This is one of my favorite songs by Rush. Its called "The Trees." It is about a quarrel that breaks out in the forest between the maples and the oaks. The maples represent African-Americans (as I understand it) and the oaks represent white Americans. This song was written shortly after the Civil Rights movement. It just has a really powerful message and it makes you think about racism a little bit different. In the song, the maples complain that they don't get enough light because the oaks take it all up. The oaks think that the maples should be happy in their shade. My favorite part of the song is the end:
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.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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10 comments:
Interesting song. What does the hatchet, axe, and saw line refer to?
I think this is an interesting topic and the song really fits in well. I was wondering if this is your actual paragraph or not. I had trouble locating a thesis and I think you could be a bit more persuasive about your point, whatever it may be.
This song is quite interesting. I agree it might be lacking a thesis though.
I really like that quote Stevie, it makes you think a lot about the civil rights movement and the impact it had on the US. It makes me appreciate the hardships people went through to give everyone the same rights.
This song has a really interesting metaphor. I don't think I have ever thought about the Civil Rights Movement in this way. I am confused on the "hatchet, axe, and saw" part though, it seems to contradict the "equality".
This song certainly appeals to the reader's emotions. The Civil Rights movement was a tough time in our nation's history. The lyrics of this song illustrate this very nicely.
Awesome analogy! I think that rush is a great group but i've never heard this song. I love the symbolism of racism during America's history. But i also wonder what the last lines really symbolize.
I really enjoyed the relation this quote has to racism. It puts emphasis on the importance of the Civil Rights movement. I'm sure what the last line means but maybe it is contradicting the equality becuase racism has never fully diminished.
In response to everyone's comment about the hatchet, axe and saw line, I'm not exactly sure what they meant by this, but I think that's what makes it amazing. It lets you put your own meaning to it. I think that maybe it shows that in order for us all to be equal, we all have to make sacrifices. But what do you all think?
I really like your take of this song. It definitely has an interesting message. I found it a little tough to understand when first reading, but after the second time I was able to grasp the principles. Great ideas!
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