"The Hanging Tree" is a song performed by Jennifer Lawrence for the film "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" (2014), based on the book series by Suzanne Collins. The lyrics of the song were written by Suzanne Collins herself, while the music was composed by Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers. The song is sung from the perspective of a person inviting someone to meet them at a tree where a man was hanged for supposedly murdering three people. The tree symbolizes a place where rebellion and resistance against an oppressive regime (the Capitol in the film) can gather and take a stand. The lyrics evoke a sense of mystery and danger surrounding the tree, with strange occurrences happening there. Despite the dark nature of the hanging tree and its association with violence, the protagonist suggests meeting at midnight, implying a meeting of individuals who are willing to challenge the oppressive power and fight for freedom. The lyrics also mention the protagonist convincing someone to run away to the hanging tree, a place where they can both be free. This reflects the theme of rebellion and escape from oppression in the story of "The Hunger Games." The modified line, "Wear a necklace of hope," replaces the original line, "Wear a necklace of rope," suggesting a shift from despair to hope and resistance against the oppressive forces. Overall, "The Hanging Tree" serves as a rallying cry for resistance and rebellion, encouraging individuals to come together and stand against injustice, with the hanging tree as their symbolic meeting point.
