"Fallen Branches" by Genesis Owusu is a song that explores themes of personal struggle, the price of fame and success, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal conflicts and external pressures faced by the protagonist, referred to as the "Young Boy" and later the "Young Man." The song begins with the Young Boy lamenting how he sold his soul for material possessions, symbolized by "3 shoes and a belt buckle." This represents the sacrifices he made and the compromises he had to endure to achieve success. He mentions the lies he's encountered, represented by "honey suckle lies," and the metaphorical weight of these lies being like "ice cubes in the throat funnel," implying how they suffocate and consume him. The Young Boy reflects on a past relationship, using the imagery of cherries being picked from a casket of misery. This suggests that he has made choices that have led to pain and regret. He acknowledges that his efforts to plant seeds for a better future have been overshadowed and erased from history. Throughout the song, the Young Boy is warned about the consequences of his actions. His cymbals crash, symbolizing the chaos and danger he puts himself in. His mother warns him that she is coming for him, implying that his actions have consequences and he will face accountability. Despite his apparent success and material possessions, the Young Boy is reminded that he is still just a child in a world that demands maturity. The chorus advises the Young Boy to be humble in the face of those who wish for his downfall. It warns him that people can quickly turn against him if he becomes arrogant or self-assured. The metaphor of "bees bumble" and "swatted till they come through with the honey" suggests that he should not underestimate the power and resilience of his critics and enemies. The lyrics also touch upon the fleeting nature of wealth and success. By mentioning fallen branches from money trees and Land Rover tires worth gold, the song implies that even the most valuable and cherished things can be discarded or forgotten. The Young Boy has been left alone and abandoned, freezing in the cold, emphasizing the emptiness and isolation that often accompany success. In the second verse, the perspective shifts to the Young Man, who reflects on how his soul was also sold for trivial gains. He attempts to seek a refund from the Devil, but realizes that he can't undo the choices he has made. The Young Man acknowledges that he planted seeds of creativity and expression, but they were overshadowed and distorted by the pressures of the music industry, represented by auto-tuning. The Young Man advises the protagonist not to remain humble but to stand strong and assert his worth. He encourages him to confront those who criticize or doubt him, comparing their negative energy to the spinning blades of a fan. He embraces the understanding that true loyalty and support can be found in the most unexpected places, symbolized by gloves protecting him in a cold and harsh environment. The lyrics conclude with a series of poetic lines that highlight various struggles and conflicts. These lines emphasize the transitory nature of life, the inevitability of pain, and the fragility of human existence. They capture the complexities and contradictions that the Young Boy and Young Man face, as they navigate their personal journeys and strive to find their place in the world. Overall, "Fallen Branches" serves as a introspective and introspective exploration of the challenges and sacrifices faced by individuals chasing their dreams in a world that often demands conformity and compromise. It highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, finding strength in adversity, and embracing the contradictions and vulnerabilities that make us human.
