Lyrics of 'Willow, Pine and Oak' by Bonnie Prince Billy

We split folks into groups of threes
And name them after kinds of trees
It's how I like to look at folks
As willow trees, or pines, or oaks

Willows are forgettable
They could be called a weed
And time with them's regrettable
They'll suck you dry when you're in need

They burst your pipes, and then their switches
Might be used to bust your britches
Willows ain't my kind of tree
They're not a source of love for me

We split folks into groups of threes
And name them after kinds of trees
It's how I like to look at folks
As willow trees, or pines, or oaks

Pines give off a wondrous smell
And they're green throughout the year
Make a bed of needles soft as hell
And bolster Christmas cheer

You bust their bark and they get sticky
Embracing one is often tricky
They're lonely, and that's what ain't for me
I need to love a stronger tree

We split folks into groups of threes
And name them after kinds of trees
It's how I like to look at folks
As willow trees, or pines, or oaks

And so we find the able oak
Who changes colors, loses leaves
Strength and patience ain't no joke
That's what this man believes

I build a house, I build a chair
A table, bed, from that tree there
An oak grows slowly and provides
It's with an oak my love resides

It's with an oak my love resides
It's with an oak my love resides