Planting Trees Lyrics

Scared you can't find the words to say

Creeping slowly, your light began to fade

All through town we knew your name

We downsized, moved on… it'll never be the same

You've been decent, upstanding

Didn't crash through life, you planned it

Put family first

Carefully watched your purse

But little by little you're damaged

And finding it harder to manage

Keep calm while you prepare

But we scream it's not fair

First came tremors from the fall

Hours for an ambulance

We were appalled that this kind heart, so warm and patient

Would end up in a triage situation

Calling solicitors, dire consultations

Heavy is the head thinking expiration

Payment plans for your cremation

Can't bring yourself to sign those forms

Who could blame you, never asked for this

Often feels like life has a knife to twist

Be remiss to treat you as a bank account

But housing, having kids, I don't have the clout

In the 1800's we'd all be at home

Shanty or the poorhouse, not left alone

Now isolation is a leading cause

Degrading mental status of who we adore

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Picking fruits that you'll never taste

As we crawl on our hands and knees, in the beginning and near the end

When you falter we'll hold you

Just let us hold you

For the gifts and garden that you grew

Nothing more precious than a hand-me-down

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Just let us hold you

Giant all my life, now shrinks away

Unjust reward for all the dues you paid

Have to squeeze the best days that remain

Talk more so memory doesn't fade

Not knowing is torture

Itemised what life has brought you

Written out your will

Dry throat for this bitter pill

Little by little you vanish

Frustrated by our language

Once poetic in your flair

Holding on and living scared

Buzzing in my pocket could be the call

Sorry you misdialled, but it's not your fault

Teach you voice-to-text, but tech can't resolve

Confusion over keys, neighbours got involved

Keeping an eye and taking care

Once an undercurrent is now laid bare

So quietly you suffered, didn't shout or swear

I was white as your hair to hear their voice on your phone

Injured walking home, they gave you exercises

Back on your feet after months inside

Got your weekly shopping to ease the crisis

Anxious and defeated, it's not surprising

That you, the strong heart that raised us up

Now struggling a little to lift a cup

Should be on the back foot to say the least

How much will you suffer before the release?

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Picking fruits that you'll never taste

As we crawl on our hands and knees, in the beginning and near the end

When you falter we'll hold you

Just let us hold you

For the gifts and garden that you grew

Nothing more precious than a hand-me-down

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Just let us hold you

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Picking fruits that you'll never taste

As we crawl on our hands and knees, in the beginning and near the end

When you falter we'll hold you

Just let us hold you

For the gifts and garden that you grew

Nothing more precious than a hand-me-down

Spent your life, planting trees that we're destined to grieve under

Just let us hold you