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Witness Tree

from Isn't It Real by Common Railers

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about

A witness tree is one that was used by surveyors to mark the corners and boundaries of properties. Another meaning is a tree that was present at key events in American history. Gordon used the latter concept to reflect on what such a tree might see, for example, careless environmental damage.

lyrics

these fields were once a forest
tall trees far and wide
along came a man ax in his hand
he cut those tall trees down

tall trees grew by the river
clear water tasted like wine
til government planned upriver dam
sucked that river dry

we’re climbing, climbing
climbing up the witness tree
we’re climbing, climbing
climbing up the witness tree

these fields were fertile farmland
for barley corn and rye
til corporate brand poisoned the land
left those fields to die

these streets ran through the city
city built on a field
angry band with fire in hand
burned that city down

sweet dreams to all you sinners
sweat dreams of humble pie
nothing you try, none of your lies
will leave those deeds undone

credits

from Isn't It Real, released January 6, 2019

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Common Railers Ithaca, New York

Common Railers is original indie rock and American roots music from Ithaca, NY. A rockin’ four-piece band with guitar, upright and electric bass, drums, sax, flute and accordion.

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