Intro

In Rush’s “The Trees,” the forest is more than nature’s sanctuary; it’s a stage for societal commentary. Here, trees personify societal factions, their natural traits symbolizing deeper human conflicts. This isn’t mere backdrop but a narrative driver, where the characteristics of oaks and maples reflect human emotions and societal structures, setting the stage for a tale of equality, conflict, and resolution.

Lyrics

There is unrest in the forest
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
They say, “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

Interpretation

“The Trees” by Rush is an allegorical song that uses the natural world, specifically a forest of trees, to explore themes of inequality, conflict, and enforced conformity. Each stanza develops this narrative by personifying the trees, giving them human emotions and agency. Here’s a breakdown of the themes and narrative connections in each stanza:

Unrest and Inequality

The opening lines introduce unrest in the forest — the maples want more sunlight, but the oaks, taller and larger, block the light. This sets up a scenario of perceived inequality, with the maples feeling oppressed.

Conflict and Resentment

The maples believe they’re in the right, resenting the oaks for taking all the sunlight (“they grab up all the light”). This highlights the conflict, with the maples feeling overshadowed, both literally and figuratively.

Innate Characteristics and Dissatisfaction

The oaks are described as being unable to change their nature (“can’t help their feelings”). They’re puzzled by the maples’ discontent with the natural order (“why the maples can’t be happy in their shade”), indicating a lack of understanding or empathy for those in different circumstances.

Escalation and Polarization

The conflict escalates, causing a broader disturbance affecting all forest creatures. The maples label their situation as “oppression,” while the oaks remain unmoved. This reflects societal polarization, where opposing groups can’t reach an understanding.

Action and Demand for Equality

The maples take organized action (“formed a union”) and demand change. They accuse the oaks of greed and seek equitable rights, mirroring social or political movements that arise in response to perceived injustices.

Enforced Conformity and Equal Outcome

The conclusion is darkly ironic. A “noble law” is passed to ensure all trees are equal, but this equality is enforced through destructive means (“hatchet, axe, and saw”). It suggests a critique of enforced conformity or equality of outcome achieved through violent or authoritarian measures, leading to a loss of diversity and vitality.

The song uses the metaphor of the forest to comment on human societal issues, warning of the dangers of both inequality and enforced conformity, while also pointing out the complexities of resolving conflicts arising from inherent differences.

Contrarian Views

1. Natural Order: The song might be less about societal critique and more about the inevitability of natural hierarchies, emphasizing that disruption leads to chaos.
2. Anti-Collectivism: Instead of a call for equality, the song could be a warning against the loss of individuality and the dangers of enforced collectivism.
3. Conflict Absurdity: The lyrics might underscore the pointlessness of conflicts arising from unwillingness to accept natural diversity, advocating for coexistence rather than confrontation.
4. Pessimism and Fatalism: The narrative could reflect a belief in the unavoidable destructive outcome of societal progress or the futility of utopian ideals.
5. Utopian Skepticism: The ending may serve as a cynical commentary on the pursuit of perfection, suggesting that utopian pursuits often lead to oppressive, dystopian realities.

A Few Other Songs with Parts of the Tree as a Metaphor

1. Roots:
   • “Roots Before Branches” by Room for Two uses roots as a metaphor for stability and identity before reaching out for new experiences or changes (the branches).
2. Branches:
   • “Branches” by Midlake uses branches to represent different paths or choices in life, possibly suggesting the complexities and diverging journeys we undertake.
3. Leaves:
   • “Leaves That Are Green” by Simon & Garfunkel uses the changing leaves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and love, highlighting impermanence and change.
4. Tree Rings:
   • “Rings” by Aesop Rock uses the tree rings metaphorically to discuss the passage of time and the layers of experiences that build up our lives, indicating growth and change.
5. Seeds:
   • “The Seed” by Aurora uses the metaphor of a seed to symbolize potential and growth, but also the care and conditions needed for someone or something to thrive.