'Tree Birds' by Dylan Gossett - Lyrics and Meaning

Looking at the frontrunners of this next generation of red dirt singer-songwriters, a one Mr. Dylan Gossett must be a part of the discussion.

With only eleven songs under his belt, he's already become quite the force to be reckoned with, thanks in no small part to his breakout single, 'Coal.' Garnering well over 300 million streams in its lifetime thus far, as well as Platinum certifications in several countries and positions on charts like the Billboard Hot 100, Country Digital Songs and more, the tune opened the door for the Texas hitmaker.

Since then, he's only been ushered in with more and more fervor from release to release, which is also true of his newest track, 'Tree Birds.' Released in mid-October, the song marks the first taste of new music from the multi-instrumentalist since his 2024 EP, Songs In The Gravel, which he write and self-produced.

A lively love song, Gossett has been treating fans to a live version of 'Tree Birds' for quite some time on his various touring excursions, but he's taken to the studio for a version of the song that provides the same amount of energy as in concert.

With a belting harmonica leading the way and stealing the show throughout the three and a half minute tune, 'Tree Birds' is simply an upbeat romper that's as infectious as it is packed with southern charms.

It's by far the most polished performance that we've heard from Gossett thus far, offering a pristine vocal that signals a promotion from recording in his bedroom to perhaps a professional-grade studio this time around.

Self-produced and self-written, 'Tree Birds' offers plenty of room for the musicians to show off between stanzas as a commanding guitar points the way forward and keeps you leaned it for whatever Gossett may say next.

"Burnt fingers and broken lighters
We’re a far way from the house
And we’re singing songs like the tree birds
Melodies just sound better from your mouth"

Well I’d ask you to dance if you don’t mind
I’ll spin you round and watch you twirl just like a top
And the weather was treatin’ us awfully kind
When the sunsets so damn pretty the moon stayed out to watch"

We find Gossett singing about an evening spent with his beloved. With little to no cares in the world, the pair have drifted away from home as they explore the outdoors, singing and dancing around as they soak up their freedom.

It's apparent that our singer is smitten as he just enjoys his time with this girl, explaining that she's so radiant that it's comparable to the gorgeous sunsets and luminescent moon, both of which they've stayed out to watch together.

"You remind me that there’s something up above
Do I deserve all your love I swear I don’t
When you need me just know that I’ll show up
Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city or town I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South, hey"

Going a bit deeper than just the surface level, Gossett explains that when he's with this girl, he's reminded that there's something bigger in life, whether it's God or another spiritual being that you prefer.

Offering up the question to himself of whether or not he deserves to be bestowed her love that's sweeter than anything he's ever known, he's quick to admit that he's not worthy of it. However, he explains that he'll never stop trying to earn it and will never stop showing up for her.

With no place on the map off limits for how far he'll travel to get to her, he simply adds that she's "the best damn thing from the South."

"You and the sun are one in the same
How those Yellowstone eyes seem to lighten up my day
I’m falling deep inside your gaze
So don’t close your eyes and take my sunshine away"

Once again comparing his to the magnificence of the sun, shedding her light on him and everyone else she meets.

He offers sweet compliments about her eyes lighting up his day, while also begging her not to take that sunshine away from him.

"You remind me that there’s something up above
Do I deserve all your love I swear I don’t
When you need me just know that I’ll show up
Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city or town I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South, hey"

As mentioned, 'Tree Birds' has been a staple piece of Gossett's live setlist for quite some time now, with the Texas entertainer itching to get it into fans' hands.

“'Tree Birds' is a song that we've been playing live at our shows for quite some time now," Gossett shared.

"It has a lot of Texas Country roots. I went in and tracked it with the band to try to capture the energy of the live performances,” he added, echoing the lively feel that the song exudes both in concert and on streaming services.

Burnt fingers and broken lighters
We’re a far way from the house
And we’re singing songs like the tree birds
Melodies just sound better from your mouth

Well I’d ask you to dance if you don’t mind
I’ll spin you round and watch you twirl just like a top
And the weather was treatin’ us awfully kind
When the sunsets so damn pretty the moon stayed out to watch

You remind me that there’s something up above
Do I deserve all your love I swear I don’t
When you need me just know that I’ll show up
Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city or town I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South, hey

You and the sun are one in the same
How those Yellowstone eyes seem to lighten up my day
I’m falling deep inside your gaze
So don’t close your eyes and take my sunshine away

You remind me that there’s something up above
Do I deserve all your love I swear I don’t
When you need me just know that I’ll show up
Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city or town I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South, hey

You remind me that there’s something up above
Do I deserve all your love I swear I don’t
When you need me just know that I’ll show up
Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city or town I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South, hey

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For more on Dylan Gossett, see below: