The Meaning Behind The Song: Shaking The Tree by Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel’s “Shaking the Tree” is a rhythmic and mellow song that explores the African culture and society. It was first released in 1982 as part of the album “Peter Gabriel (1982)”, and was later included in his compilation album “Shaking the Tree: Sixteen Golden Greats”. The lyrics of the song hold deep meanings and can be interpreted in many ways. Here is an in-depth analysis of the meaning behind the song:
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The song starts with Gabriel’s soulful voice, accompanied by African rhythmic beats. The lyrics, as interpreted by many, are about unity, freedom, and progression. Gabriel invites us to shake the tree of society, implying that we should challenge the norms and standards that hold us back as a community. The first verse goes thus:
Watch out, you might get what you’re after
Cool babies, strange but not a stranger
I am an ordinary guy
Burning down the house
Gabriel tells us to be careful what we wish for, reminding us that every decision has its consequences. The phrase ‘Cool babies, strange but not a stranger’ suggests that every individual is unique, but that’s what makes us different and interesting. Gabriel recognizes that it’s okay to be different as long as we embrace these differences and unite as a society. He then goes on to say that he’s just a regular guy, but he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo.
The chorus comes in with the following words:
Watch out, you might get what you’re after
Cool babies, you’re strange but not a stranger
I am ordinary, same as you
We are together
Blowing this crazy storm away
The chorus is an invitation to the listeners to join Gabriel and his African friends to shake the tree. ‘We are together, blowing this crazy storm away’ means that we are one community, and we have the power to change the world if we work together.
Gabriel continues with:
Dragging the lake, printing the legend
Theories arise and fall
Who will guard this gate?
Watchtowers on high, women in the sand
Here, Gabriel is talking about the problems that are prevalent in the world today. He’s asking us to question everything that we’ve been told and not just accept things blindly. Gabriel tells us that there are those who will tell us what to believe, even though the theories that they promote are false. He’s asking us to be vigilant and to always question authority.
Gabriel then sings about watchtowers on high, women in the sand. The watchtowers are a metaphor for those in power who are watching over everyone, while the women in the sand suggest that they’re being marginalized. Gabriel’s song is about empowering the marginalized groups to speak out and not to accept the status quo.
The African Connection
The African influence on the song is evident in the beats, with the percussion elements being essential instruments. Gabriel spent time in Africa in the early 1980s and was fascinated by the rhythms and beats he found there. He worked with African musicians such as Youssou N’Dour, and his work with them gave birth to the song ‘Shaking the Tree’.
The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy phrases have become popular across the world, especially in Africa. Gabriel’s work with the African musicians helped to cultivate a new sound that incorporated African beats with western music.
The Message Behind The Song
Gabriel’s message in ‘Shaking the Tree’ cannot be understated. He’s inviting us to rethink the way we see society, and to challenge the status quo. His message is one of unity and empowerment of marginalized groups. He encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and to unite to effect change in the world.
FAQs Related to ‘Shaking the Tree’ by Peter Gabriel
1. Was ‘Shaking the Tree’ inspired by Gabriel’s time in Africa?
Yes, Gabriel spent time in Africa in the early 1980s and was fascinated by the rhythms and beats he found there. He worked with African musicians such as Youssou N’Dour, and his work with them gave birth to the song ‘Shaking the Tree’.
2. What is the meaning of ‘Shaking the Tree’?
The song is about unity, freedom, and progression. Gabriel invites us to shake the tree of society, implying that we should challenge the norms and standards that hold us back as a community.
3. What is the African influence in ‘Shaking the Tree’?
The African influence on the song is evident in the beats, with the percussion elements being essential instruments. Gabriel worked with African musicians such as Youssou N’Dour, and his work with them helped to cultivate a new sound that incorporated African beats with western music.
4. What is the message behind the song?
Gabriel’s message in ‘Shaking the Tree’ is one of unity and empowerment of marginalized groups. He encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and to unite to effect change in the world.
5. Which album was ‘Shaking the Tree’ originally released in?
The song was first released in 1982 as part of the album “Peter Gabriel (1982)”.
6. Which album featured ‘Shaking the Tree’ as a compilation?
The song was later included in his compilation album “Shaking the Tree: Sixteen Golden Greats”.
7. What is the inspiration behind the phrase ‘Cool babies, strange but not a stranger’?
The phrase ‘Cool babies, strange but not a stranger’ suggests that every individual is unique, but that’s what makes us different and interesting.
8. Who are the watchtowers and women in the sand mentioned in the lyrics?
The watchtowers are a metaphor for those in power who are watching over everyone, while the women in the sand suggest that they’re being marginalized.
9. What advice does Gabriel give to listeners in the song?
Gabriel tells us to question authority and not just accept everything we’ve been told. He’s asking us to be vigilant and always make informed decisions.
10. How has ‘Shaking the Tree’ impacted African music?
Gabriel’s work with African musicians helped to cultivate a new sound that incorporated African beats with western music. His song has become popular across the world, especially in Africa.
