Song meaning of Apple Tree by Employed to Serve

The song "Apple Tree" by Employed to Serve explores the struggle of trying to live up to the expectations and legacy of someone who came before. The lyrics depict a constant reminder of their presence, as the narrator sees their ghost in the reflection of their own face. They question the meaning of being someone's legacy, expressing a failure to truly understand its significance.

The phrase "If It's not good enough for you, what makes it good enough for me" showcases the internal conflict faced by the narrator. They feel pressure to meet the standards set by the person who precedes them, but also question whether those standards are truly worth adhering to. The weight of this inherited burden is depicted as a "passed down strain," an ongoing struggle that cannot be easily overcome.

Additionally, the line "The things we share makes the cross I bear" suggests that the shared experiences and traits between the narrator and the person who came before contribute to the difficulty of carrying this legacy. It implies that the narrator feels trapped by their lineage and the expectations associated with it.

Overall, the song's message conveys the complexities of living in the shadow of someone else's legacy and the internal struggle to find one's own identity amidst these pressures. It explores the idea of self-discovery and the desire to break free from the weight of familial expectations.