I Want to Be a Tree

When my time has come
Don’t put me in a box
And skip the fancy shiva
No platters of bagels and lox

Lay down that spike and chisel
No headstone will I need
Yeah when I die my wish is clear
Just plant me like a seed

‘Cause I want to be a tree
Yes, I want to be a tree
With plenty of leaves and bark to spare
For everyone to see

I want to be a tree
Yes, I want to be a tree
You can sit right down under my shade
That’ll be enough for me

I read it and it’s true
Make a pod from my remains
Then stick me in the ground
And pray for sun and rain

The richness from my body
Will supercharge the earth
And like a natural maternity ward
To a sapling I’ll give birth

So I want to be a tree
Yes, I want to be a tree
With plenty of leaves and bark to spare
For everyone to see

I want to be a tree
Yeah, I want to be a tree
You can sit right down under my shade
That’ll be enough for me

Don’t stick me in an urn
For some relative to keep
And please don’t throw me overboard
To the bottom of the deep

No twenty-one-gun salute
So just put those guns to bed
I’ve got a much more peaceful wish
Bring the garden tools instead

‘Cause I want to be a tree
Yeah, I want to be a tree
With plenty of leaves and bark to spare
For everyone to see

I want to be a tree
Yes, I want to be a tree
Standing, swaying firm and tall
Glorious and free

I want to be a tree
Yes, I want to be a tree
You can sit right down under my shade
That’ll be enough for me
You can sit right down under my shade
That’ll be enough for me