[Intro]
(knock, knock}
Knock on would
[Instrumental, Guitar, Drum Fills]
[Verse 1]
So, here’s a riddle
Are you dead in the middle
Can’t get your heart
To start
It’s easy to see
You’re not a tree
Try to get your heart
To take part
[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Bridge]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]
[Verse 2]
Why not show what’s inside
What have you got to hide
Let’s take it for a ride
Begin to let what’s in
And about to get out
Permeate
Your state
[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Bridge]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Bass]
[Bridge]
Are you dead in the middle?
Why make it a riddle
Count the rings
Your years bring
Does the heart still sing?
[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Outro]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!
A SCIENCE NOTE
In most mature trees, the inner part of the tree, known as the heartwood, is dead, while the outer layers, including the sapwood, cambium, and bark, are alive. Here’s a detailed explanation of these different parts of a tree and their functions:
Parts of a Tree
- Heartwood:
- Location: The central, innermost part of the tree.
- Characteristics: Composed of older, dead xylem cells. It is typically darker in color and denser than the outer layers.
- Function: Provides structural support to the tree. Even though it is dead, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the tree’s stability.
- Sapwood:
- Location: Surrounding the heartwood, just inside the cambium layer.
- Characteristics: Made up of younger xylem cells that are still alive. It is lighter in color compared to the heartwood.
- Function: Conducts water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree. The sapwood is essential for the tree’s growth and survival.
- Cambium:
- Location: A thin layer of living cells between the sapwood and the inner bark.
- Characteristics: It is a very narrow layer but crucial for growth.
- Function: Produces new xylem cells (which become part of the sapwood) and new phloem cells (which become part of the inner bark). This layer is responsible for the tree’s secondary growth, increasing the tree’s girth.
- Phloem (Inner Bark):
- Location: Just outside the cambium layer, beneath the outer bark.
- Characteristics: Composed of living cells that transport nutrients produced by photosynthesis (mainly sugars) from the leaves to the rest of the tree.
- Function: Essential for distributing the energy necessary for growth and maintenance of the tree.
- Outer Bark:
- Location: The outermost layer of the tree.
- Characteristics: Made up of dead cells that provide protection.
- Function: Shields the tree from physical damage, disease, and extreme weather conditions.
Understanding Tree Growth
- Growth Rings: Each year, the cambium produces new layers of xylem (adding to the sapwood) and phloem. Over time, the inner layers of sapwood become heartwood as they die and are filled with resins and other substances that make them more rigid and resistant to decay.
- Active Growth Areas: Only the cambium, phloem, and the outermost layers of sapwood are involved in the active growth and nutrient transport processes. The heartwood, although dead, provides crucial structural support to the tree.
In summary, while the central heartwood of a mature tree is dead and provides structural support, the outer layers, including the sapwood, cambium, and phloem, are alive and perform vital functions necessary for the tree’s growth and survival.