Cottonwood

Twenty One Pilots' song "Cottonwood" delves into the complex emotions surrounding loss and memory. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the sudden absence of a significant person in their life. The metaphor of a tree being chopped down, rather than naturally falling in the woods, suggests an unexpected and perhaps premature departure. This imagery evokes a sense of shock and disbelief, as the narrator struggles to come to terms with the finality of the loss.

The recurring theme of looking back in time through a telescope highlights the introspective nature of the song. This metaphor suggests a desire to understand the past and the events leading up to the present moment. The narrator's reflection, already looking back, indicates a preoccupation with memories and the impact of the lost relationship. The repeated phrase "I don't remember" underscores the difficulty of recalling the last interactions, adding to the sense of regret and unresolved emotions.

The song also touches on the duality of emotions experienced in the wake of loss. The narrator questions whether the departed was "sad or brave," reflecting the complexity of human emotions and the difficulty of understanding another's inner world. The repeated line "You tore me up more than you know" conveys the deep emotional impact of the loss, emphasizing the lingering pain and the struggle to move forward. Through its poignant lyrics and evocative metaphors, "Cottonwood" captures the essence of navigating grief and the enduring power of memory.