Song meaning of Fake Plastic Trees by Trampled by Turtles

The song "Fake Plastic Trees" by Trampled by Turtles tells a story of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with a superficial and artificial existence. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who lives in a world of fake, plastic objects. Her green plastic watering can and fake Chinese rubber plants symbolize the emptiness and lack of authenticity in her life. The rubber plants she bought from a rubber man in a town full of rubber plants represent the manufactured happiness she desperately seeks. However, this facade wears her out, indicating the exhaustion and emotional toll of living a life that lacks depth and genuine connection.

The song also introduces a broken man, who toys with the idea of perfection and ideal beauty through his past profession as a surgeon. However, gravity always wins, implying that his attempts to fix and control things ultimately lead to their destruction. This serves as a metaphor for the futility and ultimately detrimental nature of trying to manipulate or change oneself or others to fit an unrealistic ideal.

In the chorus, the repetition of the phrase "it wears him out" reinforces the idea of the toll that this artificiality takes on both individuals. It is exhausting and draining to live in such a world, where one is constantly striving for something that is inherently superficial and unfulfilling.

The singer then reflects on the woman, admitting that she may look and even taste like the real thing, but their love feels fake and plastic. The feeling of being overwhelmed and worn out by this artificial love is palpable, pushing the singer to a breaking point where they contemplate escaping from this false existence.

The outro expresses the longing to be someone the other person desires, striving to meet their expectations all the time. This reflects a desire for validation and acceptance, even if it means sacrificing one's true self. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of the dissatisfaction and weariness that comes from living in a world consumed by fake appearances and inauthentic connections.