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


Lyrics submitted by crackermcnacca, edited by Ronyklee

The Trees Lyrics as written by Neil Elwood Peart Geddy Lee Weinrib

Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment

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The Trees song meanings
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    General Comment

    Peart's refutation of collectivism is well-known, and his lyrics often champion individualism. "The Trees" can best be summarized by a Winston Churchill quote:

    "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries."

    Rushianon August 20, 2007   Link

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