Meaning of "Winter Trees" by The Staves

The song "Winter Trees" delves into the theme of regret and unspoken words in a relationship. The winter setting serves as a metaphor for the emotional coldness and distance between the narrator and the person they are addressing. The repeated refrain "I never meant to say any of those things" highlights the regret over words spoken in haste or without proper consideration. The narrator expresses a sense of longing and a desire to make amends, but feels trapped by their own inability to convey their true feelings. The mention of promises made but not kept, along with the mention of losing oneself on a November night, further emphasizes the sense of sorrow and remorse. Overall, the song captures the pain of looking back on a relationship marred by miscommunication and missed opportunities for connection.