The song "Flame Trees" by Jessica Mauboy is a cover of the original song by Australian rock band Cold Chisel. The lyrics portray a nostalgic reflection on the past and longing for someone who is no longer present. The song begins with the singer observing the younger generation driving by on a Saturday afternoon, while she reminisces about familiar sights and the shared history she had with her hometown. She mentions a forgotten feeling associated with a person from her past, and decides to book a room for the night, possibly to mentally or emotionally reconnect with those memories. The next verse introduces three different aspects of the singer's experience. The first is to find friends and share updates about their lives. The second is to enjoy the happy hour at a local hotel and reminisce about old times. The third aspect is never saying the name of the person she still has feelings for, suggesting she is trying to move on or avoid emotional pain. As the chorus kicks in, the lyrics express how the beautiful flame trees in town serve as a metaphor for blinding the weary driver. The town remains unchanged, everything in its place, making it harder for the singer to believe that the person she longs for won't be around. The bridge of the song reveals the singer's disbelief in sentimental moments and how it takes more than just memories to make her cry. She finds comfort in sitting around a table with old friends, engaging in friendly banter and exaggerating stories. The song continues with a glimpse of a young girl falling in love with a local factory worker near a pianola (a type of player piano). The singer wonders if their love will be able to withstand challenges or if the man will leave. The song concludes with a nostalgic reference to their past, where nothing could stop them on the field in their youth. The final chorus reinforces the idea that the flame trees symbolize the beauty and emotional challenges in the town, making it difficult to believe that the person she yearns for won't be present. Overall, "Flame Trees" explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the bittersweet nature of memories. It touches upon the passage of time, the changes in a town, and the impact of relationships and connections on one's emotions.
