There is, in downtown Redding proper, one and ONLY one tree that has received "very good" designation during the last tree survey. To honor and commemorate this One Very Good Tree, I wrote this song, on commission from the The McConnell Foundation. The tune "is a vital contribution to The McConnell Foundation’s efforts to promote downtown revitalization, and will play a role in ongoing efforts to pursue urban greening, community engagement, and climate resiliency in downtown Redding."

Lyrics

Cars fly by my corner
Never slowing or knowing
What they missed in me
There’s no plaque, proclamation
or glory
To honor
One Very Good Tree
I’d be part of a canopy
If I had a choice
One of dozens of very good trees
If trees had a voice

Look at me
Look at me
One Very Good Tree
Best I can be
From my roots
To my boughs
Look at me
Look at me
Every legacy
Starts with a vision
Look at me now

Just one tiny tree, but I’m trying
Like Redding, I’m ready
To blossom and grow
In a downtown revived
and inviting
Look at me
See a glimmer of hope
I’d be part of a canopy
If I had a choice
One of dozens of very good trees
If trees had a voice

Look at me
Look at me
One Very Good Tree
Best I can be
From my roots
To my boughs
Look at me
Look at me
Every legacy
Starts with a vision
Look at me now