Lyrics

NIGHTS IN A TREE

(Xolani Kacela)

Verse 1
Children like me spend days sifting dirt for diamonds
Nights in the breeze, if we find bark to climb
Holding tight on branches, no peace in high places
Hiding from hunters, leaving behind no traces

Chorus
One eye is open as the world falls asleep
Poachers fear bees guarding these leaves
My parents got killed by an unhinged militia
No roof, no room, I spend my nights in a tree

Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be
Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be

Verse 2
I'm despised by the world, but sought by thieves
Fear lives in my breath, danger never leaves
Every shadow I see aims to steal my light
If the universe is listening, grant my birthright

Chorus
One eye is open as the world falls asleep
Poachers fear bees guarding these leaves
My parents got killed by an unhinged militia
No roof, no room, I spend my nights in a tree

Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be
Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be

Bridge
Each sunrise feels like something close to a miracle
Night swings a blade that's wordless, cold, and clinical
Threatening to spill the blood that keeps me alive
I've spent my life surviving, never learning to thrive

Chorus
One eye is open as the world falls asleep
Poachers fear bees guarding these leaves
My parents got killed by an unhinged militia
No roof, no room, I spend my nights in a tree

Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be
Nights in a tree, nights in a tree, not how life's meant to be


©2025 Xolani Kacela, ASCAP, xolani.kacela@gmail.com, 919-949-2002