I saw a tree by a 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 sun-down
I am nest for the birds of the heaven
I'm becoming what the lord of trees has meant me to be
A strong young tree.

I saw a tree in the city streets
Where buildings block 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.

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 sun-down
I am nest for the birds of the heaven
I'm becoming what the lord of trees has meant me to be
A strong young tree