Listen: Widespread Panic Bestow Wisdom on New Single “Life as a Tree”
Joshua Timmermans
Today, April 26, Widespread Panic have released their latest single and fourth new song of the year, “Life as a Tree.” Dialing back the tempo and breaking away from prior instrumental presentations, as heard on “Little by Little,” “We Walk Each Other Home,” and “Tackle Box Hero,” the new number embraces the smooth, whining sound of the slide guitar, paired with purposeful lyrics that present like sage and poetic wisdom.
Acoustic strums open the new number, a simple start that demands a deeper listen. The lyrical intent is not hidden behind wailing riffs or thunderous drums; instead, “Life of a Tree” relies on a toned-back approach that assists in activating the listener’s capacity to shift from the desire to rock in favor of reflection and a sense of feeling in the ever-shift landscape of life.
“But a tree never questions its days as a seed,” sings John Bell. “Well, nobody’s perfect/ What fun would that be? We’ll make our own movies and star in them too/ It takes two to tango and billions for the big dance/ We’re lucky if we find just some of them/ Who takes our souls for who they are and in that take us too/ Cause life is too short not to stand in those shoes.”
It takes a lifetime to the middle/ A half-life to the finish/ Scattered moments like atoms/ Some bonded some free,” Bell quavers, unlocking the emotive pull of decay, tied to time, and ticking without stopping. Perhaps the core intention is interconnectedness and individual capacity to make the most of the time that we have.
Widespread Panic’s latest single arrives after the band revealed that they will serve as support during Rolling Stone’s Denver stand on June 20. Read more.
