Budding Trees

Nahko Bear and Medicine for the People's song 'Budding Trees' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and imagery that speaks to themes of healing, transformation, and connection with nature. The song opens with the line 'In the moon of the budding trees,' which sets a tone of renewal and growth. This imagery of budding trees symbolizes new beginnings and the potential for change. The lyrics 'I was gifted new eyes to see' suggest a newfound awareness or enlightenment, a common theme in Nahko Bear's music, which often explores personal and collective awakening.

The song delves into the idea of turning dreams into realities, a call to action for listeners to manifest their aspirations. The recurring line 'Wake the dreams into realities' serves as a mantra, encouraging a proactive approach to life. The mention of 'Pacha mama,' a term for Mother Earth in Andean cultures, and 'spinning firelight' evokes a sense of spiritual connection to the earth and its elements. This connection is further emphasized with references to natural phenomena like 'sunset diamonds' and 'moonlit diamonds,' which symbolize moments of beauty and clarity.

Healing is a central theme in 'Budding Trees,' as evidenced by the repeated lines 'Heal my brain and my body too' and 'The body talks and meditation helps.' These lyrics highlight the importance of holistic well-being, suggesting that physical and mental health are interconnected and can be nurtured through practices like meditation. The song also touches on the idea of letting go of past burdens, as seen in the lines 'Let go of blame that shit will never serve me!' and 'Bless other men investigate your mystery.' This message of release and forgiveness is crucial for personal growth and healing.

The song's vivid imagery and poetic language create a sense of journey and exploration, both inward and outward. References to 'coastal quiver on a quest through the dunes' and 'sandy toes and bottomless curves of the moon' evoke a sense of adventure and discovery. The song encourages listeners to embrace the present moment, as seen in the line 'But, keep me here in this wild present tense,' and to find balance and harmony within themselves and with the world around them.