereby countless people were
killed in order to maintain public safety.
The
tone of the song plays a critical role in the description of the narrative. The
song employs lengthy instrumentals to conjure and enhance immersion in the
story. While providing energy to scenes of conflict, the instrumentals
similarly provide time to contemplate the implication behind the lyrics. In the
end of the song, the maples succeed in their revolution. Triumphing over the
oaks, the maples institute equal rights enforced by violent means.
After
listening only once, one might denote this song as having a simplistic
connotation, when in fact I discover a new feature every time I listen. I thoroughly
enjoy The Trees, by Rush, as it is a diversity of high energy to peaceful
instrumentation. The lyrics provoke thought and insight and leave me feeling
conflicted towards the outcome of the arboreal struggle.
After listening to the song, I agree with your analysis. The struggle between the Oaks and Maples for sunlight does, indeed, share similarities between the class conflicts that plagued 1790s France. However, I can see a resemblance to the American Revolution as well. Like the territorial disputes between the Maples and the Oaks, the Colonies wished to rid of British rule impeding on their land. Just as the Oaks were logged in response to the Maple's complaints, the Colonies responded by leading a war against the British, resulting in their demise.
ReplyDeleteYour analogy to the French Revolution probably makes the most sense out of anything else. As you say, the maples feel oppressed and end up rising up to destroy the oaks, keeping everyone equal "by hatchet, axe, and saw" (if I'm hearing the lyrics right). It gives this idea that you've gone from one oppressive regime to another, similar to how the French revolted, only to instate a government built around fear and violence. I like you're comparisons with this song and those ideas. I think the structure of the music does pretty good justice to the form of the lyrics and ideas. Truly good music taste 👌
ReplyDeleteI always love discovering new music, and this was no exception. The lyrics paint an interesting picture, discussing topics I would not normally ponder. I especially enjoy the background instruments and the interludes within the song. I also think the song did a wonderful job of weaving the different parts of the music together. Out of curiosity, how did you discover this song, like what led you to it?
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