Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Barcarola (You Must Be A Christmas Tree)” by Sufjan Stevens
The song “Barcarola (You Must Be A Christmas Tree)” by Sufjan Stevens is a heartfelt winter love story. Through the charming waltz rhythm, Stevens paints a vivid picture of a young couple warmly embracing one another on a winter evening. The lyrics explore the comforting feelings of being in love, and the warmth of being in each other’s arms, even in the cold of winter.
The gentle sway of the music reflects the feeling of love lost and found, and the idea of setting off hand-in-hand on a magical evening voyage in a brightly lit barcarola. The romantic tone of the song brings to mind the fairytale of a couple carving out everlasting evergreens, and conjures up images of the hazy snow-speckled streetlight and the glistening stars above.
The song also suggests the idea of having the strength of a Christmas Tree – to remain standing tall and mighty amidst the chill of winter, and to remain faithfully in love. This brings to life a hopeful message of not letting the darkness of winter, or lack of love, let force you into becoming something you are not. Be strong, and stay true ‘til Christmas morning to become “a sight for sore eyes”.