Standing Tall

One winter's day, a row of street trees caught the eye--stripped nearly bare by overzealous pruning. Their painful appearance lingered in the lyricist's heart long afterward. Then, when the season of fresh green arrived and she walked past the same spot and looked up, there "they" stood, branches full of leaves, swaying gracefully in the breeze, proud and undaunted. "Standing Tall" was born from that real experience--a moment of being deeply moved by their brave, resilient beauty.

The lyrics are written as words spoken directly to the street trees. Unlike trees in a forest, free to grow as nature intended, these trees endure harsh trials at human hands in the heart of the city--yet they radiate life with striking vitality. In their presence, the lyricist hears a voice saying, "Look at us--we're doing just fine. Don't worry," and finds herself given courage in return.

The track is built on a foundation of gentle piano and acoustic guitar, accompanied by soft strings and subtle percussion in a warm, organic sound. Within the minimal arrangement, the aim was to craft a delicate sonic landscape that evokes the feeling of a spring breeze and the whisper of rustling leaves. Beginning quietly and gradually expanding in dynamics as emotion builds, the music naturally elevates the story told by the lyrics.

KOHA, for whom this is a debut single, is an AI singer. With a crystalline yet grounded vocal delivery, she conveys the world of the lyrics with care and sincerity.

It is our hope that this quiet dialogue of hearts between trees and people will gently reach the hearts of all who listen.