Family Tree
Falling Leaves of Family Ties: Mason Jennings' Poetic Reflection
Lyrics
Well all the dreams have gone from my worried mind
Expressing a loss of dreams and concerns in the speaker's mind.
Ain't no pretty pictures left by luck's design
There are no positive outcomes or fortunate circumstances left due to luck.
And baby, i'm just a leaf hanging on my family tree
The speaker sees themselves as a small, insignificant part of their family tree.
I'm just a leaf hanging on my family tree
Reiteration of the speaker's position as a leaf on their family tree.
And it's a weak branch that's been hanging me
Feeling vulnerable and unsupported, as indicated by the weak branch.
April if you may comes to june and july
Referring to the passage of time from April to June and July.
All these months to the flame and still no butterfly boy
Despite time passing, there's still no positive transformation ("butterfly boy").
I'm just a leaf blowing on my family tree
The speaker envisions themselves as a leaf blown by the wind on their family tree.
I'm just a leaf blowing on my family tree
Reiteration of being a leaf blown on the family tree, emphasizing lack of control.
And it's strong wind that's been blowing me
Feeling subjected to powerful forces beyond their control (strong wind).
Baby don't you cry
An encouragement to a baby not to cry, suggesting reassurance.
It won't matter to you
Assurance that certain matters won't affect the baby.
'cause every bad life goes by and your mama loves you
Acknowledging the passing of difficult times, emphasizing maternal love.
Yes she does
Affirmation of maternal love for the child.
Now there's alotta good things that my daddy did but
Acknowledging positive aspects of the speaker's father, but highlighting challenges of an unplanned child.
There ain't no burden like an unplanned kid
Emphasizing the significant burden of an unplanned child.
And baby, i'm falling now don't know where i'm gonna land
The speaker feels like they are falling without a clear destination.
I'm falling now don't know where i'm gonna land
Reiteration of the uncertainty and lack of control in the speaker's life.
Half in the shadows, honey, and half in the light, that's right
Describing the speaker's existence as partly in shadows and partly in light, symbolizing a mix of struggles and positivity.
Baby don't you cry
Reassuring the baby not to cry, suggesting the transient nature of difficulties.
It won't matter to you
Reiteration that certain matters won't impact the baby.
It won't matter to you
-'cause every bad life goes by and your mama loves you
Emphasizing the passing of difficult times and the enduring love of the mother for the child.
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