Story Behind The Song
The story likens a person's changing to a river that eats at the banks and the same person remaining the same like an old tree next to the river. The individual in the song finds peace as he or she seeks to pass on the things that are true to others who w
Song Description
This song is about an individual's remaining constant even in a world that is forever changing in all ways. It is also about love and the ability to hold onto it in a world where hate is so prevalent.
Song Length |
3:57 |
Genre |
Folk - Country, Rock - Easy Listening |
Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Peaceful, Relaxed |
Subject |
Change, Happiness |
Similar Artists |
Eric Clapton, James Taylor |
Language |
English |
Era |
1970 - 1979 |
| |
Lyrics
Like a burning candle my life keeps getting shorter
And to go on losing keeps on getting harder.
Like a tall oak tree, I'm more rooted everyday
But as the river widens, I'm changing in every way.
You might say,
I'm like a rooted tree in a widening river
I must keep changing yet stay together
To rightly receive and justly deliver
Words and things from taker to giver.
Love and hate are feelings that no one really owns.
When the dove of love flies toward you
The hawk of hate has flown.
Hate can be tamed by anyone
I see it more and more
You can hold on love forever
If you just open up the door.
Whatever I pursue seems to slap me in the face
Forces me to turn around and go a slower pace
Whenever I am about to get
What I've wanted for so long
The widening river calls me
To sing a different song
I'm like a rooted tree in a widening river
I must keep changing yet stay together
To rightly receive and justly deliver
Words and things from taker to giver.
Whenever I try to force my way
Upon this universe
I'm also forced to watch my life
Turn slowly for the worse
Then tears will come and blind my eyes
Yet let me see where I've gone wrong
With the tears rest will come
That's where I belong.
I'm like a rooted tree in a widening river
I must keep ... changing.