anonymous January 25th, 2009 03:11PM  
This song sounds like an egalitarian's dream. Why can't we all be equal?
But there are two key phrases that reverse the whole meaning.
First, "The oaks can't help their feelings if they like the way they're made." I interpret this to mean, that some of us are Olympic champions, and some are not. Don't get mad at a gold medal winner for being proud of what they are.
Second, there is a warning to all who seek equality at all cost: "now the trees are all kept equal, by hatchet, axe, and saw".
Better to live in the shade, than to have your stump exposed to the sun.

anonymous October 16th, 2009 09:53PM  
I think it's about communism. Communists forces everyone to be equal regardless of effort.

anonymous October 28th, 2009 12:26PM  
I think the song is about any and all various forms of forced equalization. Name it: socialism/communism, affirmative action, equal rights amendment, not keeping score in kids baseball, etc... It's impossible to make everyone equal. While we all may be created equal, that doesn't mean that we all have equal talents/skills/strength/intelligence. There is a Jewish saying that goes along the lines of "We're all kneaded of the same dough, but not all baked in the same oven." The only way to level the playing field is to bring everyone down to the lowest common denominator. How? By hatchet, axe, and saw.