Lyric discussion by l3olov3r 

Cover art for The Gold Finch And The Red Oak Tree lyrics by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

to me the gold finch signifies a universal teacher (jesus?) who walks the earth spreading her influence about the beauty and goodness of the earth. the red oak trees grow wherever she goes as her wisdom spreads over the earth and when she is tired from teaching or being persecuted she knows she can go back to the places where her trees have grown and not be harmed. the trees act a santuary when she can't "carry her cross" or the burdens of the world.

i love this song. it reminds me of my dog who died today. that is why i can't listen to it in public