Tim Lopez's lyrics to Plain White T's song, The Giving Tree, hit home for many who have been in a relationship and given it all without receiving it back. The song refers to many people in relationships or even friendships. The relationship with the song can vary across a variety of ages and genders. Someone can put so much into a relationship while receiving little or nothing in return, until they finally collapse and leave. Tim Lopez was inspired by a children's book by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree, which was about the relationship between a boy and a tree. Tim Lopez wrote this song about his one-sided relationship where he gave everything with little to nothing in return. I personally can connect this song to my past relationship with a boy of 2 years. We had many difficult moments while we were together. There were things in the relationship that I can never erase; yet I have the feeling that I will never let him go completely. He's still trying so hard to get me back and I'm taking advantage of it. I have a lot of mixed emotions about him and the thought of starting the relationship again. The hardest part is that he is the only person I truly feel I can be completely myself with. Yet, I fear it will pick up right where it ended. All it wants to be is my giving tree and make me happy. Just like in the song, I find myself trying to move on, but I end up feeling empty and crawling back to him. I know my fear and mixed emotions are draining him of everything he has. This song affects me in so many ways and makes me feel horrible. I don't want to cause pain to anyone on purpose, especially someone I care about. He's so sure of what he wants, but our past keeps me from knowing what I want. I do it...half of the paper...back. I identify with this song from a past relationship where I gave little to nothing in return. This song is inspirational to me and I love the story behind the story. Tim had two inspirations in writing this song, from the book itself and from a past relationship. Tim Lopez and his band The Plain White T's have produced many albums and are an amazing band. Anyone of any age and gender can relate to this song. Lyrics Cited "The Giving Tree". TEXT BY PLAIN WHITE T. Np, nd Web. 07 April 2014. Gomez, Luis. "Plain White T's song inspired by classic children's book. Chicago Tribune. Np, Nov. 6, 2013. Web. Apr. 7, 2014."Novel summary." Novel summary. Np, Nov. 27, 2012. Web. Apr. 8, 2014. Sterling, Scott T. "Plain White T do like 'The Giving Tree' in new music video." Radiocom, 23 October 2013. Web. 09 April. 2014.