Fruit Tree
Drake Bell
The Ephemeral Nature of Fame in 'Fruit Tree' by Drake Bell
In 'Fruit Tree,' Drake Bell delves into the fleeting and often hollow nature of fame. The song uses the metaphor of a fruit tree to illustrate how fame, much like a tree, can only truly be appreciated once it has ceased to exist. The lyrics suggest that fame is inherently unstable ('so very unsound') and can only 'flourish' once the person has passed away, indicating that true recognition often comes posthumously. This idea is reinforced by the lines 'Forgotten while you're here / Remembered for a while,' highlighting the transient nature of public memory and admiration.
The song also touches on the theme of existential reflection. Bell describes life as 'but a memory' and a 'theatre full of sadness,' suggesting that our experiences and achievements are fleeting and often forgotten. The lyrics 'Seems so easy / Just to let it go on by / Till you stop and wonder / Why you never wondered why' encourage listeners to pause and reflect on their lives and the reasons behind their actions. This introspection is further emphasized by the line 'Safe in a womb of an everlasting night / You find the darkness can give the brightest light,' suggesting that true understanding and enlightenment often come from moments of deep contemplation and solitude.
The recurring imagery of the fruit tree serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of fame and life itself. The lines 'No one knows you but the rain and the air / Don't you worry / They'll stand and stare when you're gone' imply that while fame may be elusive and unrecognized during one's lifetime, it will eventually be acknowledged, albeit too late. The song concludes with a sense of inevitability and acceptance, urging the listener to 'open your eyes to another year' and recognize that true worth is often only realized in retrospect.