Seasandskies, that first bit I take to just be an example of this person's kindness. He invited the narrator (Sufjan I'm supposing) to hang out, or something of the sort, and something as simple as that made such an impression and led to friendship.
As for the fire in the tree, my first impression was a biblical reference but that really doesn't match up with the rest of the song, unless the rest of the lyrics are incredibly vague metaphors for Jesus and what he "did for us." Which I entertain almost as a fancy of sorts but honestly doubt. Perhaps it's just one of those personal experiences that a songwriter puts in that only they truly understand.
That last big I'm not sure about either. I want to say there's significance in an upside down ribbon but I have nothing to back that up with. This is just a guess but the "party to be" gave me the impression that Opie died before the party actually happened. Once again, just a guess. If even. A musing.
Seasandskies, that first bit I take to just be an example of this person's kindness. He invited the narrator (Sufjan I'm supposing) to hang out, or something of the sort, and something as simple as that made such an impression and led to friendship.
As for the fire in the tree, my first impression was a biblical reference but that really doesn't match up with the rest of the song, unless the rest of the lyrics are incredibly vague metaphors for Jesus and what he "did for us." Which I entertain almost as a fancy of sorts but honestly doubt. Perhaps it's just one of those personal experiences that a songwriter puts in that only they truly understand.
That last big I'm not sure about either. I want to say there's significance in an upside down ribbon but I have nothing to back that up with. This is just a guess but the "party to be" gave me the impression that Opie died before the party actually happened. Once again, just a guess. If even. A musing.