The Soldier and the Oak by Elliott Park - lyrics

[@comradedoge7850]

When no one else is there for you, music always is.

[@dustywelchcraneman6614]

comrade doge my grandad passed away June 22 2017 he and I shared a passion for music. He made me appreciate songs and music and listen to the words of every song I herd. It never made held as much wait as it does now. He is gone but that music he loved is still hereand with a simple few chords of a song I can close my eyes and he is sitting right beside me listing as well. I miss him every single day, but the music that he loved keeps him alive in me. He would have loved this song.

[@heerask2192]

Well ..that's true for me ...except for my father with whom I'm not in good terms with, I really dont have anyone .

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

I find that to be very true, which I guess is probably why there is music. Thank you for commenting:)

[@skylark521]

So true, music is so comforting.

[@Ram_jagat]

True

[@jude8943]

As a young man I suffered a horrific injury at the hand of another and my life's dreams and the career I had worked towards from childhood was taken completely away from me as I learned again how to walk. Now I teach children to walk and overcome their own injuries. This song means more to me than I could ever put into words. Thank you.

[@chadsimino7739]

I am a 6'2" 200 lb. lumberjack and your song had me swallowing hard. I am blessed to have heard it. You, Sir, are an amazing and talented artist. I am now a very big fan. May God bless you.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Braunty man! Haha. Seriously thank you so much for commenting and I apologize for the latent reply.

[@skylark521]

I too am a fan of this story. It makes you wonder about the nature of all things?

[@dustywelchcraneman6614]

When walking in old growth timber around areas of conflicts of old, I often find myself looking at those massive trees and wonder if any of those trees have heard the dying words of a countrymen, as he took his final breath. I imagine if you listen close enough you can probably hear them whisper those lost words.

[@james8716]

Amen my dude it is so strong and beautiful!!!

[@murphymj]

Perhaps the perfect song - moving and metaphorical. A true anthem for young men and women everywhere who dream to be strong and tall, but ultimately serve a nobler purpose.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks Mark!

[@chrislittle7285]

That was not the way I interpreted the song. The way I saw it the tree thought his dreams could never come true because of his handicap. But in the end it was his handicap that led to the fulfilment of his dream, even greater than he imagined.

[@bobbyludlam2475]

Well said Mark

[@BridgeCityBonsai1]

I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times and shared with countless friends. It is quite possibly one of the most masterful examples of talent in songwriting in the history of music. Familiar and reflective. Emotional and textured. The lyrics to this song bring tears to my eyes every time. Mr. Park, you made a masterpiece. Thank you.

[@rogerd9150]

Well said! I feel the same way. I am deeply moved by it every time.

[@nattyboh2944]

Our yoga instructor is friends with Elliot Park and she introduced us to this song at a trauma treatment facility I attended last month. This song is so ethereally beautiful, warm, straight to the heartstrings. One of the first things I did upon returning home was recommend it to several close friends. It's incredible too, the more you listen to you, the more nuances you pick up. The subtly laid out strings of "Amazing Grace" in the background...the symbolism behind the lyrics themselves...the incredible significance in who and what the solider represented, the time period...what a work of art. Absolutely beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Honored... Thanks so much for listening~

[@rachelsutherland1410]

This is a beautiful song, thank you for writing it.

[@CaetonSharpening]

As someone that had a start in life feeling like a broken and useless life but God showed me regeneration through His love and the sending of His son for me. I’m now able to share of that amazing grace. This song brings me to tears every time

[@nathanwiegman5950]

This is off the hook. How something different can be so precious. So many stories here. Unmerited favor. Mercy. Grace.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks Nathan

[@bunnyhollowcrafts]

This is one of the most touching songs I've heard in many years. I love the violins play that lovely old tune in a new and sweet way. I love the history, the story, everything about it. It gives me sweet and welcome chills every time I hear it.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much:)

[@skylark521]

We have a huge Maple tree in our small, front yard. It grew from a seed that blew in place from a neighbor's tree located a very good distance away. We keep the sapling growing and it doubled each year in size for over 20 years. Now, it towers over our 3 story home and provides an abundance of shade for us as we sit on our front porch. I personally love our tree. Isn't creation magnificent?

[@rogerd9150]

I’m back again listening to this one again. I am a crusty old guy but I can never get through it without shedding a tear or two…..let’s just say I need a hankie before the end of it.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much guys. Sorry I don't check You Tube or social media as often as I should

[@trishamedeiros1459]

Elliott Park Music That is not necessarily a bad thing :P

[@chevy69football]

my 22 year old daughter cried but i had a huge smile! Thank You!

[@jonsco6]

4 years later and I had the blessing of hearing this song. One of the most amazing songs I had never heard of. We need to get this out there!!!

[@pauldouglasopenmic]

Shared it on several Civil War Facebook groups in in. 🎶

[@shegordon171]

Hello sir!! My name is Michael Gordon. My brother James Gordon died in 2016 at the age 30. My father and I fell in love with your music.It reminded us of James so much. I just want to thank you .

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Your'e welcome. I'm so sorry about your brother.

[@skybluefeather9271]

Found this song on Pandora. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you!

[@outofthetoolboxtinker]

Adversity and the sacrifice of the selfless few brings joy to others and glory to God!

[@alexwarren2102]

Elliott, This song always brought me to tears.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Ah thanks Alex!

[@gtdadof10]

A friend sent me this song after my wife of 37 years died of covid May 19, 2021. I am still literally stunned at the way it moves me. God is good. My purpose in life will be fulfilled

[@bobbyowings1174]

Thank you JBC for sharing this song with me. It is beautiful just as you are.

[@maskeno]

This song impacted me in a deep and meaningful way. This artist should be much better known bringing such a beautiful story to a four minute song. I had to listen twice.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks so much Russel. Sorry it took so long to reply.

[@jimf1421]

to me, this song is a perfect metaphor of you might not be what you wanted to be due to unforeseen circumstances, but if you persevere, you can do great things not yet thought of.

[@kennethromine6332]

I believe that you may have missed the point. This is a song of God's grace.

[@jimf1421]

@@kennethromine6332 I believe the beauty of music, or art in general, is that there can be multiple interpretations of the piece. To think your interpretation is the only correct one is rather pretentious.

[@kennethromine6332]

@@jimf1421 Interpret this song anyway you please. These days truth has become rather subjective (in some people's minds anyway). The writer ends this this song with "of God's good grace" . Maybe you are right and he is wrong.

[@jimf1421]

@@kennethromine6332 are you worried about objective and subjective truth referencing a song where a tree is singing about wishing to grow up strong and tall lol. I'll just state that when it comes to works of art like poems, songs, paintings, etc., there are often multiple meanings interwoven into them. I would find it hard to believe that if we ask Mr Park about the song he would reject my original proposition. However, let me restate it so that we might end this stupid internet argument. To me, this song shows us that you might not be what you wanted to be due to unforeseen circumstances, but WITH GOD'S GRACE, and if you persevere, you can do great things not yet thought of.

[@stephenpittman6519]

Such a Beautiful song.

[@wilsocn]

Music is art form and this song is a masterpiece.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks so much!

[@DocBree13]

holy crap - I cant believe I’m crying about a tree

[@nothingnew26]

Right? But it’s not just the tree, is it :)

[@dylan-vc9te]

Please keep making music. I found this song recently, and the world needs more of this.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

I appreciate those kind words Dylan. More is in the works.

[@jimbanks3555]

God bless you Mr. Park. The Christian music industry could learn a lot from you. This hauntingly, beautiful piece has the right message (faith, courage, love, self sacrifice, fulfillment, and ultimately, grace) without being overly formulaic like almost all Christian music being produced today. Please, please keep writing and performing. We’ll keep listening.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Mr Banks!

[@Maude20874]

I'm such a sap! Sitting here at work listening to Pandoa, I had to come here to view the lyrics to make sure I heard them right. At first I thought it was a metaphor for a young man but when he "gladly fell" I finally confirmed to myself it WAS literal. Now tears are pouring out and I have nothing but a Subway napkin to wipe them away.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you. Sorry for the awkward tears:)

[@bobbyowings1174]

This is an amazing song. Beautiful written and sung. I love it.

[@jonsco6]

I had no expectations of my evening when I was blindsided by this. First it was the tune that got me... and as I drove the dark highway, I realized I needed to hear it again. Then the words hit me. I’m blown away and privileged to have even heard this. Simply amazing.

[@donnasingleton6320]

Oh my heart...

[@karencogsdill3125]

Absolutely love this song! Truly inspiring.

[@lisamoserpremixandpedals]

🙏 🤲 🙏 wow absolutely powerful 👏 new friend here

[@FordRasmussen]

This song came up in my Spotify discover weekly. I was like, "is this song about a tree?" Nope, this song is about dreams, doubts, and discovering happiness ;) Great work!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Yessir! Thanks Ford.

[@karencogsdill3125]

Love this song.

[@rabidenglish6837]

.....My church in Asheville, NC many years ago adopted a family from Viet Nam. One Sunday morning the mother sang Amazing Grace. I can not hear the song, music that I do not go back to that day. Thank you for a beautiful viedo.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Youre welcome! Thank you so much.

[@missmegatron]

truly one of the most beautiful pieces of music i’ve ever had the privilege to hear. i bawl when i hear this. everything about this song is amazing and moving.

[@Pablo668]

This is a great song.

[@MJ-fj9yv]

As an American and a soldier, this song gets me every time.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Jay

[@goodolbiker]

This song always gives me chills.

[@AmyLikesQuestions]

Please don't stop making music! This is wonderful. I get chills every time. You're so anointed for music! I praise God for making you.

[@greatgaroo]

Just when I needed it most, I ran across this beautiful song. What a difference a few minutes of words and music can make in a mans life. God has been answering prayers by telling me about oak trees and acorns! Thanks for the meaningful song. God bless!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

I am so glad you found meaning in it. Merry Christmas!

[@greatgaroo]

@@elliottparkmusic6303 very much so. Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@MTreatVO]

Searched for an hour to find this song, worth every second.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks!

[@bobperkins83]

A small group of friends and I played this one Sunday at our church. Our church has pretty good music (of all kinds) and one woman said it was the best thing she'd ever heard there. I played it at a family reunion; no one else knew it and when I finished everyone oo-ed and ah-ed. (I'm not that good; it was the song.) I play it all the time on my own because it makes me happy. And I keep wondering what the inspiration was: a tree? A bell? Just one of those passing mind-buzzes that afflicts creative people? Whatever. I love it.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

That means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@rebeccachurch856]

MAN. This song made tears spring to my eyes. Keep writing, and you will change the world.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you!

[@pickle7011]

You may not have as many fans as some other artists but I do believe that your songs touch every one of your fan’s hearts. It’s rare to find an artist with such an impact. Quality over quantity. ❤️

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

thank you!

[@rebeckahogan6043]

I have spent several years writing a book about my family related to this time period (civil war), and then I heard this song on Pandora. I must have listened to this song for an hour, crying. It reminds of things my g-grandmother from Arkansas would say to me as a child. You have a beautiful gift, sir.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Rebecka!

[@sealedog1]

Sometimes beautiful music is found when you are not looking or listening for it. I was sitting in a hotel eating breakfast and this song (The Soldier and the Oak) was played on the hotel sound system. I stopped and had my son ascertain the artist and name of the song since my Soundhound app was not finding it. My lucky day. Thank you Mr. Park.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome. Thank you for commenting.

[@luckoftheirish313]

The story telling in this song is amazing

[@wutever51]

This song had me tear up. great lyrics with a good message and a beautiful melody. God, bless.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Ricky

[@christinamccoy8292]

This is my go to song when my depression and anxiety kicks in. Thank you for making this. Seriously, thanks.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Wow... so honored. This song ushered me out of some dark days, too.

[@jasonfrank9647]

A friend shared this with me yesterday. Beautiful. So touching. Thank you so much for this. LOVE it. His Richest. HIs Love.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you:)

[@shiby7724]

This is such a perfect bardic song, and a wonderful story of hope. Thank you for your masterpieces

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome. Thank you!

[@carrieflanagan3]

Thank you for crafting such a beautiful piece of music -- melodically, lyrically, instrumentally. This song reminds of The Giving Tree. Please keep writing! :)

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Carrie.

[@emmajo1925]

That is exactly what I thought of- The Giving Tree! Similar stories.

[@panditm636]

Thanks Mr. Elliott Park..... Made me 'happy cry'. Thanks.😄😿

[@Shintastix]

You are brilliant Sir, love all your works and your songs. God gave you beautiful voice too 🙏🙏🙏.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you!

[@natalyakris]

everytime I hear this I can't help but start tearing up 😢 it's so beautiful, it pulls on the strings of my soul

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Natalya!

[@gbush56]

Listening to this song in 2021 and I can’t help but see the importance of such great story telling in music. This is a masterful interpretation.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much

[@Wow-rn2re]

Yes

[@MaddsUkjentAZ]

Beautiful....moved me to tears with its beauty ❤❤

[@grimdevotee9432]

It was on pandora one day and it got stuck in my head great song

[@justinlewis4905]

This is probably my favorite song

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks for that Justin

[@justinlewis4905]

No problem, but when you become famous I better get a shoutout😂

[@henxdl]

this IS my *new* favorite song

[@maryferguson3763]

I was riding my bike on a beautiful day in North Carolina and this song came through my headset. I stopped to listen. I've listened to this song dozens of times since then. I'd love a print of the oak, frame it and hang it in my living room!! Thank you Elliott!

[@daveceppos1632]

This is simply a remarkable song. Absolutely brilliant. Mr. Park, I am in awe every time I listen to it

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you:)

[@monicacrouch475]

This song is the story of my son. So much has bent him low to the ground. But he perseveres and grows. I know God has a purpose for him in life and that if he stays strong in spite of all that pulls him down he will find it.

[@dovlyn1454]

Beautiful just beautiful. I have a hard time crying at sad videos/movies but I got teary eyed at this. Thank you for the heartstring pulling song.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

you're welcome!

[@melaniedoyleluhn7683]

This is an amazingly beautiful song and an eloquent expression of grace. Wow. I had to stop, like many others, and listen to it several times. Just now drying my tears.

[@normrischbieter9415]

Amazing song which will mean a lot more to you when you watch his story. Thanks Elliott !!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks Norm!

[@blupapillon]

Made me cry.Made me remember my childhood and all my loved places!Thank you!

[@모든자연]

이런 곡 만들어 주셔서 깊은 감사의 맘 전합니다 From Korea

[@stephenwilkens3101]

I've been listening to this song for 6 years. It's in a couple of my playlists. This is hands down, the most beautiful song I've heard in 40 years walking the Earth and 14 in the Army. I listen to this song when I'm having a rough time and need to decompress, and I listen to this song when I'm feeling happy, because my career's been kinda rough and not what I thought it would be, but it's still somehow turned out to be something I'm really proud of. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mr. Park.

[@latebedaty]

My son lives in Kirksville, Missouri, and there's a monument there filled with soldiers' names from the Civil War. You paint a lovely, heart-breaking, hope-filled story!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Teresa.

[@luckoftheirish313]

Such a good story

[@paulreina7689]

I really do hope he is doing well and elliot if you see this just know that you are amazing and i really do thank you for your lovely songs

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome and thank you so much!

[@charissahicks2129]

I happened to hear this song last year through Pandora as I was driving on the 4th of July. It is a truly beautiful song. Reminds me of my sweet grandfather who fought in the Korean war and who loved the hymn Amazing Grace. Thank you!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

I'm glad it brings that memory to you. Thanks so much. Sorry for taking so long to reply.

[@annmariehayes6656]

One of my favorites. Thank You Elliott Park.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome:)

[@Wow-rn2re]

I used to hear this when I saw 3-5 years old all the time when I go home from school ever since I moved I haven’t heard it for 7 years. I’m twelve now. I would always listen to you music, Now I understand the music.

[@ntxnaturaldisaster9118]

I'm going to wear this song out. One of my all time favorites! It's the song I make everyone I know listen to. :) After 1,000 Times listening to it, I'm nearly to the point where I can listen all the way through without tears falling. Well done!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much!

[@marcjones4505]

I first heard this on Pandora Radio, and I've now played it 20+ times and it's not lost any of its magic. Truly amazing!

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you!

[@daksdeperro1489]

WOW, such a beautiful and moving song.... You sir, are a true troubadour..I can not believe I just heard this for the first time today..

[@timothyvanscoy6953]

This is such a beautiful marriage of music, lyrics and Grace. Thank you, Mr. Park

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You are very welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[@calebperez7318]

Hi guys you probably won’t read my comment but if you do I want you guys to remember to always cherish wonderful music and the sentimental value that it brings... my father loved songs like these and he sadly passed away a few months ago from unexpected cancer 😢 ❤️ u all and god bless you my wonderful father! Shout out to you Elliot for making this wonderful song

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much. So sorry about your father.

[@Lucas-pv2wn]

Yep, I still cry... This is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard, And I’m an asshole music snob.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you

[@WallyMartin-n7f]

Beautiful

[@natalielongmire2846]

Heard this song on my discovery playlist for spotify today on the bus to class. I was so moved and almost cried right then. Now watching at home before I sleep I actually do cry because the lyrics are so moving to me, thank you so much for this song.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Natalie!

[@deweybarnes61]

love the song, the message of redemption and God's will being the main thing in life is the best I have heard in awhile, we have our plans, God has His, and His will be the perfect plan and the perfect end.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you:)

[@Yhara277]

Thank to Spotify I've found such a beautiful song. Love the story too.

[@TxPurl]

A beautiful ballad and a powerful message. We make plans, but God has other ideas. Better ideas. We just have to listen.

[@maizecraize4893]

Really enjoy this song, event after 1,000 times....

[@melaniedigerness8385]

This song is amazing. Thank you for putting it on KZbin. It is a beautiful story.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome

[@Pianoman-jj9mv]

I found you on Spotify while I was at work... I'm a big heavy diesel mechanic...Every time I here this song brings a tear to my eye. love your music

[@NoNinjaNo]

Nothing like the smell of diesel in the morning.

[@Pianoman-jj9mv]

Amen brother

[@bysarita7529]

One of the best songs I've heard in a long time- definitely worth crying at my desk at work. ;) Wonderful, keep it up.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Sarita!

[@brettblumenthalstudio]

This song moves me so deeply every time I listen to it. Tears fall each and every time. The words are incredibly touching and the music so simple and yet so beautiful. Thank you.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

[@thenexxuz]

I'm not crying!!!! YOU"RE CRYING!!!

[@MaddsUkjentAZ]

❤

[@BdogsBallers]

Great song I found out your songs when my teacher showed my whole class of 30 people ever since I found your music its been my favourite and I mean it keep it up

[@just.sallad]

I just found this song and it literally brought tears to my eyes. This is a beautiful work of art you have created.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thanks so much for listening Dallas.

[@mindyschaper]

This is one of the best songs I have ever heard in my life. I hold it up as an example of a song that has a story, a meaningful message, with a compelling and stirring melody, as well as excellently crafted lyrics. It checked off everything on my list of a perfect song. I am amazed.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much Mindy!

[@mindyschaper]

Elliott Park Music I have plans of making music. If I ever get asked who my model for songwriting is, I am going to point to you and this song.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Wow thank you so much.

[@1961tommyboy]

What an amazing story of how we bend and our dreams are not always best suited for our meaning! I was so moved by this song that I shared it with all my friends and guys I jam with. Thank you so much for sharing your talent!! Godspeed

[@paddybarnes7776]

God I love this song. Very proud of my pop’s guitar contribution. Thank you EP.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Larry did a good job;)

[@featherstone5051]

Please continue making music. You are a true artist, and your words truly touch the hearts of those who hear them.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you so much for these kind words, Robert. Means more than you know.

[@ethanaleman]

thank you Elliott I am crying tears of joy for this country and sacrifice and of course grace

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

You're welcome Ethan. I appreciate the comment.

[@Pierre_Nu]

Elliot. You are a bard and poet. Heard you today on Pandora for the first time and heading to iTunes to find you there

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Ah Pierre... thank you sir.

[@mtaymahn1]

I've heard this song on Pandora many times and now this morning I am really hearing it and I can't say how deeply it has moved me. I'm weeping again..........

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Matt. Sorry it took so long to respond.

[@barbarah9741]

A dear friend introduced me to this song yesterday. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and your voice is amazing. Thank you.

[@elliottparkmusic6303]

Thank you Barbara!