Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “White Cedar” by The Mountain Goats
White Cedar is a song that speaks of hope and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Its lyrics are rooted in the imagery of a white cedar, a majestic tree native to the Great Lakes region, reflecting the beauty of the natural world and its capacity to combat the dark forces of human suffering. The song speaks to the idea of weathering the storm and transcending difficult times with a spirit of confidence and perseverance. We see this in lines such as “You can survive this, it’s just a test” and “White cedar has a thick trunk, leads its branches to the sun.” This suggests that in spite of adversity, one should remain focused on the positive and strive to achieve the goal of growth and advancement. The chorus further reinforces the message, proclaiming that “white cedar bends but keeps reaching” and “learns to stand tall in every storm.” This reflects the message of never giving up in the face of struggle and continuous hard work regardless of the obstacles. Ultimately the lyrics build to the inspiring statement “so take heart, take heart, and take hold of the white cedar”, emphasizing the importance of hope and determination in the pursuit of a better life.