In this song, the “Wishing Tree” represents our heart’s desires. What would you wish for if you discovered the Wishing Tree? I encourage my students to select a word that is important to them from a list of inspirational words like: love, friendship, wealth, courage, creativity, happiness, understanding, support, faith, wisdom. Then there is a place in the song for them to fill in there selected words or wishes. You can also change the lyrics around in a group setting to encourage students to give their wish to someone else. For example, “I would wish that Mary finds all the love she needs”.
The Wishing Tree
by Wade Richards
Could I catch a unicorn by an Irish stream?
Could I catch a leprechaun in a field of green?
If I could then I would ask, for a favor please,
Take me to my heart’s desire, to the Wishing Tree.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, get me there by night.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, under the moonlight.
Magic in each branch of wood and each leaf of gold.
Shimmering and splendid, a sight to behold.
I would wish for friendship whenever I’m in need.
I would wish for happiness whenever I’m in need.
I would wish a song to sing whenever I’m in need.
Help me find my heart’s desire, find the Wishing Tree.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, get me there by night.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, under the moonlight.
Magic in each branch of wood and each leaf of gold.
Shimmering and splendid, a sight to behold.
Once I made my wishes there, I’d set my captive free.
No need for a magic horn or pot of gold for me.
In truth I’m sure I’d realize and waken from my dream.
The Wishing Tree is always there inside the heart of me.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, get me there by night.
Take me to the Wishing Tree, under the moonlight.
Magic in each branch of wood and each leaf of gold.
Shimmering and splendid, a sight to behold.
Wade is a board-certified music therapist and one of the directors at Spectrum Creative Arts. He completed additional training programs in Orff-Schulwerk, Neurologic Music Therapy, and Performance Wellness. As a songwriter and creative writer, Wade has authored several music resource books for music therapy and music education.