Oh Rowan Tree

John McDermott's 'Oh Rowan Tree' is a poignant ode to the past, filled with nostalgia and deep emotional ties to family and home. The rowan tree serves as a powerful symbol throughout the song, representing the singer's cherished memories of childhood and family. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing for simpler times, where the tree stood as a witness to the joys and sorrows of the singer's early life.

The song begins by establishing the rowan tree as a beloved and significant part of the singer's life. The tree is described with affection, its leaves and flowers marking the changing seasons and symbolizing the passage of time. The imagery of the tree being 'entwined with many ties' suggests that it is deeply connected to the singer's sense of identity and belonging. This connection is further emphasized by the mention of names carved into the tree's stem, which, although no longer visible, remain engraved in the singer's heart.

As the song progresses, it delves into specific memories associated with the rowan tree. The singer recalls sitting under its shade, playing with siblings, and the presence of their mother, who watched over them with a smile. These vivid recollections highlight the tree as a central figure in the singer's family life, a silent witness to their shared experiences. The mention of the father's prayers and the mother's voice singing a martyr's psalm adds a spiritual dimension to the song, suggesting that the tree also holds sacred memories of faith and devotion.

The final verse brings a sense of melancholy, as the singer reflects on the passage of time and the loss of loved ones. The rowan tree, once a gathering place for the family, now stands alone, a symbol of the past that can never be fully recaptured. However, the tree remains hallowed in the singer's memory, a testament to the enduring power of home and infancy. Through 'Oh Rowan Tree,' McDermott beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, reminding us of the lasting impact of our formative years and the places and people that shape us.