This lovely and refreshing song might count indie artists like Sufjan Stevens, Belle and Sebastian, and Elliot Smith as influences, but "The King Grows Weary" ultimately has its own unique sound and spirit. The lines of each verse unfold almost like haiku-- less interested in rhyming as they are in painting sparse, nature-based images, pregnant with meaning. The song is about preparing for a tough winter...though the "King" is not a person, but rather the planet that we call home, and the "Winter" is not simply this year's frost, but the beginning of a long stretch of hardship for the planet's inhabitants (Game of Thrones, anyone?). The meter is written in an impressive 10/4, I believe (though don't quote me on that), with time kept both by the singer's rhythmic lyrics and the pat-pat-pattering of the soft drums. A beautiful cello and possibly some other strings back the singer up, along with a couple synthesizers, who manage to utilize some space-age Flanger effects without calling attention to themselves. BIG TREES is the brainchild of Bostonian guitarist, singer and songwriter Rick Frauton. While recording and performing on the West coast in 2005 with San Francisco-based indie rock band The Distraction Fit, Rick began working on his own original compositions, and by 2007 he had moved back to Boston and began assembling his musicians. This is one of my favorite bands I've discovered on SongLadder. "Bittersweet this season's ending Soon the winter holds us hostage. Final hour of nature's sunshine Dead leaves dance before they lie down. Lock the doors and board the windows it's never been this cold before. Careful rations in our bellies Fearful that ??? in our sleep. This planet used to be the king We took it all for granted This winter might not yield a spring The seeds of doom are planted. Hey, la la, hey la Hey, la la, hey la Try to hang on, don't go crazy Keep the children warm and cozy Tell their favorite bedtime story In hope that someday it will come"