Redbud Tree Lyrics

[owieri]

...and let's not forget the Mexican promo version of What It Is that was actually longer than the final release!

Good point! The album version might be and very probably will be shorter. 

[koobaa]

If this song was supposed to be a duet (Ruth Moody's contribution) I don't understand why they would edit her out for the single and radio? Doesn't make sense to me. It's almost like cheating. Unless her contribution is not as obvious as we might think. I'm really curious to hear the full unedited version now.

[owieri]

It may just be a coincidence but Connecting "Redbud Tree" to the American Civl War and, in particular, to battles in the Shenandoah Valley reminded me that "Oh Shenandoah" came up as part of the cross-posting on AMIT concerning the nautical themes on PRIVATEERING.

It might be connected to American Civl War in terms of inspiration. But it doesn't have any direct connection.
Looks like just anti-war song. And this is very important topic these days.

[Jules]

The Ruth Moody things is a bit strange, because if you go on her website, she doesn't mention recording with Mark at all, now you would think any artist recording with Mark, especially the first time would want to shout about it?

If you listen to the song with headphones, its pretty clear that there is a woman voice in the backing vocals...

A pitty if Ruth Moody was used just for that but hey, there are 19 more songs, so maybe she

[superval99]

From Guy's forum a while ago:

Q   Hi Guy, Did Ruth and Mark sing a duet? or did she sing backing vocals?

Guy:  A bit of both actually, she was great.

[Jules]

From Guy's forum a while ago:

Q   Hi Guy, Did Ruth and Mark sing a duet? or did she sing backing vocals?

Guy:  A bit of both actually, she was great.

Yes, thats why I say there are 19 songs more...

Maybe in Redbud Tree it was just backing vocals.

[superval99]

I spoke to Ruth after the Transatlantic Sessions show in Gateshead and I mentioned to her that I had heard she was singing on Mark's album.   She said she was amazed that I knew about it.  She said it was a very beautiful album and that some of the songs had made her cry, because they were so beautiful.   She seemed a really nice person and I liked her voice a lot too!   

[shangri la 1]

  Thanks. Nice insight superval99. That's what is so great with AMIT forum. We can get insider information from many different sources to build up pictures in our own minds as to how the new CD's will be.  

[superval99]

From Guy's forum today, one person's explanation of the lyrics:

here is my humble interpretation of Redbud Tree.The tree has heart-shaped leaves and flowers that are pink in color.The character is a fugitive(for whatever reason)and seeks refuge under the tree fearing his death if he is found.He refers to to the tree as "her"(her leaves reaching for his hand)and it may be a metaphor for a female.The tree does not really offer much by way of a hiding place or shelter,yet he remains undetected.The latter part finds him no longer in fear."Yet I am pledged to her" may infer an obligation or debt of some sort,maybe. Then "As to my only one,My love may protect her" may or not denote a separation of sorts and that in his absence,she is protected,maybe.The chorus may mean that the character is asking for the same love and protection in return. Have I nailed it? I hardly think so, but something is always learned in my modest effort to try.You are right though,it is a very cool song.Sorry, but no applause or(ouch) forehead slapping will be forthcoming. Cheers

I agree in the main about this interpretation, particularly the phrase "her leaves reaching for my hand" which now seems to me much more fitting, as the tree is referred to as "her" throughout the song.  

I feel much happier with the lyric now and the song as a whole.      

[Banjo99uk]

Maybe its about that rubbish film Avatar.

[Jules]

Maybe its about that rubbish film Avatar.

Maybe its about half Europe looking for a calm place to die while the other half (the one with the money) looks at them dying...

[sak4]

 

That one rings bells Superval,   the Redbud Tree with heart -shaped leaves also refers to his wife so its a sweetly personal lovesong.


Also found this reference online - a bit heavy

"The Eastern Redbud is also known as

[happy to be here]

Btw, I would also bet that these footstomps are a kicking bass drum?

Did I say already that I LOVE this song? It has a proper intro, lyrics with a deeper meaning, a phantastic guitar solo as only MK can deliver and a nice ending. Just imagine that the next song on the album then will be Haul Away. How much bliss can one man stand!

LE

Great song.  You hear footsteps.  I hear a loudly beating heart.  Beating so loud someone a pursuer might hear it.