The meaning of Cherry Tree by The National

The National's "Cherry Tree" is a hauntingly beautiful song that tells the story of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics are deeply personal and open to interpretation, but at its core, the song is about cherishing memories of past loves.

The song begins with Matt Berninger's distinctive baritone, lamenting the loss of a relationship that has faded like a cherry tree in winter. He sings of how the branches once held promise and life, but now they stand bare, a reminder of what could have been. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of a love that was tender and fleeting.

Throughout the song, Berninger's voice is accompanied by the soaring guitars of Aaron Dessner and the brooding keyboards of Bryce Dessner. The instrumentation creates a sense of space and atmosphere, drawing the listener in to the narrator's emotional world. The rhythm section provides a subtle foundation, allowing the song's introspective mood to take center stage.

As the song builds towards its climax, Berninger's vocals become more urgent and emotional. He sings of how he still holds onto memories of his former lover, cherishing them like the fading petals of a cherry tree. It's a poignant expression of the human experience – our tendency to hold onto what we've lost, even as it withers away.

Ultimately, "Cherry Tree" is a song about the power of memory and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The National's masterful storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing the listener into their world of longing and remembrance.