The last line is the most important “And they were all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw” I see this as people that fight amongst themselves sometimes would rather see both sides destroyed than find a way to be peaceful together
@@odintillgren3212 You are correct. It's like what they want today. Everyone to be equal. But real life isn't that way. RUSH saw this coming and wrote about it.
As a Canadian who grew up listening to RUSH, I love how you actually listen to the lyrics and appreciate the underlying meaning of the words! I love your reactions!!!
As a lifelong Rush geek these videos are so much fun to watch, seeing the raw reaction to their songs for the first time. Their live concerts were incredible to experience. There will never be another rock band quite like Rush. Neil Peart was a brilliant mind and each of them pushed the limits of their instruments to the extreme. Fittingly, each member of the band was presented an honorary PHD in music from a university in Canada several years ago. The metaphor behind The Trees is classic libertarianism although later in life Neil Peart described himself as more of a "bleeding heart libertarian" which is apparent in many of their other songs. Love the videos!
THE TREES: The most cleverly crafted rock song of all time, in my opinion. They use the trees as a metaphor for humanity and depict the battle between the haves and the have nots in a way that takes neither side, only tells the story. It is left to the listener to decide which side is right, if at all. True art does not pick sides, it only generates the thoughts and emotions within us in an attempt to expand our understanding.
Jamal, I am thoroughly addicted to your channel. Trees by Rush was an excellent choice and I love your reaction to this video. Keep spreading all of your happy energy, it's contagious and it makes my day. Thank you!.
As a Rush fan, one of the pleasures of life is sharing and interacting with others that recognize the talent of this Canadian trio. Your reactions, not just to a drum fill, a guitar riff, or a bass groove but also the lyrics, fills me with the satisfaction that people still acknowledge musicianship and craftsmanship. Thank you! If you are still on the lookout for more Rush, please let me recommend: Territories Mystic Rhythms Animate One Little Victory Malignant Narcissism (instrumental) Headlong Flight On a side note, you have mentioned in many of your videos that you were raised on Hip Hop and R&B. I have often thought that in our appreciation of you experimenting with new music, we could return the experience. Perhaps you could create a video of artists and groups (hopefully ones we have not heard of) that you grew up listening to and that you think we would enjoy. The beauty of music is sharing with others. Maybe with a little luck, we'll create reaction videos with a shout-out to you. Thanks again!
1978. 16 yrs. old at my first Rush concert. Hearing and seeing them do this album live I will never forget it. And when they did this song the crowd went nuts!
same! I remember getting my hands on these albums after hearing 2112 at my best friends. Wanted to see them at the Texas Jam in '78 I believe, but my parents were old school and didn't think that was a good idea. Took me several years, but caught them in San Diego first time for the Power Windows tour.
You are an absolute doll. It's been decades since I heard some of these Rush songs for the first time. And now, for reasons that I can't even explain, it's been decades more since I've heard them at all. I'm totally enjoying "rediscovering" them with you. Great channel. ♡ Back in the day, we scoured every inch of album covers and record sleeves, sometimes these big, 3- section, fold out things, with lyrics, notes, and artwork, band photos and various witticisms. Do the kids still do that today? Lol. I'm old.
The trees are definitely a metaphor for what's going on in the world. Rush writes the soundtrack to Our Lives. They somehow considered every single one of us when they wrote their music....
good to see someone reacting to "the trees" hardly any of the people doing reactions, and Rush songs, ever listen to trees. enjoyed it. another great one never reacted to is "by Tor and the snowdog"
paul stewart no perspective of the band. Just wow factor. I'm starting my own channel to dive in to the aspects of why these bands are freakin awesome...Too many reaction tools just sitting there having no idea of the musical talent that these people play..I'm starting my own channel...F these non musical people that have no talent.... ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
@@warmoth68 I think it's laudable for you to start a channel dealing with the deeper aspects of these bands that most don't think about, but your last comment wasn't cool. I myself have played 4 different musical instruments, but not everyone has the talent...yet without those people, these bands wouldn't get far. You have to have the fans, musically inclined or not. It's not good to just dismiss them because they have little to no musical ability.
You're right! This is a song about the evils of capitalism & the anarchy (not kowtowing to the status quo) that should follow to regain our (the. Maples) freedom.
@@green917 the song ended with a forest of maples of equal size enforced by cutting down any other that grow taller. I think you missed the mark. It's not a happy ending.
@@green917 Wow, you really missed the mark on that analysis. Neil Peart was into Objectivism when he wrote this song. This song is about inequality sometimes being caused by innate traits rather than oppression (the oaks are bigger than the maples not because the oaks are oppressing the maples but just because that's how they're built) and the evils of trying to enforce equality regardless (at the end they're kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw, AKA they're cutting the oaks down to make them the same size - if your objective is equality at all costs and you can't make the maples taller, then you chop off part of the oaks instead). If anything the song would be pro laissez faire capitalism because the whole thing is about how government interference in people's lives leads to more oppression than you'd get if you just left everyone alone.
@@chriswhinery925 Yeah Neil might have been a moderate p*$$y but I love this song because the elites need to be checked with hatchet, axe, and saw. That is the only way they will treat the maples better. Boo hoo for the Oaks, so sad.
I love the way Alex starts this this guitar solo... so simple... so easy... yet so incredibly amazing sounding and instead of serving himself he serves the SONG.
The masters at work. Pure artistry with amazing execution, musically and lyrically. Just mind blowing devastation. They had no peers. Best Rush track ever. I know, I say that for every Rush song... But Dude!! Thank you so much for this one
I cannot believe that I remembered every single word of this song!!! It was one of my favorite Rush songs back in the 80’s in high school!! Thanks for reacting to it man. Just wow
Love your station. Rush is my favorite band for the past 45 years. Going on this Rush journey with you has allowed me to experience Rush like I did with my childhood friends. Thank you again
@GoHF22 except some socialist programs help. You just can't let anything get too extreme. It's winter...the socialist snow plowing will help on the roads.
Brings back freshman high-school memories. I was 15 in '87 when my best friend who lived across the street played bass and I guitar. He was a huge Rush fan from age 4 and got me into them when I was 12. Nearly everything I learned on guitar was from Alex Lifeson and we got ourselves a drummer and started rehearsing for our high-school variety show. The drummer bought the woodblocks and we I played Broons Bane, then we played The trees and Spirit of Radio. I'm glad Alex was my main influence on guitar. The learning curve was huge, but the payoff sweeter.
Background: Rush are a Canadian band and the Maple is the tree of Canada. Canada belongs to the British Commonwealth, and the Oak is a symbol of Britain. At the time when this song was written there was a significant "separatist" movement happening in the Quebec province of Canada. So this song was kind of descriptive and prophetic of what was going on and where it could all end.
Rush is incredibly difficult to pick a favorite album but I have to say this is in the top three. The music is so progressive on Hemispheres that it has always stuck out for me as well.
@@crackedbrainOG Totally agree! It is very difficult to number your favorite albums up through Signals for me anyway. They had that on facebook once. Somebody had Geddy do his favorite nine in order. My list was almost his exactly. But it took me about three times to say...ok that's it!
This was the first song that I ever heard from Rush. I thought it was a strange song but the more that I listened to it the more it made sense. Thanks Jamal l haven't heard this in years. Peace and love to all people!
@@murderface15g13 I believe I read that was what Neil Peart meant when he wrote it. Is that incorrect? Just checked. Apparently that was someone who assumed the song was another song based on the writings of Anne Rand. Apparently it was about a cartoon that Neil once saw about trees.
I've listened to hip hop, r and b, blues, soul for many, many years, and have appreciated it when it's good. Having listened to mostly rock music, my benchmark has been to listen to what's good. It gladdens me to see someone who might not have listened to much rock music listen to something and think it's good. For whatever it's worth, you are right.
Sometimes Trees are just Trees - - but each person interprets it their own way. For me, the main point is that when you try to make all equal, you assume that the low will be lifted up, but in this instance the high were cut down ... improving no one. Even without a message, it's a great song ... love the feel of it.
At the end when they say they were kept equal, it was not just the oaks being cut the maples were cut as well. Remember even within the maples there are some maples taller than others.
So do you think that the hatchet Axe and saw is referring to three different types of government so it really doesn't matter the trees are just the people that live under that government?
I absolutely LOVE your reactions to RUSH❤️❤️❤️. You have a true appreciation for their genius!! I’ve been going to see RUSH since the 70’s. I’m a somewhat rare female RUSH fanatic!
Love that stanky face smile stuck on your face when experiencing each Rush song. Waiting for you fall or jump from your chair when they hit ya hard on the solos and strange sounds they incorporate into their music. Loved this Thanks. Killer song.
This is the first band i saw in concert, 1977, on my birthday. And even though i sort grew up listening to this band from then on, i still do not think i could give a reaction like you do, if it were the first time i heard this. That kind of boggles the mind . Keep up the good work :)
You are 100% right, the three of them produce more music than bands with twice their number. The layers and layers of melodies and countermelodies and syncopated percussion is unrivaled in the rock music world.
Trees are symbiotic. Oaks are natural and don't oppress. Period. So trees would be a bad analogy for any bad inequality. No the warning is against bad laws which upset a perfectly good natural balance which some maples aren't happy with.
@@skidancin in this song the oaks are clearly oppressors. they monopolized the light. they even ponder why the maples arent happy living in shade instead of light. the maples rebelled, and cut them down to size(quite literally). now all the trees can get light. it's like making laws forbidding religious indoctrination in public schools. it's a good idea. the only ones who oppose it are those who want to indoctrinate children in public schools.
As I get older I look at this song differently. When I was in my teens, I was like mannnn they did a song bout trees *hits bong*. Now, at 40, It can go 50 different ways. Really powerful lyrics
I heard years ago that the band was exploring the Olympic Peninsula rain forest between Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean in Washington state where they gathered the inspiration for this song which I heard was about union and non union in the working world. Thanks for checking that one out. Always one of my favorites! 🎸
Nah. The fact is that there are different kinds of people and we all have our lives. No point in blaming everyone else. A maple is just a maple. It's a beautiful tree. Some people are just beautiful people, but they get all SJW-y, complaining that others are bigger than them. Yeah, of course they're bigger. They're different people with different lives. People need to accept who they are and realize that the whole world isn't out to get them.
Jamel you are the only reaction channel I watch, stumbled on your channel by accident when I saw that you were reacting to "Rush" Subdivision in my feed a favorite song of mine and feel you come across as the most authentic in your critiquing of music from a time you did not grow up in or know at all and is not music that in the ignorant world we live in today where people assume all black people listen to rap, R&B and hip-hop music only and that is where our music palette begins and ends. It's refreshing as a person of color who also listens to everything from classical music, opera, international music, disco, pop, rap, R&B, hip hop, Adult contemporary, alternative music, all forms of rock and hard heavy metal music, you are helping people know that there are people of color who can listen to everything as well and critique and hear and appreciate or not a specific genre of music and not have to like or hate everything in a specific genre but maybe just a song in that genre. Keep keeping it real in your critique of everything in a song from lyrics, musicianship, video and vocals and I would like to give you a list of songs that I couldn't find in your library so if you haven't done any of them then I hope you will consider a critiquing of all or some of these artist pre-2003: Amanda Marshall: Beautiful Goodbye live ua-cam.com/video/rIO9GglPqvk/v-deo.html (this version is best) Korn: Falling Away From Me or Freak on a Leash (official videos only very artistic); Evanescence - Bring me to life, My Immortal or Lithium; Jann Arden: Unloved, Good Mother, Seventeen, Insensitive; Heart: Barracuda or Crazy on You live (Live is best from the 70's and 80's as the guitar riff opening is done by the lead singers sister who is a true musician and talented); Journey: Edge of the Blade, Feeling that Way or Who's Crying Now (Steve Perry is the lead singer nicknamed "The Voice" a talent of his time); No Doubt: Just a Girl; K-os: Man I Used to Be; Anita Baker: You Bring Me Joy Live (live version is best from the 80's);Police: Wrapped Around Your Finger, Every Breath You Take, Don't Stand so Close to Me or Roxanne; Sade: Pearls Live (current performances); Peter Gabriel: Biko (Live version ua-cam.com/video/hIyuzXn1Jkw/v-deo.html or from Free Mandela concert 1988 ua-cam.com/video/dAjv7QCQkzw/v-deo.html); Simply Red: Money to Tight to Mention (liver version from the 80's or 90's); Gowan: Criminal Mind (original video as it is artistic and so 90's); Jessie J: Technoogy (no video but this live version is best ua-cam.com/video/e7iNvFeSLBA/v-deo.html); Radiohead: Creep (lyric version best); Sarah McLachlan: Fallen, Path of Thorns, Fear, Do What You Have to Do (not sure if there are videos or live performances lyric version may be best these songs are super deep on the emotional level) Sorry for long list but I hope you find something in this list that you will enjoy and will also surprise you
These days we can really see this song in action on many levels. Oaks grabbing all the light, Mapels not happy in there shade. Oppresion, then equality by force.
Your funny dude! I love your interpretations in all your Rush reactions. Great Job my friend. Enjoy what I discovered and grew up with since I've been 11 years old.
I’m really LOVING your reactions to this, as well as many of the other songs I’ve listened to and loved for decades!!! Bless your heart for making me smile & laugh today!! I needed this!!
Thanks Nate! Jamal you vibe cool and warmly. I was a drummer since 8 y/0 and always loved Neil's lyrics as well. Did an oral report on the lyrics of this song for English class @ 15. RUSH are/were outcast progressives and I felt their sincerity mixed w intricate, dynamic chord and time changes. Thank you man.
If you want to truly understand Rush's music, especially this song, you have to read a Novella by Ayn Rand titled "Anthem" ( it's about 3 pages if I remember correctly ). Rush's records were produced at first by Anthem records, and one of their first popular songs was titled "anthem" so you see the reference again and again through out the bands history. The story centers around a young man who is "cursed" by being smarter, stronger, and in general more alive than those around him in a world where conformity is the law. He chooses instead to turn his back on society, to go out on his own and celebrate his individuality by not being bound to the limitations of what those in power said he should be. This idea is reflected ominously in the last line of the song. "The trees are all kept equal by hatchet, ax, and saw". This says nothing about the Maple's attempting to reach higher, instead it speaks of forming laws to limit the Oaks. Anyone who has seen a full grown Oak tree will tell you they are about three times the size of a full grown Maple. In the name of conformity the Maples want to cut away two thirds of what God gave to the Oaks so they don't have to feel inferior. You see this today in modern society where every player in the league gets a trophy so no one feels left out. The converse of this is that no one, no matter what talents they were born with or worked really hard to develop, is allowed to feel special. This ultimately leads to a cold ,dead,apathetic society where what's the point in striving for more when all around you are those who don't want to strive for more, they want you to have less? The song "Subdivisions" also warns of the dangers of conformity "Be cool or be cast out" You will find this thread of Individualism and self worth woven through out their music. After the first part of the song you said something about it being "deep". I don't think you realize how right you were.
It's a matter of survival, not laziness. I recognize your view point and it depends on those not in power, not born into wealth, to be lazy and unwilling to work to better them selves. I'm so sorry that you see others in this way, but your way of seeing others is only correct for an extremely small number of people. Most people are willing to work for what they want to own, but there are many people in situations where they work several jobs and still don't make enough to get out of poverty. It's honestly almost impossible for some to improve their lives through their own hard labor. Please try not to judge those less fortunate than you. You never know what responsibilities they have, such as taking care of their own children as well as a sick or disabled adult. Medical bills can break a hard working, well educated family and our system is designed to make it hard to break out of one's social class. The middle class has been under attack by the powerfully wealthy foe many decades and we are being wiped out.
John you missed the point. Not trying to be rude but we all go through hard times but that doesn't mean we can't be individuals and learn how to thrive without the people who haven't figured it out yet to pull us down.
Saw them play this live in London , UK when they were touring to promote Hemispheres. This sounded as good on stage as on vinyl. Rush really were a class act.
That's a very talented woodpecker at about 3:10 in that interlude Jamel ! Love that you're covering one of the greatest band that ever was, or will be, RUSH ! Keep 'em coming
It's the same tought I had in first but it can be interpreted in different level. National, or international too (countries of the north over countries of the South)
Thank you for your reactions, nicely done. This song Got me one night October 2004, As always I understood and appreciated Neil's lyrics, Geddy getting it right and such a great band. R.I.P. Neil. I play in a band that started playing this song back in March-ish 2021 and was amazed at how difficult the bas part is. I love this song, Love to play it with my favorite Drummer, Brian - In the Zone Man.!! I love being locked to a great drummer! Cheers!!
Only RUSH could write a song about trees arguing over sunlight and make it so beautiful. Great anolagy brother. I never considered thinking about the lyrics maybe directed towards tyrantic ppl. Thank you for making me rethink the lyrics in this great song I've been listening to since the late 70's.
I have always thought the last line was the most telling. The rest of the song could be about any conflict in general where there is a group that is being oppressed by another, be it civil rights, income classes, or even at work. But that last line, it HAD to be planned. To me, it has always had a little "be careful what you wish for" taste to it because once you are equal, you are now judged by the same standard and will ultimately be subject to the same consequences as alluded to in the last line where all the trees got cut down. I may be WAY off here, but that's what it spoke to me about.
But the oaks are not oppressing the maples they are just living life and using the gift god gave them and the maples are jealous instead of using their own gifts to pursue their own happiness Socialism leads to communism and finally totalitarianism We haven’t learned a thing from the 20th century It’s sad
One of Rush’s best songs (there are so many.) I’ll never forget the first time I heard this song. I was 14 and at a buddies house and his older brother had just introduced us to Moving pictures and then he busted out Hemispheres (we were a Couple years behind). I was sooooo, so high that afternoon of my intro to Rush. The next day I went out and bought both albums and they were just as impactful and amazing cannabis free.
Jamel, Like all of their songs the subject is usually a metaphor for something about the human condition. In this case it's a statement about human inequality in all its forms.
Rush.. 3 absolute geniuses well ahead of there time. How 3 men can play such sounds flawless is amazing. Neil Peart drumming is un-matched, also so unusual is Neil wrote most of their music
I just look at it as Ayn Rand would see it to determine what meaning Neil was putting into it We will never hear Neil talk about again because of controversy people put on it
This is a Rush classic from one of thier best albums, Hemispheres. The moment I listened to this song I got it. To me it spoke to the feeling you get as a Canadian living in the shadow of the US. I thing Rush struggled with getting exposer in the US but by the time Hemispheres came out they had developed a loyal global following. I think the conclusion of the song speaks to how big business cuts society's to inequality for all.
Rush is thinking man's music with incredible musicians.
They are musician's musicians.
#Truth
My favourite type of music. Along with bands like early Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull, Queen, Peter Gabriel, etc.
🙌👍
Also a thinking WOman's music.
The last line is the most important “And they were all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw”
I see this as people that fight amongst themselves sometimes would rather see both sides destroyed than find a way to be peaceful together
Equality of outcome can only be guaranteed by violence
feels like something out of a Maoist revolution. "If we can't all be tall then we'll just cut the whole forest down completely"
@@zwood1838 And then EVERYONE is cut down anyway by hatchet, axe, and saw.
I always saw it as a metaphor for communism. Like, to everyone's harm, the oaks and maples are kept equal.
@@odintillgren3212 You are correct. It's like what they want today. Everyone to be equal. But real life isn't that way. RUSH saw this coming and wrote about it.
I'm SO EXCITED every time someone new discovers the lyrical genius of Neil Peart!
Neil lives on! He is timeless. RIP
That man was a genius!!! RIP
YESSSSS AMEN!!!! 🥳
There will never be another Neil! 💞
and to think, he's a drummer. I say that as being one myself.
I'm a massive old time RUSH fan and I so enjoy watching this young dude groove on RUSH. I love his reactions.
Me too.
Me too !!
Spot on! It is cool, isn't it?
So do I. I'm glad that he's introducing Rush to a new generation.
As a Canadian who grew up listening to RUSH, I love how you actually listen to the lyrics and appreciate the underlying meaning of the words! I love your reactions!!!
Well said Abby!
As a lifelong Rush geek these videos are so much fun to watch, seeing the raw reaction to their songs for the first time. Their live concerts were incredible to experience. There will never be another rock band quite like Rush. Neil Peart was a brilliant mind and each of them pushed the limits of their instruments to the extreme. Fittingly, each member of the band was presented an honorary PHD in music from a university in Canada several years ago. The metaphor behind The Trees is classic libertarianism although later in life Neil Peart described himself as more of a "bleeding heart libertarian" which is apparent in many of their other songs. Love the videos!
"They know how to do music"
Well said. This is Rush.
THE TREES: The most cleverly crafted rock song of all time, in my opinion. They use the trees as a metaphor for humanity and depict the battle between the haves and the have nots in a way that takes neither side, only tells the story. It is left to the listener to decide which side is right, if at all. True art does not pick sides, it only generates the thoughts and emotions within us in an attempt to expand our understanding.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Jamal, I am thoroughly addicted to your channel. Trees by Rush was an excellent choice and I love your reaction to this video. Keep spreading all of your happy energy, it's contagious and it makes my day. Thank you!.
As a Rush fan, one of the pleasures of life is sharing and interacting with others that recognize the talent of this Canadian trio. Your reactions, not just to a drum fill, a guitar riff, or a bass groove but also the lyrics, fills me with the satisfaction that people still acknowledge musicianship and craftsmanship. Thank you! If you are still on the lookout for more Rush, please let me recommend:
Territories
Mystic Rhythms
Animate
One Little Victory
Malignant Narcissism (instrumental)
Headlong Flight
On a side note, you have mentioned in many of your videos that you were raised on Hip Hop and R&B. I have often thought that in our appreciation of you experimenting with new music, we could return the experience. Perhaps you could create a video of artists and groups (hopefully ones we have not heard of) that you grew up listening to and that you think we would enjoy. The beauty of music is sharing with others. Maybe with a little luck, we'll create reaction videos with a shout-out to you.
Thanks again!
When questioned, they said it's "just a song about trees" but fans of RUSH know that there is a wink in there.
RIP Neil, we lost a great one today, one of a kind, he inspired so many, may you have ever lasting peace.
He was IMO the best drummer, along w Bonham!!
I like Tommy Lee as well !!
1978. 16 yrs. old at my first Rush concert. Hearing and seeing them do this album live I will never forget it. And when they did this song the crowd went nuts!
Same.1978, 16, first time at a concert, and super tramp opened for them!
same! I remember getting my hands on these albums after hearing 2112 at my best friends. Wanted to see them at the Texas Jam in '78 I believe, but my parents were old school and didn't think that was a good idea. Took me several years, but caught them in San Diego first time for the Power Windows tour.
Yes ! My first concert were these fine musicians touring Hemispheres...but...I got to hear Anthem...Bastille Day.. AND 2112 ...
My first Rush concert (if you can call it that) had JR as the drummer. God am I old.
You are an absolute doll.
It's been decades since I heard some of these Rush songs for the first time. And now, for reasons that I can't even explain, it's been decades more since I've heard them at all.
I'm totally enjoying "rediscovering" them with you. Great channel. ♡
Back in the day, we scoured every inch of album covers and record sleeves, sometimes these big, 3- section, fold out things, with lyrics, notes, and artwork, band photos and various witticisms.
Do the kids still do that today?
Lol. I'm old.
Neil was a mastermind at writing lyrics.Their music has enlightened me for over 45 years.
The trees are definitely a metaphor for what's going on in the world. Rush writes the soundtrack to Our Lives. They somehow considered every single one of us when they wrote their music....
Now the maples would scream "We're offended!!".
The maples just need to find some safe shade.
Everything you are thinking is exactly what this song is about. Deep. Keep the music lively by keeping it alive.
good to see someone reacting to "the trees" hardly any of the people doing reactions, and Rush songs, ever listen to trees. enjoyed it. another great one never reacted to is "by Tor and the snowdog"
paul stewart no perspective of the band. Just wow factor. I'm starting my own channel to dive in to the aspects of why these bands are freakin awesome...Too many reaction tools just sitting there having no idea of the musical talent that these people play..I'm starting my own channel...F these non musical people that have no talent.... ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
@@warmoth68 I think it's laudable for you to start a channel dealing with the deeper aspects of these bands that most don't think about, but your last comment wasn't cool. I myself have played 4 different musical instruments, but not everyone has the talent...yet without those people, these bands wouldn't get far. You have to have the fans, musically inclined or not. It's not good to just dismiss them because they have little to no musical ability.
Good choice on the lyric videos... Rush is a band that needs to be experienced like this. Loving the journey with you, Jamel!
I love how genuine your reactions are. It reminds me of the first time I heard this music.
The morale of this song is when you a ask the government to fix oppression, everyone gets oppressed.
You're right! This is a song about the evils of capitalism & the anarchy (not kowtowing to the status quo) that should follow to regain our (the. Maples) freedom.
@@green917 the song ended with a forest of maples of equal size enforced by cutting down any other that grow taller. I think you missed the mark. It's not a happy ending.
@@green917 Wow, you really missed the mark on that analysis. Neil Peart was into Objectivism when he wrote this song. This song is about inequality sometimes being caused by innate traits rather than oppression (the oaks are bigger than the maples not because the oaks are oppressing the maples but just because that's how they're built) and the evils of trying to enforce equality regardless (at the end they're kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw, AKA they're cutting the oaks down to make them the same size - if your objective is equality at all costs and you can't make the maples taller, then you chop off part of the oaks instead). If anything the song would be pro laissez faire capitalism because the whole thing is about how government interference in people's lives leads to more oppression than you'd get if you just left everyone alone.
@@chriswhinery925 Yeah Neil might have been a moderate p*$$y but I love this song because the elites need to be checked with hatchet, axe, and saw. That is the only way they will treat the maples better. Boo hoo for the Oaks, so sad.
@@chriswhinery925you are exactly right it's super antiwoke.
We get the government we deserve, not the one we want. This song is as relevant today as it was in 1978. Maybe, more so now.
I love the way Alex starts this this guitar solo... so simple... so easy... yet so incredibly amazing sounding and instead of serving himself he serves the SONG.
One of my favorites. song about trees but really about society. and jams hard.
The masters at work. Pure artistry with amazing execution, musically and lyrically. Just mind blowing devastation. They had no peers. Best Rush track ever. I know, I say that for every Rush song...
But Dude!! Thank you so much for this one
I cannot believe that I remembered every single word of this song!!! It was one of my favorite Rush songs back in the 80’s in high school!! Thanks for reacting to it man. Just wow
Love your station. Rush is my favorite band for the past 45 years.
Going on this Rush journey with you has allowed me to experience Rush like I did with my childhood friends. Thank you again
This song was an exercise in "be careful what you wish for". For all the screaming of the maples, both suffered for it.
I think that's a good description
Yes, well said, and absolutely right.
@GoHF22 except some socialist programs help. You just can't let anything get too extreme. It's winter...the socialist snow plowing will help on the roads.
GoHF22 more anti communism than socialism (as in social programs) but yeah...we know what the road to hell is paved with.
@GoHF22 For sure that's what I think as well.
I love the reactions- I take it for granted because I grew up with it - but then you make me realize just how precious this music is
The Trees is a masterclass in lyric writing, composition and execution. Also a desperately underrated bass line.
RUSH is rock PERFECTION! Such mind blowing musicality and dynamic range! A musician's band, and then some!
Thanks. This was my favorite song as a teenager. Lol pushing 52 now but this song still rocks
Brings back freshman high-school memories. I was 15 in '87 when my best friend who lived across the street played bass and I guitar. He was a huge Rush fan from age 4 and got me into them when I was 12. Nearly everything I learned on guitar was from Alex Lifeson and we got ourselves a drummer and started rehearsing for our high-school variety show. The drummer bought the woodblocks and we I played Broons Bane, then we played The trees and Spirit of Radio. I'm glad Alex was my main influence on guitar. The learning curve was huge, but the payoff sweeter.
One of my favorite by Rush. I remember having this on record. Great song!
Background: Rush are a Canadian band and the Maple is the tree of Canada. Canada belongs to the British Commonwealth, and the Oak is a symbol of Britain. At the time when this song was written there was a significant "separatist" movement happening in the Quebec province of Canada. So this song was kind of descriptive and prophetic of what was going on and where it could all end.
Try Red Barchetta ,classic RUSH tune
Yes.. live.. ua-cam.com/video/PjjNvjURS-s/v-deo.html
Yes, the studio version. Anything live (except maybe Frampton comes alive) is just never as good as the studio version, which is sonically perfect.
True.
That's the song that got me into the greatest band to have ever existed.
Red Barchetta is so prophetic in this day and age. With all the electric cars and wanting to kill fossil fuels
As someone who has heard this song countless times and played it on bass a few times, it’s so great to see your reaction to this amazing song.
Love watching someone get into Rush. Music and Lyrics.
Thanks for picking another fantastic one. Rush is a band that is timeless. So glad to have seen their last tour. Neil, you will live on forever!
You finally made it to their best album: Hemispheres.
Rush is incredibly difficult to pick a favorite album but I have to say this is in the top three. The music is so progressive on Hemispheres that it has always stuck out for me as well.
@@crackedbrainOG Totally agree! It is very difficult to number your favorite albums up through Signals for me anyway. They had that on facebook once. Somebody had Geddy do his favorite nine in order. My list was almost his exactly. But it took me about three times to say...ok that's it!
This was their newest album when I really discovered Rush. I was totally (literally) blown away. You never forget your favorite High School music.
mwhich50 That’s debatable
Don't make me pick a Rush favorite album, they are all my favs
Rush is one of the few bands that almost sounded like their studio
It’s amazing how this guys change sounds in one melody they’re awesome
This was the first song that I ever heard from Rush. I thought it was a strange song but the more that I listened to it the more it made sense. Thanks Jamal l haven't heard this in years. Peace and love to all people!
One of my absolute favorite Rush songs! Neil's lyrics has in mind how those in power ( the oaks) oppress us (the maples.)
One of your absolute favorite Rush songs, yet you've missed the point entirely.
@@murderface15g13 I believe I read that was what Neil Peart meant when he wrote it. Is that incorrect?
Just checked. Apparently that was someone who assumed the song was another song based on the writings of Anne Rand. Apparently it was about a cartoon that Neil once saw about trees.
Every one of your RUSH videos, I smash that Like button before the song even starts. I already know it's gonna be amazing.
Man I was hoping you was going to do trees.... one of my favorite rush tunes
I've listened to hip hop, r and b, blues, soul for many, many years, and have appreciated it when it's good. Having listened to mostly rock music, my benchmark has been to listen to what's good. It gladdens me to see someone who might not have listened to much rock music listen to something and think it's good. For whatever it's worth, you are right.
Sometimes Trees are just Trees - - but each person interprets it their own way. For me, the main point is that when you try to make all equal, you assume that the low will be lifted up, but in this instance the high were cut down ... improving no one. Even without a message, it's a great song ... love the feel of it.
At the end when they say they were kept equal, it was not just the oaks being cut the maples were cut as well. Remember even within the maples there are some maples taller than others.
@@robvin94 Hadn't thought about it, but ... yeah, you're right
Well said!
"They know how to do music"...truer words have never been spoken!!
I think the most important part is "...the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw."
So do you think that the hatchet Axe and saw is referring to three different types of government so it really doesn't matter the trees are just the people that live under that government?
I absolutely LOVE your reactions to RUSH❤️❤️❤️. You have a true appreciation for their genius!! I’ve been going to see RUSH since the 70’s. I’m a somewhat rare female RUSH fanatic!
I love the middle part of this song. This is one of my fav albums of all time. 😀👍
Love that stanky face smile stuck on your face when experiencing each Rush song. Waiting for you fall or jump from your chair when they hit ya hard on the solos and strange sounds they incorporate into their music. Loved this Thanks. Killer song.
That man can turn a phrase like nobody’s business-Neil Peart
This is the first band i saw in concert, 1977, on my birthday. And even though i sort grew up listening to this band from then on, i still do not think i could give a reaction like you do, if it were the first time i heard this. That kind of boggles the mind . Keep up the good work :)
Quote from recording companies was, “Rush is too Cerebral” for radio
You are 100% right, the three of them produce more music than bands with twice their number. The layers and layers of melodies and countermelodies and syncopated percussion is unrivaled in the rock music world.
The masses fighting against one another over the resources and the mighty hand of government steps in to regulate “by hatchet, axe, and saw”.
I take it its between the rich and poor. The rich say why can't they be happy with trickle down.
I take it as: Two factions are fighting amongst themselves so dramatically that they don't even see their doom coming from something totally unrelated
I link the lyrics to socialism. Spreading of wealth for all, yet in the end, equally as f’ed.
I love watching you enjoy Rush and the fact that their lyrics are meaningful.
Keep up the great work.
this song is a metaphor ontop of like a thousand other metaphors and its insane(ly good)
“We will make them give us light!!”
That line always gives me chills
I was 15 years old when this came out I immediately thought of any kind of inequality. Rush is the music that taught me values I still hold dear.
Trees are symbiotic. Oaks are natural and don't oppress. Period. So trees would be a bad analogy for any bad inequality. No the warning is against bad laws which upset a perfectly good natural balance which some maples aren't happy with.
@@skidancin
in this song the oaks are clearly oppressors. they monopolized the light.
they even ponder why the maples arent happy living in shade instead of light.
the maples rebelled, and cut them down to size(quite literally).
now all the trees can get light.
it's like making laws forbidding religious indoctrination in public schools.
it's a good idea. the only ones who oppose it are those who want to indoctrinate children in public schools.
As I get older I look at this song differently. When I was in my teens, I was like mannnn they did a song bout trees *hits bong*. Now, at 40, It can go 50 different ways. Really powerful lyrics
2:26 - The trees are definitely an intended metaphor.
I heard years ago that the band was exploring the Olympic Peninsula rain forest between Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean in Washington state where they gathered the inspiration for this song which I heard was about union and non union in the working world. Thanks for checking that one out. Always one of my favorites! 🎸
the song is about class structure...how the people who have everything, wonder why the lesser class just be happy with the scraps they they give them.
Peart said it was literally just about trees. He saw a postcard with trees on it and wondered what trees would fight about.
He must have been on the train to Bangkok
Like fox said. It's about trees.
Given Rush was influenced by Ayn Rand I doubt it
Nah. The fact is that there are different kinds of people and we all have our lives. No point in blaming everyone else. A maple is just a maple. It's a beautiful tree. Some people are just beautiful people, but they get all SJW-y, complaining that others are bigger than them. Yeah, of course they're bigger. They're different people with different lives. People need to accept who they are and realize that the whole world isn't out to get them.
Jamel you are the only reaction channel I watch, stumbled on your channel by accident when I saw that you were reacting to "Rush" Subdivision in my feed a favorite song of mine and feel you come across as the most authentic in your critiquing of music from a time you did not grow up in or know at all and is not music that in the ignorant world we live in today where people assume all black people listen to rap, R&B and hip-hop music only and that is where our music palette begins and ends. It's refreshing as a person of color who also listens to everything from classical music, opera, international music, disco, pop, rap, R&B, hip hop, Adult contemporary, alternative music, all forms of rock and hard heavy metal music, you are helping people know that there are people of color who can listen to everything as well and critique and hear and appreciate or not a specific genre of music and not have to like or hate everything in a specific genre but maybe just a song in that genre. Keep keeping it real in your critique of everything in a song from lyrics, musicianship, video and vocals and I would like to give you a list of songs that I couldn't find in your library so if you haven't done any of them then I hope you will consider a critiquing of all or some of these artist pre-2003: Amanda Marshall: Beautiful Goodbye live ua-cam.com/video/rIO9GglPqvk/v-deo.html (this version is best) Korn: Falling Away From Me or Freak on a Leash (official videos only very artistic); Evanescence - Bring me to life, My Immortal or Lithium; Jann Arden: Unloved, Good Mother, Seventeen, Insensitive; Heart: Barracuda or Crazy on You live (Live is best from the 70's and 80's as the guitar riff opening is done by the lead singers sister who is a true musician and talented); Journey: Edge of the Blade, Feeling that Way or Who's Crying Now (Steve Perry is the lead singer nicknamed "The Voice" a talent of his time); No Doubt: Just a Girl; K-os: Man I Used to Be; Anita Baker: You Bring Me Joy Live (live version is best from the 80's);Police: Wrapped Around Your Finger, Every Breath You Take, Don't Stand so Close to Me or Roxanne; Sade: Pearls Live (current performances); Peter Gabriel: Biko (Live version ua-cam.com/video/hIyuzXn1Jkw/v-deo.html or from Free Mandela concert 1988 ua-cam.com/video/dAjv7QCQkzw/v-deo.html); Simply Red: Money to Tight to Mention (liver version from the 80's or 90's); Gowan: Criminal Mind (original video as it is artistic and so 90's); Jessie J: Technoogy (no video but this live version is best ua-cam.com/video/e7iNvFeSLBA/v-deo.html); Radiohead: Creep (lyric version best); Sarah McLachlan: Fallen, Path of Thorns, Fear, Do What You Have to Do (not sure if there are videos or live performances lyric version may be best these songs are super deep on the emotional level) Sorry for long list but I hope you find something in this list that you will enjoy and will also surprise you
Yes a third party the lumberjacks, leveled the entire forest. You can't stump RUSH.
Incredible piece of music,written by 3 of the greatest rock musicians to walk on planet earth.
These days we can really see this song in action on many levels. Oaks grabbing all the light, Mapels not happy in there shade. Oppresion, then equality by force.
Your funny dude! I love your interpretations in all your Rush reactions. Great Job my friend. Enjoy what I discovered and grew up with since I've been 11 years old.
RIP NEIL LOVE THIS SONG THANK YOU!!
I’m really LOVING your reactions to this, as well as many of the other songs I’ve listened to and loved for decades!!!
Bless your heart for making me smile & laugh today!!
I needed this!!
Note: The oak *naturally* out-shades the maple in certain forests successions.
Thanks Nate! Jamal you vibe cool and warmly. I was a drummer since 8 y/0 and always loved Neil's lyrics as well. Did an oral report on the lyrics of this song for English class @ 15. RUSH are/were outcast progressives and I felt their sincerity mixed w intricate, dynamic chord and time changes. Thank you man.
Have you done La Villa Strangiato? If not we need Studio then live from 77 or 78. Man it will get you. Exit Stage from 81 great but this one wow.
Love that old man spirit you have.
If you want to truly understand Rush's music, especially this song, you have to read a Novella by Ayn Rand titled "Anthem" ( it's about 3 pages if I remember correctly ).
Rush's records were produced at first by Anthem records, and one of their first popular songs was titled "anthem" so you see the reference again and again through out the bands history.
The story centers around a young man who is "cursed" by being smarter, stronger, and in general more alive than those around him in a world where conformity is the law. He chooses instead to turn his back on society, to go out on his own and celebrate his individuality by not being bound to the limitations of what those in power said he should be.
This idea is reflected ominously in the last line of the song. "The trees are all kept equal by hatchet, ax, and saw". This says nothing about the Maple's attempting to reach higher, instead it speaks of forming laws to limit the Oaks. Anyone who has seen a full grown Oak tree will tell you they are about three times the size of a full grown Maple.
In the name of conformity the Maples want to cut away two thirds of what God gave to the Oaks so they don't have to feel inferior.
You see this today in modern society where every player in the league gets a trophy so no one feels left out. The converse of this is that no one, no matter what talents they were born with or worked really hard to develop, is allowed to feel special.
This ultimately leads to a cold ,dead,apathetic society where what's the point in striving for more when all around you are those who don't want to strive for more, they want you to have less?
The song "Subdivisions" also warns of the dangers of conformity "Be cool or be cast out"
You will find this thread of Individualism and self worth woven through out their music.
After the first part of the song you said something about it being "deep".
I don't think you realize how right you were.
It's a matter of survival, not laziness. I recognize your view point and it depends on those not in power, not born into wealth, to be lazy and unwilling to work to better them selves. I'm so sorry that you see others in this way, but your way of seeing others is only correct for an extremely small number of people. Most people are willing to work for what they want to own, but there are many people in situations where they work several jobs and still don't make enough to get out of poverty. It's honestly almost impossible for some to improve their lives through their own hard labor. Please try not to judge those less fortunate than you. You never know what responsibilities they have, such as taking care of their own children as well as a sick or disabled adult. Medical bills can break a hard working, well educated family and our system is designed to make it hard to break out of one's social class. The middle class has been under attack by the powerfully wealthy foe many decades and we are being wiped out.
John you missed the point. Not trying to be rude but we all go through hard times but that doesn't mean we can't be individuals and learn how to thrive without the people who haven't figured it out yet to pull us down.
This song is about how egalitarianism is a futile experiment
This is Peart at his most lyrically problematic.
@@josephyoung2385
Equality is the opposite of quality.
Such power coming from 3 musicians,CRAZY! Best rock group ever period!
I've seen Rush seven times in concert. It always felt to me that the song the trees was about racism.
Saw them play this live in London , UK when they were touring to promote Hemispheres. This sounded as good on stage as on vinyl. Rush really were a class act.
The very last couple of lines in the song illustrate how the trees ironically achieved their “equality” . Can you see that irony?
That's a very talented woodpecker at about 3:10 in that interlude Jamel ! Love that you're covering one of the greatest band that ever was, or will be, RUSH ! Keep 'em coming
I’ve often heard that Neil Peart’s lyrics on this song dealt with the Canadian battle on what should be the national language: French or English.
It's the same tought I had in first but it can be interpreted in different level. National, or international too (countries of the north over countries of the South)
nope.
Thank you for your reactions, nicely done. This song Got me one night October 2004, As always I understood and appreciated Neil's lyrics, Geddy getting it right and such a great band. R.I.P. Neil.
I play in a band that started playing this song back in March-ish 2021 and was amazed at how difficult the bas part is. I love this song, Love to play it with my favorite Drummer, Brian - In the Zone Man.!! I love being locked to a great drummer!
Cheers!!
The Maples are Canada, the Oaks are America
Only RUSH could write a song about trees arguing over sunlight and make it so beautiful. Great anolagy brother. I never considered thinking about the lyrics maybe directed towards tyrantic ppl. Thank you for making me rethink the lyrics in this great song I've been listening to since the late 70's.
RIP The Professor of drums...and lyrics
One of my favorite RUSH songs ever...a classic!
I have always thought the last line was the most telling. The rest of the song could be about any conflict in general where there is a group that is being oppressed by another, be it civil rights, income classes, or even at work. But that last line, it HAD to be planned. To me, it has always had a little "be careful what you wish for" taste to it because once you are equal, you are now judged by the same standard and will ultimately be subject to the same consequences as alluded to in the last line where all the trees got cut down. I may be WAY off here, but that's what it spoke to me about.
But the oaks are not oppressing the maples they are just living life and using the gift god gave them and the maples are jealous instead of using their own gifts to pursue their own happiness
Socialism leads to communism and finally totalitarianism
We haven’t learned a thing from the 20th century
It’s sad
@@keydobutkrak They say history repeats itself and I believe it does.
@@keydobutkrakI believe Andrew Shupe has it correct. The Oaks are being themselves the way they are made, the Maples also have their own destiny.
@@keydobutkrak : Indeed, oaks *naturally* out-shade maples.
One of Rush’s best songs (there are so many.) I’ll never forget the first time I heard this song. I was 14 and at a buddies house and his older brother had just introduced us to Moving pictures and then he busted out Hemispheres (we were a Couple years behind). I was sooooo, so high that afternoon of my intro to Rush. The next day I went out and bought both albums and they were just as impactful and amazing cannabis free.
Jamel,
Like all of their songs the subject is usually a metaphor for something about the human condition.
In this case it's a statement about human inequality in all its forms.
The beauty of the song- you can apply so many scenarios to it : class , race , work , any conflict
please react to LIMELIGHT. favorite RUSH song and my favorite sone of all time
Rush.. 3 absolute geniuses well ahead of there time.
How 3 men can play such sounds flawless is amazing. Neil Peart drumming is un-matched, also so unusual is Neil wrote most of their music
I just look at it as Ayn Rand would see it to determine what meaning Neil was putting into it
We will never hear Neil talk about again because of controversy people put on it
That’s not the only reason
This is a Rush classic from one of thier best albums, Hemispheres. The moment I listened to this song I got it. To me it spoke to the feeling you get as a Canadian living in the shadow of the US. I thing Rush struggled with getting exposer in the US but by the time Hemispheres came out they had developed a loyal global following. I think the conclusion of the song speaks to how big business cuts society's to inequality for all.
I can't wait to see your reaction to 2112: Overture. It's next in my queue
One of my favorite Rush songs, so glad you found it!