Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: power-pop
Song Meaning of “Talking Tree” by Cliff Hillis
The Talking Tree was written by Cliff Hillis at a time when he felt depressed and disconnected with the world around him. He saw the tree as a symbol of his own struggles and a reminder of the things that matter the most in his life.
The song can be understood as a journey in which the protagonist is talking to the tree – a representation of his own life – as an example of how one can find strength even when feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. The lyrics of the song offer insight into the human experience and relay the idea of perseverance despite difficult times.
The chorus speaks of hope and of the understanding of a common goal shared by all of us in life. The talking tree gives the protagonist a sense of comfort in his struggles, helping him to come to terms with the difficult decisions of life: do I listen to what others tell me or stay true to myself?
The tree symbolizes the inner strength and resilience to carry on even when everything looks dark and the world brings sadness and despair. In the chorus, Cliff sings about how he will be “talking to the tree” whenever he is feeling the need for guidance and support.
The Talking Tree can be seen as Cliff’s way of finding solace in dark times, sharing his struggles and reminding himself of the beauty life has to offer even in times of difficulty.