The Trees They Grow High

Pentangle's rendition of 'The Trees They Grow High' is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into themes of youth, arranged marriage, and the inevitability of fate. The song tells the story of a young girl who is married off to a boy much younger than herself. The repeated line, 'He's young, but he's daily growing,' underscores the hope and expectation that the boy will mature into a suitable husband. However, this hope is tragically cut short by his untimely death.

The lyrics poignantly capture the girl's lament and the father's justification for the arranged marriage. The father believes he has secured a prosperous future for his daughter by marrying her to a great lord's son, despite the boy's youth. The girl's plea to send her young husband to college for another year reflects her desire to delay the responsibilities of marriage and allow him to grow. This request is symbolized by the blue ribbons she ties around his head, a gesture meant to signal his marital status to other maidens.

The song takes a dark turn as it chronicles the boy's rapid progression from a young husband to a father and, ultimately, to his death at the tender age of sixteen. The imagery of the green grave and the shroud stitched with tears poignantly conveys the sorrow and inevitability of his fate. The ballad serves as a somber reflection on the harsh realities of life and the cruel hand of fate, which can abruptly end even the most hopeful of beginnings.

Pentangle's folk style, characterized by intricate guitar work and harmonious vocals, adds a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. The band's interpretation of this traditional ballad brings out the timeless nature of its themes, making it resonate with listeners across generations.