Old Pine

"Old Pine" is a deeply nostalgic and introspective song that explores the themes of memory, friendship, and the passage of time. At its core, the song is a celebration of youthful experiences and the realization that these moments, though fleeting, are what truly shape us. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a carefree summer, likely during the teenage years, filled with adventure, camaraderie, and a close connection to nature. The opening lines, "Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags, I've come to know that memories were the best things you ever had," set the tone for the entire piece, establishing memory as a central and cherished theme. The song suggests that as we grow older, we come to understand the immense value of our past experiences and the relationships we've forged. It's a poignant reflection on coming of age and the lessons learned along the way, particularly the importance of friendship over superficial or materialistic concerns.

The song unfolds as a collection of sensory memories from a youthful summer spent with friends, far from the familiar comforts of home. It begins with the tactile sensations of a beach trip—the contrast of hot sand on toes and the cold sand that finds its way into sleeping bags. This imagery immediately grounds the listener in a specific time and place, a carefree period of adventure. The narrator reflects on a profound realization that has come with time: that memories are the most precious things one can possess. The sun beats down on their young bodies as they find themselves by the ocean, following tracks of dust and pine cones, fully immersed in their natural surroundings.

A central memory is of sleeping like dogs by a crackling fire, a scene of simple, deep camaraderie. They wake up to a world enveloped in fog, a symbol of the haze of memory and the passage of time. The phrase “the boom of summertime” captures the vibrant, explosive energy of youth. In these moments, they felt an unshakeable sense of stability and connection, described as being “steady as the stars in the woods.” Their hearts were full of simple happiness, and a profound warmth of belonging resonated deep within them. This feeling is tied to a significant event: the falling of an old pine tree. Instead of being a moment of fear, it becomes a catalyst for song, a way to “bless the morning” and mark the experience.

The song then shifts its focus slightly, reiterating the importance of companionship. The narrator has come to understand that the friends who surround you are a constant and invaluable part of life. The memories continue with images of “smoke in my lungs, or the echoed stone,” evoking a sense of reckless, youthful freedom. They were as free as birds, with souls unburdened by the weights of adulthood. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the steadfastness of their bond and the pure-hearted joy they shared.

The final section of the song moves into a more reflective and forward-looking perspective. It introduces a mantra-like repetition of the word “grow.” This growth is steady and constant, like the morning, and it leads them inevitably to become older. Yet, this aging process is not portrayed with sadness but with the happiness of a “new dawn.” Their growth is as natural and steadfast as that of the flowers. The song concludes on this note of acceptance and quiet optimism, acknowledging that while the past is a source of immense warmth and meaning, life is a continuous process of growth and change.

"Old Pine" was written by Ben Howard and produced by Chris Bond. The song first appeared on the Old Pine EP, released on April 2, 2011, and was later included as the opening track on his highly acclaimed debut studio album, Every Kingdom, also released in 2011. The album was recorded in a converted barn in Devon, which contributed to its organic and atmospheric sound. Howard has revealed that the song was directly inspired by a personal experience from a surfing and camping trip he took to the South of France with friends when he was 16. During the trip, a fierce storm hit their campsite, and they were urged to move their tents from under a large, precarious pine tree. The tree fell just two days later, right where their tents had been. Howard described this as a "poignant moment" and a close brush with death that left a lasting impression, forming the narrative and emotional core of the song. The guitar riff had been in his head for a while, and the song naturally formed around it, capturing the memories of that significant summer. The music video was filmed in County Clare, Ireland, by surfing cinematographer Mickey Smith, a friend of Howard's, and was released on YouTube on April 7, 2011.

"Old Pine" does not follow a strict, conventional rhyme scheme, leaning more towards a free verse structure that enhances its narrative, story-like quality. The rhymes that do appear are often subtle or slant rhymes (e.g., "bags" and "had"), which contributes to the song's natural and conversational feel. The focus is less on formal poetic structure and more on creating a lyrical flow that complements the melody.

The song's rhythm begins at a slow, contemplative tempo, driven by Howard's intricate fingerpicking pattern. This creates a gentle, flowing feel in the verses, allowing the listener to drift into the nostalgic scenery being described. The time signature is 4/4. As the song progresses, the rhythm builds significantly. The introduction of cello and percussion adds layers and intensity, particularly in the transition to the final, repeated "We grow, grow" section. This crescendo mirrors the emotional arc of the song, moving from quiet reflection to a powerful, collective chant about growth and the passage of time. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the percussive elements of Howard's guitar playing is a key feature, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Ben Howard's "Old Pine" is distinguished by a combination of specific musical and literary techniques.

• Musical Techniques: Howard is known for his unique left-handed guitar playing and extensive use of alternate tunings. For "Old Pine," he uses a CGCGGC tuning with a capo on the 5th fret, which creates a dark, moody, and atmospheric sound. This tuning is a hallmark of his early work. His fingerstyle playing is intricate, creating ringing notes that blend into one another. He also employs a distinctive percussive strumming style known as the "pick and go." The song's structure features a dynamic progression, starting with a soft, whimsical melody that gradually builds in intensity and volume, mirroring the lyrical theme of growing older and the intensification of feeling. The instrumentation is primarily acoustic, featuring his guitar, a cello, and sparse drumming, which contributes to the song's intimate and organic feel.
• Vocal and Literary Techniques: Howard's vocal delivery is emotive, shifting from a gentle, narrative tone to soulful howls, particularly in the song's crescendo. He utilizes his delicate yet powerful falsetto to create an emotional and ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics are characterized by vivid sensory imagery ("Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags") that immerses the listener in the scene. The use of contrast (warmth/cold, light/fog) highlights the complexities of memory. The narrative voice is personal and reflective, lending the song an air of sincerity and honesty.

"Old Pine" is a standout track from Ben Howard's debut album Every Kingdom, which was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2012. The song and the album helped solidify Howard's place in the contemporary folk scene, drawing comparisons to artists like Nick Drake and John Martyn. While "Only Love" was the highest-charting single from the album, "Old Pine" became a fan favorite and is one of Howard's most enduring and beloved songs, particularly for its honest and relatable depiction of nostalgia and friendship. The song has achieved Platinum certification in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Its music video, with its beautiful cinematography of the Irish coast, has garnered millions of views and has become iconic for fans. The song has been featured in the Sky1 TV series Starlings. "Old Pine" is often cited as a perfect entry point to Howard's music, encapsulating the heartfelt lyricism and unique guitar style that defined his early career.

"Old Pine" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that enhance its nostalgic and reflective themes.

• The Old Pine Tree: The central image of the "old pine" that falls is a powerful symbol. It represents a specific, pivotal moment in time, but also more broadly, the fragility of life and the unexpected events that define our youth. The fact that the characters sing to "bless the morning" after it falls suggests an acceptance of change and a celebration of survival and life itself.
• Stars in the Woods: The line "We stood steady as the stars in the woods" uses celestial imagery to symbolize a sense of permanence, stability, and guidance amidst the fleeting nature of their youthful summer. It captures a moment of perfect, unwavering connection and happiness between the friends.
• Fog: Waking up to "the fog all around us" can be seen as a metaphor for the haziness of memory. While the core emotions and events are clear, the details can become shrouded as time passes. It adds a dreamlike, introspective quality to the recollection.
• Summer: The recurring motif of summer, particularly "the boom of summertime," symbolizes the peak of youth—a time of vibrancy, energy, freedom, and intense experiences. It's a metaphor for a golden period of life that is looked back upon with warmth and fondness.

Several phrases and motifs recur in "Old Pine," anchoring the song's themes and structure.

• "Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags": This line opens both the first and second verses, acting as a sensory anchor that immediately transports the listener back to the specific, tangible memories of a youthful, outdoor adventure. Its repetition emphasizes the vividness and importance of these physical sensations in the act of remembering.
• "I've come to know...": The song twice uses the phrase "I've come to know," followed by a profound realization: first, that "memories were the best things you ever had," and second, that "the friends around you are all you'll always have." This repetition highlights the song's function as a vessel for wisdom gained through experience.
• "We stood steady as the stars in the woods": This key line from the chorus is repeated, reinforcing the central image of unwavering friendship and joyful connection during a formative time. It serves as the emotional core of the song's memories.
• "We grow, grow...": The final section of the song is built around the repetition of this phrase, chanted with increasing intensity. This motif signifies the inexorable passage of time and the process of aging. The variations ("steady as the morning," "happy as a new dawn," "steady as the flowers") illustrate an acceptance of this growth as a natural, positive progression, ending the song on a hopeful note.