Fake Plastic Trees

Howie Day's rendition of 'Fake Plastic Trees' delves into the superficiality and emptiness that often accompany modern life. The song opens with vivid imagery of artificiality: a pink plastic watering can, a fake Chinese rubber plant, and fake plastic earth. These objects symbolize the inauthenticity that permeates the protagonist's world. The 'rubber man' and 'town full of rubber plans' further emphasize a society obsessed with synthetic, disposable things, reflecting a deeper existential void. This artificiality 'wears her out,' suggesting a profound emotional and psychological toll.

The second verse introduces a 'broken man,' described as a 'cracked polystyrene man' who 'crumbles and burns.' This character represents the fragility and impermanence of human connections in a world dominated by superficial values. His past as a surgeon for 'girls in the eighties' who succumbed to gravity's inevitable pull underscores the futility of trying to maintain appearances. The repeated refrain 'it wears her out' highlights the relentless exhaustion caused by living in such a hollow environment.

In the final verse, the narrator reflects on a 'fake plastic love' that 'looks like the real thing' but lacks genuine substance. The desire to 'blow through the ceiling' and 'turn and run' signifies a yearning to escape this artificial existence. The closing lines, 'if I could be who you wanted all the time,' reveal a deep-seated longing for authenticity and acceptance. The song poignantly captures the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that often prioritizes appearances over substance, leaving individuals feeling worn out and unfulfilled.