The tops of trees are on fire
And tonight these torches give us light
That we might have some direction in our lives.
But I can't see much of anything right now.
No I can't see.
I watched you come home from the mountains.
We all just thought it was a bad dream,
But in reality we knew the honest to god truth.
Now all we ask is a little sympathy from the clouds.
Now isn't it fate we're chasing after?
Or is she chasing after us?
Or has she come to kiss us our death depart?
We finally have a full understanding,
But I wish it wasn't on these terms.
Friend to friend.
I would do anything to make it end.


Lyrics submitted by rjbucs28

The Tops of Trees Are on Fire Lyrics as written by Scott Windsor

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

The Tops Of Trees Are On Fire song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

1 Comment

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    For some reason I feel like this could be about cancer. Dealing with an imminent death, or something tragic, at least.

    Something has gone wrong and it's supposed to give them perspective, but they can't fathom it, or don't want to. They wanted to believe it wasn't true, but deep down, they knew it was, so now they're just wishing for a little sympathy, a little time to deal with it since they can't make it stop. Death (and/or life) is questioned, before finally coming to accept it, though wishing it didn't have to be that way.

    That's what I got out of it, anyway. Regardless of the real meaning, I think it has great imagery.

    smileforthecameraon March 02, 2007   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.