Under The Tree

The song 'Under The Tree' by SiM, a Japanese reggae punk band known for their fusion of various music genres, encapsulates a sense of longing and a desire for connection. The lyrics open with questions that suggest a search for someone who is absent, and perhaps a yearning for understanding and direction. The repeated questions 'Where are you at?' and 'Where have you been?' indicate a feeling of loss or separation, while 'Where are we heading?' and 'What did you mean?' imply a deeper quest for meaning in a relationship or life's journey.

The imagery of a bird, a butterfly, and a red scarf, juxtaposed with memories and healing, evokes a sense of nostalgia and the delicate nature of recollection. These symbols may represent fleeting moments or fragile aspects of life that the speaker wishes to preserve. The mention of a wall, an owl, and a forgotten wharf further adds to the atmosphere of abandonment and the passage of time, as the lyrics acknowledge the inevitability of aging 'second by second.'

The chorus, with its plaintive 'Why, oh, why?' questions, expresses a deep emotional plea. The artist is seeking to understand the reasons behind a loved one's departure or emotional distance. The repeated lines 'Don't you wanna stay with me?' and 'Are you giving up on me?' highlight a fear of being left behind or forsaken. The song concludes with a promise of protection and a willingness to wait for the absent person, symbolized by the tree under which the artist offers shelter and solace. This tree could be a metaphor for a place of safety, stability, and love amidst the uncertainties of life.