I saw a tree by the riverside
One day as I walked along,
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky growing tall and strong
How do you grow so tall and strong I said to the riverside tree,
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.

I've got roots growing down to the water,
I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine and the fruit that I bear is a sign of life in me,
I am shade from the hot summer sundown,
I am nest for the birds of the heaven,
I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be.

I saw a tree by the city street where buildings blocked the sun,
Green and lovely I could see it gave joy to everyone.
How do you grow in the city streets I said to the downtown tree,
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.