I think you're right about Tyler talking to god and every time I look deeper into twenty one pilots lyrics of I watch one of these videos I question why I like it so much, why I scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs when I feel like nobody's watching because I'm an atheist/agnostic what every ypu wanna call it. I mean I have nothing against people who are religious as long as they keep their religion out of my face but generally I try to stay away from any religion. But twenty one pilots just pulls me in like a magnet. And so I've been thinking: Why do Tyler's lyrics speak to me as much as they do. And as far as I've come it is because he just pours his heart and soul into his songs. He doesn't do anything to keep up an image or make something way more dramatic it just feels like his unfiltered thoughts. And it's refreshing because in my childhood everything was complicated, if I said something wrong my parents would get mad and so I avoided talking to them and if I really had to I would formulate this one sentence as best as I could to not upset anyone and really from the time I was about 12 nobody really knew me anymore because there was so much depression, so much anxiety that I couldn't talk about because it would have upset people. So what does my younger self, having listened to alternative music for as long as I can remember and having played guitar for quite some time? I wrote songs. And it's just really nice to see Tyler write all his songs from his emotions to basically vent just like I did and still do.
I aprreciate it :) if it moves or inspires at least one person it's totally worth being this open because somebody might need to hear this and as a musician you wanna reach those people.
What blew me away when I first heard "Trees" was its articulation of something that I couldn’t describe. I’ve never literally gone outside and yelled for God, but I know the feeling of being out in nature, particularly in a wooded area, and just feeling like there’s something (or Someone) there. Tied to this is the heartache of longing, which for me can come at any time, but mostly when I’m alone, walking or driving somewhere. I’d almost say “Trees” has elements of ‘joy’ as C.S. Lewis defined it: “an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction”.
This is exactly how I feel about Trees. Thank you for articulating it so beautifully I was unable to find the words to describe the feeling I have when I hear it :) |-/
You're welcome; I'm glad to know I've described more than just my own perpective. It's funny - I was talking about "Trees" describing something I couldn't find words for, and now I've found words you couldn't. Maybe it's your turn next to find someone's words for them! :)
That makes me think of dancer Martha Graham's quote that ends with "No artist is pleased. (There is) no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others." Which moves me to thinking about Purpose, and creativity, and spirituality. I don't necessarily believe in God, but for me there is that inner drive to express myself creatively, and perhaps through that to address the inner yearning to connect with that which we cannot see or fully comprehend while locked in this limited human frame. I know that some artists feel that their work is their own way of praying, of offering themselves up to that greater mystery.
trees is so powerful. i heard somewhere that Josh sometimes can't even get through the whole song, without getting chocked up. i ball my eyes out every time 😅
Before I started listening to twenty one pilots like 3 yrs ago I rarely went to church. Maybe once a year or so. But when I dig a little deeper into his lyrics, it made me curious. Maybe he really is getting some answers. So I started goin to church. Still no answers but it made me feel lighter. Just talking/praying made me feel that there is actually someone listening. No answers but atleast someone heard me i think.
I think the intensity of the 'hellos' increases to show that he is putting his entire soul into finding God and connecting with Him. He is trying so hard to hear a response, almost as if God can't hear him, so he needs to raise his voice to the point of screaming. Also, I think Tyler just likes screaming.
i love this. i also find myself relating to tyler when he sings these lyrics-- when i went to one of their concerts back in 2015 i felt like i was worshipping God when they performed trees. this song is v personal to me and, i think, brings me closer to God when i feel far from Him.
I personally have always felt like "trees" refers to the phrase " in the woods" meaning you're in trouble or lost or have problems that strike the soul. And when he sais, " I know where you stand, silent in the trees and that's where I am, silent in the trees. Why won't you speak where I happen to be, silent in the trees, standing cowardly" I think he's meaning that he knows you have problems and he does too. And he wants to know why you won't open up, but at the same time he hasn't really opened up himself and you both are trying to run away from you're problems. The "hellos" at the end could be him reaching out to his fans. And that "mythical" feeling could be the connection he has with his fans that not many people have.
I feel like this many times This songs is why I started listening to their music I play this song everyday on my way to work it just give me faith in something bigger then us
For me it's just "hope" Cause when he says "I want to know you" That's exactly what some one who is depressed would feel like.. They just want some hope...and a reason to live. . . . And that's the best thing about TØP, we all have our own interpretations of the lyrics based on our experiences!
I've never thought about approaching 'Tree' 's lyrics in a Christian or religious way, partcually because i'm atheis, and partcually because i have always look at it in another way: for me it has an enormously deep meaning looking at it in a "relation with other people" kind of way. Since the first time i heard the lyrics i related with the idea of being so scared of failing and being so afraid of the judgment to have to hide cowardly behind a tree, knowing that the person i want to interact with is so close that i can feel her breath, but i cant do anything, blocked by my own thoughts. So it became just like the 'I want to know you I want to see I want to say Hello' part, without being able of doing anything, just keep screaming hello internally in my mind, hoping that this person will hear me, but, of course its not gonna happen.. Sorry for the bad english, but i just wanted to share with someone what this song and those lyrics mean to me.
- Zannaa Hi, I know it's been quite some time, but I have just read your explanation and I need to say I understand you a lot. The curious thing is I also feel very identified with the professor's one. I feel like this song can have double meaning, and each "angle" drives me to the other. At the end it's a whole way of relationship with reality and everyone: doubtful... but still having hope. Thank you if get to read this:)
- Zannaa that’s the great thing about twenty one pilots lyrics. They can mean many different things to many different people. In fact that’s how Tyler intended them to be, he once said that he doesn’t like to explain his songs because he wants you to hear them and make a meaning for yourself. The way I see this channel is analyzing how the songs might mean to Tyler, not necessarily their meaning for everyone.
Elisha Brueckner Fake You Out is pretty straight forward when it comes to it's meaning. Faking someone out is hiding the real you. When Tyler says "I'll never be what you see inside" he means he's hiding his true self from you, and the way you see him isn't what he's actually like on the inside. When Tyler says "you say I'm not alone but I am petrified" he's saying people might say "oh I understand what you're going through" when they don't know what It's truly like.
Thank you TheSketcher96, I knew the basic meaning of the song and it is one of my favorite vessel songs. I am an introvert so I really resonates with me. I just would love a video so I can hear someone elses opinion and maybe something new I have missed. I-/ Thanks for replying.
I'm sorry, I know I'm late, but I literally started crying while watching this. This song means so much to me. You just described everything about this song that I could never find the words for. And it's beautiful. Thank you.
When I first experienced their concert live I felt this was a worship song ! It was the best feeling being there live! This is his relationship with Christ on personally level ! I got chills watching him sing this live every time!
Trees for me is about wanting to know someone in general... but... they don't talk to you. Back when I was discovering their music I connected with this song, it was after my first breakup and a lot of heartache and the whole issue got me depressed... and I had a class with her... every day just about I had to deal with this source of all these emotions... All I wanted to say was hello and share a care free conversation like the old days but... I couldn't, "I want to know you... I want to see.. I want to say, hellooooooooo...." is... is the most accurate lyric I can think of. This song gave me words I couldn't have thought of until just recently (I write music now heh), and I could never thank them enough.
my own interpretation on this song is "trees" is a metaphor of the mental state that most us were in to like depression, loneliness, insecurities etc.. cause its quite in the trees you feel all alone.. and Tyler is encouraging us to speak to him or in someone with similar feeling or thoughts and letting them know that you're in there too, that they are not alone. cause he is also there and us.. but i prefer the professors explanation.. it makes deeper sense..
This is SUCH a good video!! I think you did a beautiful job, not just explaining the lyrics, but expanding on them too. I've always loved this song, probably my favorite TØP song actually. I agree that it can be so incredibly frustrating when you feel like God hasn't been answering you even when you've explicitly asked him to show himself. It's important though, too, to remember that we need to be sincere when we ask him to prove himself to us. Thank you so much for making this!!!
Thank you yes, this is why it's my very favorite song. It hits me so hard every time! It gives such powerful emotions, that it brings tears to my eyes. I absolutely love it. Thank you for sharing this special video. I could tell it meant a lot to you as well. It's personal, yet also so universal. I agree, it really connects the fans and the band together in a wonderful, and I think spiritual way. ❤
honestly i have such respect for this song. I think i feel more connected to Trees than any of their other songs. I too have done this same thing, just kind of questioning why God is the way he is and begging for answers to things, searching for signs, pretty desperately honestly. This specific topic/idea isn't one that is talked about all that frequently in music or in our society like this, so the fact that Trees exists is pretty great. It really is such a beautiful and powerful piece of art.
This is so great. Completely agree. It's hard for me to not to fall to my knees and scream this song! Really enjoyed your description and heart behind this video. Love your stuff- keep it up!
By the way, I want to give you a sincere props to these videos. It is great to see someone have such profound thoughts on music, and it is especially great to me that you share the Christian perspective on Tyler's music. Thank you.
i love how real and unmasked you are about your beliefs. muslim here and i absolutely love hearing people talk about their love/longing to god. I think that's why i love top so much
Dude I couldn't agree more. I'm Muslim too and I adore how open Clifford is about his beliefs and faith and the same goes for the poetry in Tyler's lyrics when referring to God and faith in Him. It really is beautiful. We believers need to stick together for we all are equal to one another. May God bless you and May God bless us all always :))
Thank you for making videos like this. The best part of the Twenty One Pilots' usage of songs like these is b/c it causes us to go out and find out for ourselves the answers to these questions.
It is crazy, I do feel connected with everyone else at the concert. I love the note it leaves us on. I love that you share your faith along with these videos, very cool. I sometimes do feel like God is far from me. I can be reading the Bible and praying and surrendering to God, but still He doesn't feel close. But I know that's just to test my faith. And I hope you know that, and I want Tyler to know that as well. We're able to find joy with God even through depression and suicidal thoughts and anxiety. And when we cry out to God, He doesn't leave us in the dark. He meets us right where we are, and He loves us enough to not keep us there.
My interpretation is that the “trees” could be people, and that Tyler is surrounded by society but he feels disconnected. Tyler calls out to God to help him through his life, similar to Heavydirtysoul. Even though he is physically surrounded by the people (trees) he can “feel his breath” through a spiritual bond, and feels that is his way to befriend God.PS Tyler wrote this song when he was 17! LYRICAL GENIUS
Zach Da Boss I'm not dissing him but he only wrote 14 lines but still Everytime I don't wanna listen to trees in public cause when I listen to it I always tend to cry
I really love how personal and open you were in this video. makes it feel like you truly think about the meaning and you really feel the song. love it.
I agree with this explanation. and even for someone like me (athiest) this song still has great meaning. for me it's about knowing who to ask for help but being held back by your own anxiety
Since the first time I heard Trees I knew this song was no ordinary song... I knew it was about God and it did touch me at a level that most songs never had... I can't listen to this song without feeling some strong presence of God, and that's beautiful to say the least... It's hard to describe how powerful it truly is
i also have my own theory that the way he makes it powerful in the end is for all of us and also Josh and Tyler to let us come together as one when we jump to the beat and when they bring the drums into the crowd perhaps its symbolic to "you are helping us keeps this up" perhaps like inspiration. and when they grab one of our hands to give that" we are here we are real" feeling. and in that moment. we are together not distant. like home. we are home.
Even though I myself am not a religious person, there is something about trees that always hits me. For me it feels like accepting what you don't understand. I always try to analyse life and find patterns, but most of the time it even makes me feel more frustrated because usually there are no answers to the questions that you ask yourself. On top of that, experiencing trees live was incredible. I remember that afther the song was finished everybody was crying their eyes out and hugging people they have never met before. Twenty One Pilots connects people and that for me is definitely one of the reasons that makes them so amazing.
It's Funny the first time i ever heard that song, i said to my husband that sounds like a worship song. The way the melody is, the music, the lyrics. at that stage i didn't know too much about their faith or their song meanings. When i looked into the lyrics more and saw interviews about that song and what Tyler says about and even Josh. I knew that it was such a meaningful song and i still would consider it to be a worship song and a beautiful one at that. i think its very subtle they way Tyler has done that song, however if you have been a christian your whole life and listen to a lot of worship music, i think this one is very easy to pick up that he is talking about God. I love it!
Thank you so much for this. Love the reference to Job, God certainly works/speaks in mysterious ways. I'd like to add that in John 16:7 Jesus says "Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." So it's in a sense better now that we have the Holy Spirit available to us, and He is able to touch us to the core through things like this song, even though we can't see Him there. I also just read one translation where Jesus says (before He leaves to be with the Father) "Don't be troubled or cowardly." Reminds me of Tyler standing cowardly in the trees.
I always considered this about social anxiety and when he says “standing in the trees” with the trees representing a group of people (like potentially at a party) and he wants to talk to someone he’s interested in but can’t because of his anxiety
Thank you so much for doing this one. I already felt so deeply about Trees, but this gave me an even deeper understanding and I'm so on board with your explanation of it. Thank you again.
I think this is definitely a conversation between God and man, but I actually think its God looking for Man, not the other way around. I think this song is from God's perspective after man sinned in the garden which is why he says things like "why won't you speak?" and "why are you standing cowardly?" I especially love the line "I can feel my death" because I see that as God affirming right then and there that Jesus would die to redeem us from this. ALSO the craziest thing about this song is it goes conversationally in line with Goner from blurryface. I'm like 97% sure they're intended to go together like this: God (Trees): "Why won't you speak Where I happen to be?" Adam (Goner): "I'm a goner, somebody catch my breath" God: "I can feel your breath, I can feel my death, I want to know you" Adam: "I wanna be known by you" God: "I want to say hello" Adam: "Don't let me be gone" Jesus: "HELLOOOOOOOOOO" I actually made a mashup of the two songs with the conversation here: ua-cam.com/video/NmYNFSWpZcg/v-deo.html. To me, this makes the "Hello" scream around the 3:50 mark so freaking potent, like it's the totality of God becoming man, dying, and redeeming us, all held in that one word.
I’m so late to this party but I just wanted to share a personal viewpoint. As you had mentioned, it’s a massive theme in twenty one pilots to promote encouragement in asking your own questions; and additionally, develop independent thinking and viewpoints that will eventually assist you in developing yourself, the way you view the world, and the way you react to it. On a slight tangent, this can be seen in the logo, about which Tyler had once stated that “the logo means twenty one pilots” i.e., what twenty one pilots means to you. Tying all of this in regards to Trees, I personally believe that when Tyler refers to “You” in the Trees, “you” should be subjective. Everyone’s searching for something, because not a single soul on this Earth can claim knowledge of everything, and none ever shall (leaving trees open ended because of this very reason. We will never stop looking for something). Some search for God, some search for purpose, some search for identity...and the list goes on. The human mind and its complexities are vast, and so are the possibilities and abstract ideas that our minds search for. I think it’s safe to say that this music in particular has bound all of us together to search for these abstract existences collectively, so that we’re not alone in our search for purpose (which should be achieved when we get the answers to at least some of our questions and finds). I love that, and I think it contributes to the unity felt at concerts when this song is played as the finale without an ending. I so agree that the song is “epic”. it’s about something BIG. Bigger than us and all that surrounds us. It’s like searching for something even less tangible and visible than air. And I use that comparison because you know air exists, it’s right there! otherwise, how would you be breathing? however, without help, it’s impossible fully grasp. This song is undoubtedly fantastic, and I loved your interpretation.
Message Man would also be an amazing song to do since I saw you wanted to do a song from Blurrface. Something I just realized is that its saying "Message, man" and not "Message man" (like lane, boy and lane boy). Excited to see more from you dude.
Im not a religious person, don't really believe in a higher being, but I feel like this song speaks to me about a missed relationship/friendship,so not just a partner relationship but friendship too. It means trying to speak to someone that you miss and wish you could "conversate" with. It could be someone who has passed, someone you don't talk to anymore, someone who was a friend but no longer, an ex-gf/bf, etc. You are reaching out to the person wanting them to talk to you, but they don't respond and you are letting out your frustrations in the circumstance. For some people it may be a God factor too.
I had that experience. I used to go camping a lot. There was this creek I used to go to, my happy place and escape. I was seeking God there one night during a really tough time in my life. That's what this song reminds me of.
WOAH! This is a really good first one to watch if I do say so myself. I have good vids and some average vids, but I truly loved making this one. Thanks for joining the lyric theorists!
you do such an awesome job, it really shows how much it means to you the meaning of tøp's and other artists' songs. Thank you for sharing your theories and everything :3 I'm glad I found you and your channel :D Btw, could you do kitchen sink please? Such a powerful song
Wow I know it might sound dumb but I never thought about this song this way. But now it seems like this could be it, and definitely an amazing way to end a concert. Thank you for the video
Well, glowing eyes, in my eyes, is about not being able/not wanting to go to sleep because of your demons. Glowing eyes isnt referring to demons, its referring to the stars. Tyler wants to sing with the stars instead of facing his demons in his sleep.
yes!! do Isle of Flightless Birds!! I think that song sounds so cool and different , and I have a idea of what it means but I want more clarity on it !
I've always known Trees struck a certain chord in me, but I never really knew what he was meaning by the lyrics, so thank you! I knew it was probably about God, seeing as most of his songs are, but I like to hear specific throughts about each lyric :) I vote either Migraine or Isle of Flightless Birds for next Tuesday!
i really liked your explanation by the way, it really made me think. twenty one pilots is an amazing band and the things tyler creates can only be that of a genius. |-/
For me, Trees is about someone who want to end their life by hanging themself in the woods. Tyler gives them hope again, since they feel alone and can't see their future. "I want to know you, I want to see, I want to say 'hello'."
i know this is an old video but i just came across it and i think when i listen to this song it almost in a sense feels that i’m talking about me. or tyler was taking about himself in a way so yea i think the social anxiety part could be true
I think you're right about Tyler talking to god and every time I look deeper into twenty one pilots lyrics of I watch one of these videos I question why I like it so much, why I scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs when I feel like nobody's watching because I'm an atheist/agnostic what every ypu wanna call it. I mean I have nothing against people who are religious as long as they keep their religion out of my face but generally I try to stay away from any religion. But twenty one pilots just pulls me in like a magnet. And so I've been thinking: Why do Tyler's lyrics speak to me as much as they do. And as far as I've come it is because he just pours his heart and soul into his songs. He doesn't do anything to keep up an image or make something way more dramatic it just feels like his unfiltered thoughts. And it's refreshing because in my childhood everything was complicated, if I said something wrong my parents would get mad and so I avoided talking to them and if I really had to I would formulate this one sentence as best as I could to not upset anyone and really from the time I was about 12 nobody really knew me anymore because there was so much depression, so much anxiety that I couldn't talk about because it would have upset people. So what does my younger self, having listened to alternative music for as long as I can remember and having played guitar for quite some time? I wrote songs. And it's just really nice to see Tyler write all his songs from his emotions to basically vent just like I did and still do.
That's so cool. Thanks for sharing your story. I love that deep people like you who are willing to be vulnerable are part of this community.
Just a head's up: I did pin this because it's such a powerful story. If you'd like me not to, just let me know. :)
I aprreciate it :) if it moves or inspires at least one person it's totally worth being this open because somebody might need to hear this and as a musician you wanna reach those people.
The Anna Same
Jazmine Depp pantaloon is about growing old and worrying about dying 😢
What blew me away when I first heard "Trees" was its articulation of something that I couldn’t describe. I’ve never literally gone outside and yelled for God, but I know the feeling of being out in nature, particularly in a wooded area, and just feeling like there’s something (or Someone) there. Tied to this is the heartache of longing, which for me can come at any time, but mostly when I’m alone, walking or driving somewhere. I’d almost say “Trees” has elements of ‘joy’ as C.S. Lewis defined it: “an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction”.
This is exactly how I feel about Trees. Thank you for articulating it so beautifully I was unable to find the words to describe the feeling I have when I hear it :) |-/
You're welcome; I'm glad to know I've described more than just my own perpective. It's funny - I was talking about "Trees" describing something I couldn't find words for, and now I've found words you couldn't. Maybe it's your turn next to find someone's words for them! :)
Love the Lewis quote. That's perfect.
Justice M. Yes, I've had the same feeling, it's such a great song.
That makes me think of dancer Martha Graham's quote that ends with "No artist is pleased. (There is) no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others." Which moves me to thinking about Purpose, and creativity, and spirituality. I don't necessarily believe in God, but for me there is that inner drive to express myself creatively, and perhaps through that to address the inner yearning to connect with that which we cannot see or fully comprehend while locked in this limited human frame. I know that some artists feel that their work is their own way of praying, of offering themselves up to that greater mystery.
trees is so powerful. i heard somewhere that Josh sometimes can't even get through the whole song, without getting chocked up. i ball my eyes out every time 😅
I can believe all of that.
And this one is for my favorite people on the Internet.
The Pop Song Professor so could I sing this at my church ?😂
@@gr3ygorilla915 😹😹😹😹😹
Before I started listening to twenty one pilots like 3 yrs ago I rarely went to church. Maybe once a year or so. But when I dig a little deeper into his lyrics, it made me curious. Maybe he really is getting some answers. So I started goin to church. Still no answers but it made me feel lighter. Just talking/praying made me feel that there is actually someone listening. No answers but atleast someone heard me i think.
My word. So many amazing people in these comments. Love you all!
I think the intensity of the 'hellos' increases to show that he is putting his entire soul into finding God and connecting with Him. He is trying so hard to hear a response, almost as if God can't hear him, so he needs to raise his voice to the point of screaming. Also, I think Tyler just likes screaming.
Haha. He likes screaming. What does he want to feel tho? Jesus is always there, and he doesn’t give a response with his voice.
i love this. i also find myself relating to tyler when he sings these lyrics-- when i went to one of their concerts back in 2015 i felt like i was worshipping God when they performed trees. this song is v personal to me and, i think, brings me closer to God when i feel far from Him.
God bless you |-/
i can relate so much
Brooke Levesque same here!
Why am I only now finding these videos they're so good
I personally have always felt like "trees" refers to the phrase " in the woods" meaning you're in trouble or lost or have problems that strike the soul. And when he sais, " I know where you stand, silent in the trees and that's where I am, silent in the trees. Why won't you speak where I happen to be, silent in the trees, standing cowardly" I think he's meaning that he knows you have problems and he does too. And he wants to know why you won't open up, but at the same time he hasn't really opened up himself and you both are trying to run away from you're problems. The "hellos" at the end could be him reaching out to his fans. And that "mythical" feeling could be the connection he has with his fans that not many people have.
I feel like this many times
This songs is why I started listening to their music
I play this song everyday on my way to work it just give me faith in something bigger then us
That's so cool!
For me it's just "hope"
Cause when he says "I want to know you"
That's exactly what some one who is depressed would feel like..
They just want some hope...and a reason to live.
.
.
.
And that's the best thing about TØP, we all have our own interpretations of the lyrics based on our experiences!
I've never thought about approaching 'Tree' 's lyrics in a Christian or religious way, partcually because i'm atheis, and partcually because i have always look at it in another way: for me it has an enormously deep meaning looking at it in a "relation with other people" kind of way.
Since the first time i heard the lyrics i related with the idea of being so scared of failing and being so afraid of the judgment to have to hide cowardly behind a tree, knowing that the person i want to interact with is so close that i can feel her breath, but i cant do anything, blocked by my own thoughts. So it became just like the 'I want to know you I want to see I want to say Hello' part, without being able of doing anything, just keep screaming hello internally in my mind, hoping that this person will hear me, but, of course its not gonna happen..
Sorry for the bad english, but i just wanted to share with someone what this song and those lyrics mean to me.
- Zannaa Hi, I know it's been quite some time, but I have just read your explanation and I need to say I understand you a lot. The curious thing is I also feel very identified with the professor's one. I feel like this song can have double meaning, and each "angle" drives me to the other. At the end it's a whole way of relationship with reality and everyone: doubtful... but still having hope. Thank you if get to read this:)
IRoBel same I always took the meaning like the original comment but I do believe in god and I think this analysis is also correct
I am on your side
sameeee
- Zannaa that’s the great thing about twenty one pilots lyrics. They can mean many different things to many different people. In fact that’s how Tyler intended them to be, he once said that he doesn’t like to explain his songs because he wants you to hear them and make a meaning for yourself. The way I see this channel is analyzing how the songs might mean to Tyler, not necessarily their meaning for everyone.
Will you do Fake You Out?
Oh PLEASE!
Elisha Brueckner Fake You Out is pretty straight forward when it comes to it's meaning. Faking someone out is hiding the real you.
When Tyler says "I'll never be what you see inside" he means he's hiding his true self from you, and the way you see him isn't what he's actually like on the inside.
When Tyler says "you say I'm not alone but I am petrified" he's saying people might say "oh I understand what you're going through" when they don't know what It's truly like.
Thank you TheSketcher96, I knew the basic meaning of the song and it is one of my favorite vessel songs. I am an introvert so I really resonates with me. I just would love a video so I can hear someone elses opinion and maybe something new I have missed. I-/ Thanks for replying.
It's a distinct possibility. Vote it up if you like it, people!
Yaass!
Please! :O
My favorite TØP song...it has saved me countless times. Even just watching your explanation makes me tear up. Beautiful job!
Do Isle of Flightless Birds!
Such a good song!
my fave!!!
AHHH yes!!
I definitely agree with this!
YESSS
I'm sorry, I know I'm late, but I literally started crying while watching this. This song means so much to me. You just described everything about this song that I could never find the words for. And it's beautiful. Thank you.
When I first experienced their concert live I felt this was a worship song ! It was the best feeling being there live! This is his relationship with Christ on personally level ! I got chills watching him sing this live every time!
Trees for me is about wanting to know someone in general... but... they don't talk to you. Back when I was discovering their music I connected with this song, it was after my first breakup and a lot of heartache and the whole issue got me depressed... and I had a class with her... every day just about I had to deal with this source of all these emotions... All I wanted to say was hello and share a care free conversation like the old days but... I couldn't, "I want to know you... I want to see.. I want to say, hellooooooooo...." is... is the most accurate lyric I can think of. This song gave me words I couldn't have thought of until just recently (I write music now heh), and I could never thank them enough.
this song means so much to so many people and its so beautiful
my own interpretation on this song is "trees" is a metaphor of the mental state that most us were in to like depression, loneliness, insecurities etc.. cause its quite in the trees you feel all alone.. and Tyler is encouraging us to speak to him or in someone with similar feeling or thoughts and letting them know that you're in there too, that they are not alone. cause he is also there and us.. but i prefer the professors explanation.. it makes deeper sense..
I’m binge watching these over again, and I can never tell anyone how much I appreciate their music.
This is SUCH a good video!! I think you did a beautiful job, not just explaining the lyrics, but expanding on them too. I've always loved this song, probably my favorite TØP song actually. I agree that it can be so incredibly frustrating when you feel like God hasn't been answering you even when you've explicitly asked him to show himself. It's important though, too, to remember that we need to be sincere when we ask him to prove himself to us. Thank you so much for making this!!!
Hometown!
You just put into words how I feel about their music. I couldnt explain it, so thank you, I'm not alone feeling that way.
Glad you liked it and could relate.
Thank you yes, this is why it's my very favorite song. It hits me so hard every time! It gives such powerful emotions,
that it brings tears to my eyes. I absolutely love it. Thank you for sharing this special video. I could tell it meant a lot to you as well. It's personal, yet also so universal. I agree, it really connects the fans and the band together in a wonderful, and I think spiritual way. ❤
You're welcome. Thanks for commenting too. You're right that this was a very meaningful one to explain too.
honestly i have such respect for this song. I think i feel more connected to Trees than any of their other songs. I too have done this same thing, just kind of questioning why God is the way he is and begging for answers to things, searching for signs, pretty desperately honestly. This specific topic/idea isn't one that is talked about all that frequently in music or in our society like this, so the fact that Trees exists is pretty great. It really is such a beautiful and powerful piece of art.
I've been re listening to all the songs that you made video on just to rightly realize how beautiful they are
This is so great. Completely agree. It's hard for me to not to fall to my knees and scream this song! Really enjoyed your description and heart behind this video. Love your stuff- keep it up!
By the way, I want to give you a sincere props to these videos. It is great to see someone have such profound thoughts on music, and it is especially great to me that you share the Christian perspective on Tyler's music. Thank you.
You're welcome and thanks for watching. Glad that you appreciate it, and that we can connect in that way.
i love how real and unmasked you are about your beliefs. muslim here and i absolutely love hearing people talk about their love/longing to god. I think that's why i love top so much
Dude I couldn't agree more. I'm Muslim too and I adore how open Clifford is about his beliefs and faith and the same goes for the poetry in Tyler's lyrics when referring to God and faith in Him. It really is beautiful. We believers need to stick together for we all are equal to one another. May God bless you and May God bless us all always :))
am I the only one who got the "have you been sincere?" caption in the video? lol. Good addition
Glad someone noticed.
Keep up the good work man. God bless
Thanks and same!
This was exactly my interpretation too!
Yesss... This song touches my SOUL. It's powerful.
Thank you for making videos like this. The best part of the Twenty One Pilots' usage of songs like these is b/c it causes us to go out and find out for ourselves the answers to these questions.
It is crazy, I do feel connected with everyone else at the concert. I love the note it leaves us on. I love that you share your faith along with these videos, very cool. I sometimes do feel like God is far from me. I can be reading the Bible and praying and surrendering to God, but still He doesn't feel close. But I know that's just to test my faith. And I hope you know that, and I want Tyler to know that as well. We're able to find joy with God even through depression and suicidal thoughts and anxiety. And when we cry out to God, He doesn't leave us in the dark. He meets us right where we are, and He loves us enough to not keep us there.
My interpretation is that the “trees” could be people, and that Tyler is surrounded by society but he feels disconnected. Tyler calls out to God to help him through his life, similar to Heavydirtysoul. Even though he is physically surrounded by the people (trees) he can “feel his breath” through a spiritual bond, and feels that is his way to befriend God.PS Tyler wrote this song when he was 17! LYRICAL GENIUS
Zach Da Boss I'm not dissing him but he only wrote 14 lines but still Everytime I don't wanna listen to trees in public cause when I listen to it I always tend to cry
Pop Song Professor thx for the heart man
I really love how personal and open you were in this video. makes it feel like you truly think about the meaning and you really feel the song. love it.
Thanks.
Can't wait for tonight!
It's going to be lit.
I agree with this explanation. and even for someone like me (athiest) this song still has great meaning. for me it's about knowing who to ask for help but being held back by your own anxiety
So true!
This whole video I was just thinking about how cool it would be if you did Forest...
So do Forest! xD
lol Yeah! That would be awesome!
I knew I loved that song for a reason
Since the first time I heard Trees I knew this song was no ordinary song... I knew it was about God and it did touch me at a level that most songs never had... I can't listen to this song without feeling some strong presence of God, and that's beautiful to say the least... It's hard to describe how powerful it truly is
I love that you share your faith along with these videos. Very cool.
i also have my own theory that the way he makes it powerful in the end is for all of us and also Josh and Tyler to let us come together as one when we jump to the beat and when they bring the drums into the crowd perhaps its symbolic to "you are helping us keeps this up" perhaps like inspiration. and when they grab one of our hands to give that" we are here we are real" feeling. and in that moment. we are together not distant. like home. we are home.
Even though I myself am not a religious person, there is something about trees that always hits me. For me it feels like accepting what you don't understand. I always try to analyse life and find patterns, but most of the time it even makes me feel more frustrated because usually there are no answers to the questions that you ask yourself. On top of that, experiencing trees live was incredible. I remember that afther the song was finished everybody was crying their eyes out and hugging people they have never met before. Twenty One Pilots connects people and that for me is definitely one of the reasons that makes them so amazing.
Wow, that is really powerful. When I was at the concert, no one tried to hug me, but it was really powerful.
your explanation and feelings resonate w me dude sickk
Glowing eyes!!
Amazing song that has definitely hit me in touching areas.
It's Funny the first time i ever heard that song, i said to my husband that sounds like a worship song. The way the melody is, the music, the lyrics. at that stage i didn't know too much about their faith or their song meanings.
When i looked into the lyrics more and saw interviews about that song and what Tyler says about and even Josh. I knew that it was such a meaningful song and i still would consider it to be a worship song and a beautiful one at that.
i think its very subtle they way Tyler has done that song, however if you have been a christian your whole life and listen to a lot of worship music, i think this one is very easy to pick up that he is talking about God.
I love it!
I know what you mean. Tyler has been part of worship teams and stuff too, so it makes sense that he'd write something like that.
I feel the exact same way about this song. It is just beautiful.
Thank you so much for this. Love the reference to Job, God certainly works/speaks in mysterious ways. I'd like to add that in John 16:7 Jesus says "Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." So it's in a sense better now that we have the Holy Spirit available to us, and He is able to touch us to the core through things like this song, even though we can't see Him there. I also just read one translation where Jesus says (before He leaves to be with the Father) "Don't be troubled or cowardly." Reminds me of Tyler standing cowardly in the trees.
Oh, very interesting, and maybe the HS is the bridge for Tyler to God.
it's always a pleasure to watch your videos! Their songs are fascinating
Thanks!
I always considered this about social anxiety and when he says “standing in the trees” with the trees representing a group of people (like potentially at a party) and he wants to talk to someone he’s interested in but can’t because of his anxiety
Thank you so much for doing this one. I already felt so deeply about Trees, but this gave me an even deeper understanding and I'm so on board with your explanation of it. Thank you again.
Thank you!
I think this is definitely a conversation between God and man, but I actually think its God looking for Man, not the other way around. I think this song is from God's perspective after man sinned in the garden which is why he says things like "why won't you speak?" and "why are you standing cowardly?" I especially love the line "I can feel my death" because I see that as God affirming right then and there that Jesus would die to redeem us from this. ALSO the craziest thing about this song is it goes conversationally in line with Goner from blurryface. I'm like 97% sure they're intended to go together like this:
God (Trees): "Why won't you speak Where I happen to be?"
Adam (Goner): "I'm a goner, somebody catch my breath"
God: "I can feel your breath, I can feel my death, I want to know you"
Adam: "I wanna be known by you"
God: "I want to say hello"
Adam: "Don't let me be gone"
Jesus: "HELLOOOOOOOOOO"
I actually made a mashup of the two songs with the conversation here: ua-cam.com/video/NmYNFSWpZcg/v-deo.html. To me, this makes the "Hello" scream around the 3:50 mark so freaking potent, like it's the totality of God becoming man, dying, and redeeming us, all held in that one word.
Ruby!
Dang. I think this is my new favorite video of yours. I really like what you said. This song is pretty powerful to me too.
Glad you liked it. :)
Great job! Everything I've ever thought about this song put into words!
I’m so late to this party but I just wanted to share a personal viewpoint. As you had mentioned, it’s a massive theme in twenty one pilots to promote encouragement in asking your own questions; and additionally, develop independent thinking and viewpoints that will eventually assist you in developing yourself, the way you view the world, and the way you react to it. On a slight tangent, this can be seen in the logo, about which Tyler had once stated that “the logo means twenty one pilots” i.e., what twenty one pilots means to you. Tying all of this in regards to Trees, I personally believe that when Tyler refers to “You” in the Trees, “you” should be subjective. Everyone’s searching for something, because not a single soul on this Earth can claim knowledge of everything, and none ever shall (leaving trees open ended because of this very reason. We will never stop looking for something). Some search for God, some search for purpose, some search for identity...and the list goes on. The human mind and its complexities are vast, and so are the possibilities and abstract ideas that our minds search for. I think it’s safe to say that this music in particular has bound all of us together to search for these abstract existences collectively, so that we’re not alone in our search for purpose (which should be achieved when we get the answers to at least some of our questions and finds). I love that, and I think it contributes to the unity felt at concerts when this song is played as the finale without an ending. I so agree that the song is “epic”. it’s about something BIG. Bigger than us and all that surrounds us. It’s like searching for something even less tangible and visible than air. And I use that comparison because you know air exists, it’s right there! otherwise, how would you be breathing? however, without help, it’s impossible fully grasp. This song is undoubtedly fantastic, and I loved your interpretation.
I cant believe Tyler wrote this song as he was 17...
Message Man would also be an amazing song to do since I saw you wanted to do a song from Blurrface.
Something I just realized is that its saying "Message, man" and not "Message man" (like lane, boy and lane boy). Excited to see more from you dude.
I just wanted to say that I think it's awesome what you're doing with these videos and this channel 😀
Thanks!
can you please do holding onto you
This needs to happen!!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! absolutely my favorite tøp song.
i think holding onto you means we should control our mind and don't let our mind control us..
Dylan Cooper SWAT
When I first figured out the meaning of this song, I cried like a baby.
Im not a religious person, don't really believe in a higher being, but I feel like this song speaks to me about a missed relationship/friendship,so not just a partner relationship but friendship too. It means trying to speak to someone that you miss and wish you could "conversate" with. It could be someone who has passed, someone you don't talk to anymore, someone who was a friend but no longer, an ex-gf/bf, etc. You are reaching out to the person wanting them to talk to you, but they don't respond and you are letting out your frustrations in the circumstance. For some people it may be a God factor too.
I had that experience. I used to go camping a lot. There was this creek I used to go to, my happy place and escape. I was seeking God there one night during a really tough time in my life. That's what this song reminds me of.
This was a beautiful explanation to a beautiful song.
Thanks :)
can you explain Fall Away by Twenty Øne Piløts
fricking love trees.
This is the first video of yours I've watched and I loved it it was so deep and it made me feel something and for this I have subscribed 🙃
WOAH! This is a really good first one to watch if I do say so myself. I have good vids and some average vids, but I truly loved making this one. Thanks for joining the lyric theorists!
Do the Run and Go!!
And also, great job man!! I'm a big fan of yours
Thanks! Glad you're here. You've been here for a while too, I think!
this song makes me emotional i think partly because i can relate to it a little bit
I believe this song is very relatable for most people, I think thats why it hits us so hard.
I agree with that.
you do such an awesome job, it really shows how much it means to you the meaning of tøp's and other artists' songs. Thank you for sharing your theories and everything :3 I'm glad I found you and your channel :D
Btw, could you do kitchen sink please? Such a powerful song
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate you watching! I really really want people to upvote Kitchen Sink. :)
Wow I know it might sound dumb but I never thought about this song this way. But now it seems like this could be it, and definitely an amazing way to end a concert. Thank you for the video
You're welcome!
you should do polarize by tøp
Such a good one, and I've been waiting to do a BlurryFace one, but we'll see when it happens!
The songs that touches me the most is "trap door" and "a car a torch a death"
Please do glowing eyes!!!
da-dada-da-dadadadada- dadadada-dadada
Isaac W YESYESYESYES GLOWING EYES IS MY FAVORITE
Well, glowing eyes, in my eyes, is about not being able/not wanting to go to sleep because of your demons. Glowing eyes isnt referring to demons, its referring to the stars. Tyler wants to sing with the stars instead of facing his demons in his sleep.
why did i read that fanfic. WHYYYYYYYYYY???
lol
I know I'm like messed out up now
yes!! do Isle of Flightless Birds!! I think that song sounds so cool and different , and I have a idea of what it means but I want more clarity on it !
i want to say-
thank you for making this
Hello
You're welcome.
beautiful
Thanks :)
I've always known Trees struck a certain chord in me, but I never really knew what he was meaning by the lyrics, so thank you! I knew it was probably about God, seeing as most of his songs are, but I like to hear specific throughts about each lyric :) I vote either Migraine or Isle of Flightless Birds for next Tuesday!
This is my favourite song by TØP❤❤🌲🌲
I'd be very fascinated to hear your opinion of Air Catcher. It's always been one of my personal favorites.
Thank you for so much explaining it makes me happy... please do goner
Glad you enjoyed it!
i really liked your explanation by the way, it really made me think. twenty one pilots is an amazing band and the things tyler creates can only be that of a genius. |-/
I agree! Glad I gave you something to think about.
Great one. It's crazy! Yep! :) thank you!
For me, Trees is about someone who want to end their life by hanging themself in the woods. Tyler gives them hope again, since they feel alone and can't see their future. "I want to know you, I want to see, I want to say 'hello'."
Amen!
Thank You so much for doing Trees! Great vid! PLEASE DO HOMETOWN! I am performing this song soon and I want to better understand it.
Trees means the world to me I loved it so much and I cried on new year's Eve when I listened to it last year trees rock
It's so good.
can you do forest
Awesome video!
Thanks!
i know this is an old video but i just came across it and i think when i listen to this song it almost in a sense feels that i’m talking about me. or tyler was taking about himself in a way so yea i think the social anxiety part could be true
Oooh trees is one of my all time fav songs but I always took it differently
the best tøp song gets explained
*on my birthday*
“Job was having a pretty bad time” understatement of the century
The Run and Go has always puzzled me.
"The run and go"!!!!