I’m checking out a song called The Trees They Do Grow High by Pentangle. I found it through a viewer suggestion, and it caught my interest right away.
I’ll be reacting to it as a classical guitarist, listening first without stopping, and then going back to focus on the parts that stand out the most to me.
I’ve been playing guitar for over 25 years and teaching it regularly. I’m especially curious about the style, the storytelling, and how the instruments work together.
Key Takeaways
- I will share my first reaction to the song.
- I will analyze specific musical details that stand out.
- I will reflect on the song’s style and storytelling.
About Pentangle and The Trees They Do Grow High
Band Background
I first came across Pentangle when someone in the community suggested them to me. I had never really listened to them before, so I looked them up on YouTube.
The video I found for The Trees They Do Grow High had about 109K views. It caught my attention because the name stood out, and it was part of my list of viewer suggestions.
I’m reacting to this as a classical guitarist with over 25 years of experience. I also have a master’s degree in classical guitar performance and teach regularly.
That background shapes how I listen and what details I notice.
Song Overview
The song gave me a strong medieval and even Renaissance feel. The voice was beautiful, clear, and expressive.
The acoustic guitar part stood out with its steady, repetitive style, which reminded me of how music from that period often worked. The percussion added to the period feel, and the storytelling nature of the lyrics made it feel like something from the troubadour tradition.
It was a mix of simplicity and elegance, with a structure that supported the narrative.
Main elements I noticed:
- Beautiful, consistent vocal tone
- Repetitive guitar patterns (in a good way)
- Percussion that matched the historical vibe
- Strong storytelling focus
Community Suggestions
The idea to check out Pentangle came directly from viewer comments. People shared different song titles, but this one stood out and made it onto my reaction list.
I always appreciate when the community gives me more background on the bands and songs I feature. If you have more suggestions or details about Pentangle, I’d love to hear them.
Your input helps me decide what to explore next.
First Listen Reaction
Initial Impressions
- Vocals: Beautiful, clear, and with a medieval tone.
- Instruments: Acoustic guitar stood out with a consistent, repetitive pattern that fit the style.
- Percussion: Added to the period feel and supported the storytelling mood.
The song gave me strong medieval and troubadour vibes. It felt like something from an earlier time, with a structure that reminded me of traditional storytelling music.
Emotional Response
I felt calm and focused while listening. The voice carried warmth and elegance, which made the story more engaging.
The repetition in the guitar and rhythm didn’t feel dull—it felt intentional, like part of the song’s charm. It reminded me of music history lessons and made me want to explore more songs in this style.
Musical Analysis
Classical Guitar Perspective
I noticed the guitar part stayed very steady and repetitive, which fits the style I connect with older music traditions. The acoustic tone was warm and clear, and the playing supported the voice without overpowering it.
As a classical guitarist, I appreciated how the part created a consistent foundation, similar to pieces I’ve studied from early music.
Vocal Style
Her voice sounded beautiful and had a clear, pure quality. The delivery gave me a strong medieval feeling, with a focus on storytelling.
I liked how she lifted certain phrases, adding gentle emphasis without breaking the flow.
Instrumentation
- Acoustic guitar – steady, repetitive accompaniment
- Percussion – subtle but added period-like character
- Voice – the main focus, carrying the narrative
The percussion and guitar together created a texture that felt simple but intentional.
Medieval and Renaissance Influences
The song reminded me more of medieval troubadour music than Renaissance works. The repetition in the guitar and the chant-like vocal phrasing fit what I remember from that period.
It felt like music meant to tell a story, much like the traditions from France in the Middle Ages.
Storytelling and Lyrics
Song Narrative
The song tells a clear story about a young marriage. The girl is twice twelve, while her husband is still very young.
She asks her father to send him to college for a year, showing her hope for his growth. The verses follow his life from marriage at fourteen, fatherhood at fifteen, and his death at sixteen.
The lyrics include details like blue ribbons around his head to show he is married, and the making of a shroud after his passing. The repetition in the guitar and melody supports the storytelling, giving it a steady, almost chant-like flow.
Key moments in the narrative:
- Marriage arranged by the father.
- Husband’s short life marked by major milestones each year.
- Wife’s grief expressed through sewing his shroud.
Historical Context
The song’s style reminds me of medieval or troubadour traditions. The melody feels simple and repetitive, which matches how music often sounded in those times.
The percussion and guitar tone add to the period feel, creating a texture that could fit into a Renaissance or earlier medieval setting.
| Element | Historical Link |
|---|---|
| Repetitive melody | Common in medieval songs |
| Chant-like vocals | Reminiscent of troubadour style |
| Acoustic guitar | Modern stand-in for older string instruments |
| Percussion accents | Adds medieval atmosphere |
Personal Insights
Viewer Suggestions
I picked this song because someone in the community suggested it. I keep a list of all the requests I get from my videos, and this one stood out.
It had over 109K views on YouTube, so I thought it was worth checking out. Some viewers also mentioned other songs, but this one felt like a good choice for today.
I always appreciate when people share ideas and give me more background about the artists. If you have more suggestions, you can send them to me directly.
Ways to send me suggestions:
- Comment on my videos
- Share details in the community posts
- Contact me through Patreon for direct requests
Learning and Teaching Experience
I’ve played classical guitar for over 25 years and hold a master’s degree in classical guitar performance. I also teach guitar on a regular basis, so I naturally listen to music with a focus on technique, tone, and style.
When I react to a song, I first listen all the way through without stopping. Then I go back and break it down into sections that catch my attention.
This helps me notice details like instrument choice, rhythmic patterns, and historical influences.
| My Process | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Full listen | Feel the song as a whole |
| Second listen | Spot specific moments |
| Section breakdown | Analyze guitar and arrangement |
I enjoy sharing what I hear from a guitarist’s perspective, and these reactions also help me keep learning while teaching others.
How to Support and Request Videos
You can support my work and get early access to all my videos through my Patreon.
Ways to connect and request videos:
- Leave your suggestions in the YouTube comments.
- Send requests directly to me through Patreon.
- Share any extra info you have about the artists or songs.
| Benefit | How to Access |
|---|---|
| Early video access | Join my Patreon |
| Direct song requests | Patreon or YouTube comments |
| Share background info | YouTube comments |
