Environmental Songbook

Treehugger

Music and lyrics by David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans

Our son Ari has been a literal tree-hugger for much of his life, and he asked us for many years why we didn’t have a song about trees. When we saw a quote from a child at a preschool in Philadelphia (“the branches are like magic wands”) we got inspired. This driving alternative folk-rock song has already become a favorite in our live performances.

Lyrics

(Chorus:)
I’m a treehugger, baby - I love trees
Changing with the seasons, swaying in the breeze
(Repeat)

I find a great spot in the shade of a tree
I lean against the trunk and it comforts me
I pick myself an apple. juicy and sweet
The squirrels gather nuts and together we eat

(Chorus)

I climb to the top of a very tall tree
Looking over the horizon, feeling wild and free
In the blanket of the treetops, nightingales play
The view from up here takes my breath away

(Chorus)

How’d this giant grow from a tiny seed?
Giving shade and food and the air we breathe
With magic wand branches, making music when it blows
I wish that trees could talk and tell me all they know

(Chorus)

Swaying in the breeze (repeat)

(Descant:)
Oak, pine, cherry
Cedar, birch, mulberry
Cypress, spruce, sequoia
Ash, maple, magnolia
Apple, pear, mango
Aspen, hawthorn, willow
Chestnut, walnut, hickory
Sycamore, palm, mahogany

(Background vocals:)
Root – trunk – branch – leaf (repeat)

Movements for Chorus:

I’m a treehugger, baby - give yourself a hug
I love trees - arms up in the air, like tree branches
Changing with the seasons - circle arms around each other, in front of chest
swaying in the breeze - swaying motion with hands

Act out lyrics of Verses

Video (includes images of each tree listed in th Descant): https://youtu.be/7q7E67FIkr8

CMN's Environmental Songbook is a compilation of songs that promote respect and responsibility for the environment. You'll find these songs inspiring, fun and educational not just for children, but for the musicians, teachers and other adults who sing with them.

Find songs about:

Clean-up & Recycling, Climate, Seasons & Weather, Creatures & Habitats, Earth & Natural Resources, Energy & Conservation, Trees & Plants, Water Resources

Terms of Use

All songs posted in the CMN Song Library are protected by copyright and are provided by the generosity of the owner/artist. You may perform songs you find here in classrooms and camps without the copyright owner’s permission. For all other performances, you must first obtain a performance license through BMI, SESAC or ASCAP or obtain the copyright owner’s express prior written permission.