“The Tree” symbolizes my deep connection to the environmental destruction caused by reckless over development, which started in 1952 and is ongoing in my hometown of Kent Island, MD. Through the voice of an ancient tree with a 400-year perspective, the song mourns the impact of relentless development on wildlife and land. In its final moments, the tree shares its last stories of Kent Island and the surrounding area as builders encroach to make way for yet another development.
lyrics
I used to stand here so big and tall.
I got plenty of stories, done seen it all.
Four hundred years, they got a lot to say.
But the building man come to take me away.
Seen others grow, but most of them go.
Watched the fields pop up everything sewn.
Now a green handed fella come to tear me away.
Before I go, listen to what I say.
I have nowhere else to go.
My roots will stay strong down below,
but up here ... goodbye, my crows.
So cut these limbs and down I’ll go.
Fore my time, look out below,
and up here ... goodbye, my crows.
As the whips cracked back, the chains fell still.
Ignorance for innocence broke his will.
The little boy he ran free from fright,
but they dragged him back with a badge of white.
When the tears of all the countrymen fell,
red coat queens tried to save themselves.
A musket blast and a cannon fight.
Slippery Hill ran red that night.
See, I have nowhere else to go.
My roots will stay strong down below,
but up here ... goodbye, my crows.
Cut these limbs and down I’ll go.
Fore my time, look out below,
and up here ... goodbye, my crows.
No, no, no. No, no, no … goodbye, my crows.
Oh, no, no. No, no, no … goodbye, my crows.
Oh, no, no. No, no, no … goodbye, my crows.
So heres a little piece we all ignore today …
The year was 1631.
Along came a mister and his big ole gun.
The ships sailed in so proud and tall.
The little Matapeake gonna ... slay them all.
Out on the cliff of Love and shame,
a boy met a girl with a jet black mane.
Staring off the edge at that big old bay,
they jumped off there where forever they lay.
And I have nowhere else to go.
My roots will stay strong down below,
but up here ... goodbye, my crows.
So cut these limbs and down I’ll go.
Fore my time, look out below,
and as I burn ... goodbye, my crows.
Described as “The imagined child of Jim Morrison and Alanis Morissette,” J. Coursey Willis is an alternative rock figure,
known for poignant lyrics and a brooding sound. He explores themes of addiction, despair, heartbreak, and tragedy. With a voice akin to Eddie Vedder and Layne Staley, fans appreciate his introspective songs for their nostalgia, raw honesty, and beauty amidst the darkness....more
I love these guys! Ruben Dobbs produces a very unique, addictive style that reaches deep into the soul. The sounds a truly swampy and sweet as candy. J. Coursey Willis
Plain in simple, Gage Rhodes kicks fucking ass! His style and persona are second to none and he is a forerunner for his generation. It's refreshing to be yourself this much! Unreliable is my favorite. J. Coursey Willis
Heartside... the name says it all. The music is truly heartfelt without being weepy. It's edgy, it's sincere, it's somehow nostalgic and draws me in. Their live shows kickass as well! J. Coursey Willis