Meaning of "Rings" by Toad The Wet Sprocket

The lyrics of "Rings" by Toad The Wet Sprocket seem to delve into the concept of memories and the passage of time. The singer contemplates the significance of various rings, which could symbolize different stages of life or specific memories. The mentioning of "windy weather," "dry spells," "brushfire," "good years," and "nightmares" hints at the unpredictable nature of life and how experiences both positive and negative shape who we are. The idea of cutting down a tree to look inside it, to understand it better, could represent the introspective journey of understanding oneself and reflecting on past experiences. The repeated phrase "Isn't it strange" reinforces the singer's sense of awe at the complexities of life and memory. The closing lines about remembering "knowing that I would live forever" and how truth can change could suggest a realization of mortality and the impermanence of life, leading to a deeper reflection on the meaning of his experiences. Overall, the lyrics of "Rings" invite listeners to ponder the way memories are intertwined with physical objects and how the passage of time can change our understanding of the past.