Cottonwood

About this song

The song was featured during the listening parties for the Breach album, where Tyler Joseph commented on it between tracks. Joseph said the cottonwood tree is his favorite, and the way it sheds white fuzz reminded him of his grandfather's fine white hair. He said the song helped him cope at the time.

What it's about

"Cottonwood" is a tribute to Tyler Joseph's maternal grandfather, Robert "Fuzzy" Stryker, and deals with Joseph's struggle with his death. The melancholy track reflects that grief in a bittersweet way.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Covered once, including “Cottonwood by onthespot_music”.
• Written by Tyler Joseph.
• Produced by Paul Meany and Tyler Joseph.