Cherry Tree
10,000 Maniacs · Trilogy [2005]
Over your shoulder, please don't mind me
If my eyes have fallen onto your magazine
Oh, I've been watching and wondering
Why your face is changing with every line you read
For all those lines and circles to me a mystery
Eve pulled down the apple and gave a taste to me
If she could it would be wonderful
But my pride is in the way
I cannot read to save my life
I'm so ashamed to say
I live in silence, afraid to speak
Of my life of darkness because I cannot read
For all those lines and circles to me a mystery
Eve pulled down the apple and gave a taste to me
If she could it would be wonderful
Then I wouldn't need someone else's eyes
To see what's in front of me
No one guiding me
It makes me humble to be so green
At what every kid can do when he learns A to Z
For all those lines and circles just frighten me
And I fear that I'll be trampled if you don't reach for me
Before I run I'll have to take a fall
And when I pick myself up so slowly
I'll devour every one of those
Books in the tower of knowledge
If my eyes have fallen onto your magazine
Oh, I've been watching and wondering
Why your face is changing with every line you read
For all those lines and circles to me a mystery
Eve pulled down the apple and gave a taste to me
If she could it would be wonderful
But my pride is in the way
I cannot read to save my life
I'm so ashamed to say
I live in silence, afraid to speak
Of my life of darkness because I cannot read
For all those lines and circles to me a mystery
Eve pulled down the apple and gave a taste to me
If she could it would be wonderful
Then I wouldn't need someone else's eyes
To see what's in front of me
No one guiding me
It makes me humble to be so green
At what every kid can do when he learns A to Z
For all those lines and circles just frighten me
And I fear that I'll be trampled if you don't reach for me
Before I run I'll have to take a fall
And when I pick myself up so slowly
I'll devour every one of those
Books in the tower of knowledge
Cherry Tree by 10,000 Maniacs
Released on the 2005 Trilogy album, "Cherry Tree" stands as a defining track for the American folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs. The song exemplifies the group's signature blend of acoustic instrumentation and introspective lyricism, characteristic of their work from the 1990s through the early 2000s. With its gentle melody and emotive delivery, the recording captures the band's ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with listeners seeking authentic, narrative-driven music. As a staple of their discography, the track remains a popular choice for those exploring the band's catalog, reflecting their enduring influence on the indie-folk genre.