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Belly — Feed The Tree
Album: Star
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1901









Released: 1993
Length: 3:24
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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This old man I've talked about
Broke his own heart, poured it in the ground
Big red tree grew up and out
Throws up its leaves, spins round and round
I know all this and more
So take your hat off
When you're talking to me
And be there when I feed the tree
This little squirrel I used to be
Slammed her bike down the stairs
They put silver where her teeth had been
Baby silver tooth, she grins and grins
I know all this and more
So take your hat off, boy
When you're talking to me
And be there when I feed the tree
Take your hat off, boy
When you're talking to me
And be there when I feed the tree
This old man I used to be
Spins around, around, around the tree
Silver baby, come to me
I'll only hurt you in my dreams
I know all this and
I know all this and
I know all this and more
So take your hat off, boy
When you're talking to me
And be there when I feed the tree
Take your hat off
When you're talking to me
And be there when I feed the tree
Comments (155)add comment
Posted 2 months ago by brendanharford4    [ Reply ]
 adelaide68 wrote:
I've always loved this song. It just makes me feel SO HAPPY!
 
Yep.  And a great hook to go along with the smile you get with this song.
Posted 5 months ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this -- why didn't I hear this in '93 -- this is cool! (Has a Cranberry-ish vibe...)
Posted 7 months ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Hard to fathom that this is almost 25 years old. Love it.



Now 30 years ago--and still love this song!!!!
Posted 10 months ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
 brosen wrote:

I've always liked this song.  Whether you call it pop or alternative, it's a fun, energetic tune with interesting lyrics.    







And a civil message that I wish more people would do: take your hat off, when you're talking to me. 

Hats are for outdoors, COSTO, rodeos, and sale barns.  Not in a house or in a talking space.   
 
Posted 11 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I've always liked this song.  Whether you call it pop or alternative, it's a fun, energetic tune with interesting lyrics.    





Posted 1 year ago by brosen    [ Reply ]
Takes me back to late 1993, warm dusty late summer days, driving to work and hearing this on the radio.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Why do people think Pop songs aren't valid for Radio Paradise? This song is double excellent, one excellent for being a good tune and one excellent for being good fun!




It's "Belly" you dick
Posted 1 year ago by maxasg    [ Reply ]
Meh. 
Posted 2 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
 swelements wrote:

My thoughts exactly



try to banish the concept of song genres from your mind and enjoy a good tune...you will find a lot more pleasure in life
Posted 2 years ago by rbrise    [ Reply ]
I've always loved this song. It just makes me feel SO HAPPY!
Posted 2 years ago by adelaide68    [ Reply ]
I'll say this: I wish more people who wear hats on tv, should take them off

Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
i thought this was lone justice

go figure

Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Good Tune!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Love(d) the video for the song. 
Posted 3 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
I get my "Belly" confused with my "Hole". 

Go ahead and laugh. I bet it happens to alot of you.  
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
It was probably a bit hard to cope with Kristin Hersh, but all they both did alone and together is very good
Posted 4 years ago by Pierre-Jean    [ Reply ]
I loved the 90's! 
Posted 4 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
Tanya Donelly leaves "The Breeders" to form "Belly"?  Gotta be an interesting story.
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 LeGiff wrote:


Is this even really pop? I mean, when it was released we would have called it alternative pop or even college radio rock. 

I saw Throwing Muses open for REM in 1989 outside of Detroit (Pine Knob) and it made me a fan of the other stuff that TD was a part of overnight!
 Agree, this was certainly classified as alternative at the time it was released.  And this is a great  album by the way.  I still have the cassette somewhere.

Posted 4 years ago by SchrodingersCat    [ Reply ]
I really miss this sweet-sad sound of the alternative 90's. Thanks Bill for the play.
Posted 4 years ago by georgantas    [ Reply ]
Great POP tune. Thanks Bill.
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
Love the enigmatic but self-empowering lyrics.  God knows what they mean.  Also a weird song that seems somehow to hover on the edge of a major and minor key.
Posted 5 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Used to love dancing to this song with the kids when they were little!!!!!
Posted 5 years ago by danbacanskas395    [ Reply ]
Tapping my toes, haven't heard this in ages!
Posted 5 years ago by Wisespeke    [ Reply ]
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Why do people think Pop songs aren't valid for Radio Paradise? This song is double excellent, one excellent for being a good tune and one excellent just for being good fun!


 

Is this even really pop? I mean, when it was released we would have called it alternative pop or even college radio rock. 

I saw Throwing Muses open for REM in 1989 outside of Detroit (Pine Knob) and it made me a fan of the other stuff that TD was a part of overnight!
Posted 5 years ago by LeGiff    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2} Ahhh brings back memories. 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]


{#Crown}
Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
I always had a soft spot for this song. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.
Posted 6 years ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
                              
Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 sameritech wrote:

Clearly you need to listen to more music. This wasn't even their biggest hit.

 
Except, it kinda was. At least according to the charts. I don't recall hearing any of their songs on the radio other than this and Gepetto. Maybe you're thinking of one of Tanya Donelly's other projects?
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Hard to fathom that this is almost 25 years old. Love it.
Posted 7 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 bentonian wrote:
I know it's not great, it's not meaningful or innovative, but I've always loved this song. A solid eight!
 
Well, "meaningful" is not really a requirement in music.  As to it not being "innovative" - ask the scores of female rockers who came after this how innovative Tanya Donelly was in general, and this song and album in particular were.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Did Belly have any other hits?  I can't recall any.
Posted 7 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Tanya rocks!
Posted 8 years ago by stratrjb    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Wow a new pop low. I'm surprised that it's here, and more so that it gets a 7.5.
 

Why do people think Pop songs aren't valid for Radio Paradise? This song is double excellent, one excellent for being a good tune and one excellent for being good fun!


Posted 8 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Gets the blood pumping when cranking through spreadsheets at 4am.  Thanks, RP!  
{#Yes} 
Posted 8 years ago by Middleton    [ Reply ]
 bentonian wrote:
I know it's not great, it's not meaningful or innovative, but I've always loved this song. A solid eight!

 
This song just does it for me. Probably more for personal reasons than technical excellence. Still excellent in my book. 
Posted 8 years ago by logic    [ Reply ]
love this song!!!!   

{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana} 
Posted 8 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]

Brings me back to my college days.  Was on pretty heavy rotation on MTV then.  Nice memories, even if I was a nerd. {#Nyah}
Posted 8 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
priceless
 
Posted 9 years ago by Neelo    [ Reply ]
 take yer hat off boy..{#Cheesygrin}
Posted 9 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
This song brings back so many memories! <3
Posted 9 years ago by mamahoneymeow    [ Reply ]
Most excellent tune. Haven't heard in a long time. I love the structure of the song. Not your typical ababc etc
Posted 10 years ago by bluejay08003    [ Reply ]
Love to hear this here - occasionally.
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in awhile.  Thanks for dusting it off and giving it a spin.
Posted 10 years ago by FamilyMan    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my churches be dancing...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
I know it's not great, it's not meaningful or innovative, but I've always loved this song. A solid eight!
Posted 11 years ago by bentonian    [ Reply ]
Smack them thar skins!!!!!
Posted 11 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
Picking up a little Sisters of Mercy in one of those guitar riffs.
Posted 11 years ago by iam_overlord    [ Reply ]

Song and band should be a no-go for RP!

Close to be ridiculous!


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
This song lights the fire in my Belly. {#Heartkiss}
Posted 12 years ago by PeaceInIraq    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:

When you're dead and burried (and thus feeding the tree's roots)?
 
gotcha. thanks.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Saw Belly back in the day a couple times. Graceland in Vancouver once, other time I don't recall, maybe at the Commodore. Was one of my favorites but dreadful live shows unfortunately.  Still love them though :)
Posted 12 years ago by tallulah14    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
i have always loved this song. especially those lyrics:
"i know all this and more
so take your hat off boy when you're talkin to me."

but, what does it mean to "feed the tree"?
 
When you're dead and burried (and thus feeding the tree's roots)?
Posted 12 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
i have always loved this song. especially those lyrics:
"i know all this and more
so take your hat off boy when you're talkin to me."

but, what does it mean to "feed the tree"?
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
wow was this ever great for about 10 minutes
Posted 12 years ago by Pharlap    [ Reply ]
FUN!!{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
Wow.  Lot of bellyaching here about a good song.  Ratings don't lie, amigos.
Posted 14 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
The worst kind of pop song; the track should join Belly in the trash bin of forgettable bands.
Posted 14 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
 ezzyme wrote:
Pop? I don't think this was ever even on the top 100.

 swelements wrote:

My thoughts exactly
 
 
"Feed the Tree" is a song by Belly, released as the band's first single from their debut album, Star, in 1993. It is also the band's biggest hit, reaching #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
From Wikipedia

Got a good deal of airplay around here in the DC area both on WHFS and DC101
Qualifies as great pop song in my book

Posted 14 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
Love it, especially the fat guitar.
Posted 14 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Wow a new pop low. I'm surprised that it's here, and more so that it gets a 7.5.
  
 swelements wrote:

My thoughts exactly
  

Me three. 

Posted 14 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Pop? I don't think this was ever even on the top 100.

 swelements wrote:

My thoughts exactly
 


Posted 14 years ago by ezzyme    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Wow a new pop low. I'm surprised that it's here, and more so that it gets a 7.5.
 
My thoughts exactly

Posted 14 years ago by swelements    [ Reply ]
I hadn't heard this song in such a long time! I love it!
Posted 14 years ago by Zunamys    [ Reply ]
Drivin' tune for sure ... {#Motor}   ah, the nostalgia ...

Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Two great nostalgic pieces in a row. Hooray! Let's got for three!
Posted 14 years ago by nattywoohoo    [ Reply ]
YAY! BELLY!!! {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 15 years ago by cirruss    [ Reply ]
Dark and upbeat - I love it!!!
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Ahh, an oldie but a goodie...
Posted 15 years ago by planetclare    [ Reply ]
as chickrock goes, this is as good as it gets
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Keep it up RP!!!  Nice work.
Posted 15 years ago by jbeadle5868    [ Reply ]
this is a clear 0. {#Whistle}
Posted 15 years ago by milchschnitte    [ Reply ]
I saw Belly open for Radiohead (last song played) in 1992 or 93 at the Trocadero Ballroom in Philadelphia.  Tanya & Thom did an acoustic rendition of "Thinking about You" which was truly beautiful and raw.  Ahhh, the college rock scene in the Northeast back then was surely good to be around.  Good times... 
Posted 16 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
Hey!  I remember this band.  Nice song!
Posted 16 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Love this song — haven't heard it in years. Thanks for playing it!
Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
 adib wrote:
One of my all-time favourite albums. I've had it for years, but keep coming back to it and each time it gets better.
The best band most people haven't heard of (present company excepted, of course ;-) ).
 
+1

Pure greatness. It would have been nice if they'd released more than 2 albums.

Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Wow a new pop low. I'm surprised that it's here, and more so that it gets a 7.5.
Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
One of my all-time favourite albums. I've had it for years, but keep coming back to it and each time it gets better. The best band most people haven't heard of (present company excepted, of course ;-) ).
Posted 16 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
mandolin wrote:
...i always heard the title line as taken from larry niven's the integral trees...
Several years ago I heard an interview on the local radio station (WXRT Chicago) with the band and the DJ thought the same thing so he asked. Turned out they had not ever read or heard of the book. Too bad as I always think of the book when I hear this song.
Posted 17 years ago by Clif    [ Reply ]
I mail ordered this CD when it came out, and by the time I got it and listened , I couldn't figure out why.
Posted 17 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I am really into Tanya Donelly, Kristin Hersh, and the whole Boston scene lately. This is the song that drew me to Belly but I found I like the rest of the album even better.
Posted 17 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
xc_para_puravida wrote:
Where is Tanya Donnelly these days?
i read in an article earlier this year that she lives in arlington, massachusetts and is still making music on her own. she and kristin hersh actually did a show together last week in cambridge.
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
The passage of time has done nothing to diminish this song - don't know if it's a ten yet, but it's sure heading there.
Posted 17 years ago by eskles    [ Reply ]
Where is Tanya Donnelly these days?
Posted 17 years ago by xc_para_puravida    [ Reply ]
did i mention that tanya donnelly lives in the next town over from me?
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of studying in the 90's. Sleeping around and smokin dope. I now wear a suit 5 days a week. What went wrong!!!! Long live this track. Lovely xxx
Posted 17 years ago by lordgeezer    [ Reply ]
...i always heard the title line as taken from larry niven's the integral trees...
Posted 17 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
REM-ish guitar. Love this song, 10
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
This is a good song I have not heard in a long while. Makes me glad I listen to Radio Paradise during the day while I work.
Posted 17 years ago by Clif    [ Reply ]
curtkare wrote:
Sounds different 'cuz it's a crystalline digital copy ,coming across your slick computer speakers instead of the original cassette on your crappy college stereo. I always liked this song, but I didn't remember such a fat sound. Tanya Donnelly once told an interviewer she gets a lot of her song images from dreams - "I guess that's cheating.."
"I'll only hurt you in my dreams"
Posted 17 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
clintiskeen wrote:
She's talking about the people she was in past lives. Feed the tree=dirt nap This song sounds different than I remember Did Belly have a more popular live version or something?
Sounds different 'cuz it's a crystalline digital copy ,coming across your slick computer speakers instead of the original cassette on your crappy college stereo. I always liked this song, but I didn't remember such a fat sound. Tanya Donnelly once told an interviewer she gets a lot of her song images from dreams - "I guess that's cheating.."
Posted 17 years ago by curtkare    [ Reply ]
clintiskeen wrote:
She's talking about the people she was in past lives. Feed the tree=dirt nap
Close, but no cigar. You right about "feed the tree" meaning death. But she's talking about her impending death, not past lives, and that the the "boy" (son?) should show his respect when she passes on.
Posted 18 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Forgetful
Posted 18 years ago by MJB    [ Reply ]
Good afternoon fare!
Posted 18 years ago by djinnthespazz    [ Reply ]
Wow, this brings back memories. What a wonderful work of imagination. I really have no idea what the song is about either, but the feeling it evokes is that of a story both childlike and disturbing, like a Grimm fairy tale.
Posted 18 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
tjheff wrote:
This is such a fantasic song -- great stucture and melody. Unfortunately I have no idea what she is talking about. Baby silvertooth?
She's talking about the people she was in past lives. Feed the tree=dirt nap This song sounds different than I remember Did Belly have a more popular live version or something?
Posted 18 years ago by clintiskeen    [ Reply ]
karlaanne wrote:
WHOA! flashbacks...
As in flashbacks with lots of pretty colors?
Posted 18 years ago by RayRay    [ Reply ]
Love this song! Why did I miss it today?? *sniff*
Posted 18 years ago by luminousjune    [ Reply ]
woods wrote:
Like to feed the lead singer my tree.
Posted 18 years ago by aquadonia    [ Reply ]
Familiar, unoriginal. I'll pass.
Posted 18 years ago by sterlingy    [ Reply ]
Excellent Song!
Posted 18 years ago by stratrjb    [ Reply ]
My daughter goes by the name "Tree".
Posted 18 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
WHOA! flashbacks...
Posted 18 years ago by karlaanne    [ Reply ]
Well, when you do that, be sure to remember your manners. She sings: Take your hat off boy when you're talkin to me... woods wrote:
Like to feed the lead singer my tree.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
I haven't heard this is SOOSOO long! Love it love it! Thanks Bill!
Posted 18 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
woods wrote:
Like to feed the lead singer my tree.
sapling? twig?
Posted 18 years ago by AlanCE    [ Reply ]
Like to feed the lead singer my tree.
Posted 19 years ago by woods    [ Reply ]
The rest of this disc is Darker than I thought... Still , always a 9.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
dwhayslett wrote:
your post is boring and don't even have a grammar...
LOL
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
TampaPurple wrote:
Damn, I'm old.
Me too. My mom thought that the Mommas & the Poppas were cutting edge....
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
dissen wrote:
this is boring and don't even have a melody...
your post is boring and don't even have a grammar...
Posted 19 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
misa wrote:
I haven't heard this song in so long. My mom would play it all the time. Thanks RP
Damn, I'm old.
Posted 19 years ago by TampaPurple    [ Reply ]
mrmojorisin wrote:
Totally agree. I was bummed that they didn't have any more. Quick trivia question, how many times does the word "belly" appear in the lyrics of both albums?
"Be there when I feed the Tree" means "when I'm dead"
Posted 19 years ago by Zarba    [ Reply ]
I love this song, but what is she talking about?
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
Both Belly discs are excellent...
Totally agree. I was bummed that they didn't have any more. Quick trivia question, how many times does the word "belly" appear in the lyrics of both albums?
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
gntlemanartist wrote:
WOW, I didn't think I'd EVER hear this on the radio. Hats off once again to B&R! You guys have wide-ranging and escriminating tastes.
I heard it at KGSR in Austin when it came out. That is a fairly eclectic station though. By the way, I LOVE this song.
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
Wow, I really haven't heard this in a long time... Nice to hear it again, but not too often :)
Posted 19 years ago by emleamy    [ Reply ]