Fame is but a fruit tree
and the aroma's getting stronger...
When I sat down in my writing studio to pen my newest single “Fruit Tree”, I had no knowledge of the Nick Drake song of the same name.
Actually, I had no knowledge of the Nick Drake song until about two weeks ago, when Instagram showed me one of his songs to add to my story called “Fruit Tree”, which I listened to (and loved). The first lyrics of the song are:
Fame is but a fruit tree
So very unsound
It can never flourish
’Til its stalk is in the ground
When I first heard those…my mind exploded. It’s amazing how completely separate human minds, across space and decades, will still center themselves around common themes and thought experiences. I say this, because, my newest single “Fruit Tree”, which came out today, centers around the same theme as Nick Drake’s tune: the idea that fame, or success, is tempting and something to chase…until you look a bit closer and question if that is true.
For reference, here are the first lyrics to my take on the idea of the Fruit Tree:
Do you wanna taste me
to see if I’m what you expected?
Do you wanna chase me
to find a way to break what’s protected?
To find a lane that’s been connected?
You take a ride then you’ll reject it…
”Fruit Tree” was the last song I wrote for my upcoming album, “A Pawn Surrender”. It came at a time where I had been diligently writing and collecting songs to take into the studio, to give myself “one last shot” to make a really great record and try to get a record deal. I was 29ish, feeling frustrated with the state of my career as an artist, the halt in momentum from covid…etc.etc. I thought, maybe if I can write one really great record, and put as much time, money, and resources into it as I possibly can, then maybe I could uplevel my career and start pursuing music in a more serious way. That mindset fueled me throughout the writing process, and even on days where I didn’t feel particularly inspired, it encouraged me to sit down and write anyway.
Because we live in the world of the internet, and streaming, and an ever-moving target for what “making it” looks like in an extremely competitive economy, I had (and continue to have) my doubts. What if I do “make it”? What does “making it” even mean anymore? We’re constantly flooded with news of touring bands not being able to make a living. With even massive acts cancelling whole tours because it would be impossible for them to come home in the red, at times, it seems like a fool’s errand to try to pursue music considering the state of things.
But, the thing is, I must. There is something inside me that knew that, even considering the odds, I had to give it a shot. I had to make this record.
That purpose, that fuel, is what inspired “Fruit Tree”. The idea of “success” in music as this tantalizing, ever-shifting, delicious fruit. Something you pursue but never possess. Something you taste but never consume.
The song is live, now, for you to taste and consume. Bon Appetit!
Lovingly,
Jordan
p.s. I want to talk about the music video making process for Fruit Tree in a different letter, because it deserves its own time, but I wanted to share here for now! Please watch it <3 We are so proud of this one. If you’re a Lynch fan, or love the movie Lost Highway, you’re gonna dig it.