Plastic Palm Trees Lyrics – Tate McRae

Q: Who is the music producer of "Plastic Palm Trees" Song?

"Plastic Palm Trees" song music compose & produce by Greg Kurstin.

English 239 December 8, 2023

"Plastic Palm Trees" by Tate McRae explores the theme of disillusionment and the gap between appearance and reality. It delves into the speaker's experiences of transitioning from a mundane past to a seemingly glamorous present, only to discover that the newfound dreams and happiness are superficial, akin to the artificiality of plastic palm trees. ...Read More

Plastic Palm Trees Song Lyrics

[Verse 1: Tate McRae]
Used to drive around in your Wrangler in our deadbeat town
In the parking lot, we would talk about all the drama
Had nothing better to do
Now I go out with my new friends to a party downtown
In a new dress till the liquor runs out, every weekend
Go out somebody new

[Pre-Chorus: Tate McRae]
You could say that all my dreams came true
Oh, what an underwhelming view

[Chorus: Tate McRae]
Thought that it was real, thought that it was worth it
Out the window, everything was looking perfect
Caught in a dream
It's not what it seems (Ah-ah-ah)
Thought that I was fine sitting in the backseat
In the mirror, really looked like I was happy
Caught in a dream
Till something in my head said (Ah-ah-ah)
"I'm sorry, you were just looking at plastic palm trees" (Ah-ah-ah)
Plastic palm trees

[Verse 2: Tate McRae]
Didn't know you need a motive to keep a friend around
To find a boyfriend who doesn't mess around
Bet if you saw me doing well, you'd hit me out of the blue

[Pre-Chorus: Tate McRae]
You could say that all my dreams came true
Oh, what an oh-so-lonely view

[Chorus: Tate McRae]
Thought that it was real, thought that it was worth it
Out the window, everything was looking perfect
Caught in a dream
It's not what it seems (Ah-ah-ah)
Thought that I was fine sitting in the backseat
In the mirror, really looked like I was happy
Caught in a dream
Till something in my head said (Ah-ah-ah)
"I'm sorry you were just looking at plastic palm trees" (Ah-ah-ah)
Plastic palm trees

[Outro: Tate McRae]
It's not how
It used to be
Staring at plastic palm trees
It's not how (It's not how)
It used to be (It used to be)
Staring at plastic palm trees

Submitted by Rollteam

Last Update: December 12, 2023

Plastic Palm Trees Lyrics Explained

"Plastic Palm Trees" by Tate McRae explores the theme of disillusionment and the gap between appearance and reality. It delves into the speaker's experiences of transitioning from a mundane past to a seemingly glamorous present, only to discover that the newfound dreams and happiness are superficial, akin to the artificiality of plastic palm trees.

[Verse 1]
The first verse reminisces about simpler times, driving around in an old car in a lackluster town, engaging in conversations about trivial drama. The speaker contrasts this with the current scenario of partying downtown in a new dress every weekend. However, the excitement is short-lived, and the speaker starts to question the authenticity of the newfound lifestyle.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus reflects a sense of underwhelm despite the apparent fulfillment of dreams. The speaker realizes that achieving what was once desired doesn't necessarily bring true satisfaction, hinting at the hollowness behind the façade of success.

[Chorus]
The chorus emphasizes a stark contrast between perception and reality. The speaker initially believed in the perfection of the dream, only to discover it was an illusion. The mention of sitting in the backseat and looking happy in the mirror signifies a performance, and the realization hits that what seemed real was just a mirage, symbolized by "plastic palm trees."

[Verse 2]
The second verse explores the complexities of relationships and the need for ulterior motives to maintain friendships and find a trustworthy partner. Despite outward success, the speaker feels a sense of loneliness, emphasizing the isolating nature of the newfound life.

[Pre-Chorus]
The repetition of the underwhelming view in the pre-chorus reinforces the theme of disillusionment, suggesting that the speaker's achievements haven't brought the expected fulfillment or happiness.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats, underlining the central message of the disparity between appearance and reality. The speaker's realization intensifies as they recognize the superficiality of their surroundings, represented by "plastic palm trees."

[Outro]
The outro reflects on the changes in life, expressing a longing for the past when things were simpler. The mention of staring at plastic palm trees serves as a metaphor for the artificiality and emptiness of the current circumstances compared to the genuine experiences of the past. The repetition of "It's not how it used to be" reinforces the theme of disillusionment and the longing for authenticity.

This is the end of "Plastic Palm Trees Song Lyrics" by Tate McRae. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.