For the Bonsai Tree U Bought 4 Me

Released: 2003-2004

Written & Produced by: Frances Quinlan

Background

The song is the third track on Sympathetic Flypaper. However, it made its way online far before the EP was found in 2025, with evidence of it being seen as early as 2012. This song was the only track on the EP to have been uploaded prior to the finding of the full EP, and it is unclear how it began circulating online.

The track is commonly misattributed as a Wretches track. However, this information is proven to be incorrect; nowhere is it listed on the tracklist of the EP or said to be a bonus track by those who own the EP. This misattribution was likely due to not knowing the track's origins.

Due to the track originally being shrouded in mystery, the true name of the song was unknown until the tracklist of Sympathetic Flypaper was finally found. As such, the song has been cited under several variations "For the Bonsai Tree U Bought 4 Me," including "The Bonsai Tree U Bought 4 Me," "For the Bonsai Tree You Bought for Me," and "The Bonsai Tree You Bought for Me."

Lyrics

Listen, it represents the routines we get into
The patterns that build until they're painted on our faces

Well you, your daughter says
The one you haven't had yet
"Father, I've been thinking about regret"

And it's blue out
But the missus isn't healthy
The unread paper says, "Surprise!
Tomorrow could be the end

And if you thought of snow, just so you know, it's gonna be
July for forever
Specifically, in your attic, where sporadically
You lose your hands, understand?
Oh, will they never stay together?
No, not in this weather
So look alive," just said

But what about the dog
Is he mourning for his love across the street
As he wishes he could write to her?

A bruise!
You bumped your head
On the bright side of your brain
And it poured away, ah yeah!

Your daughter says
"I am not your daughter, man! I'm a lonely parakeet
I have no home, but I look damn good on the street"

And if you want to go, go ahead, you know
This can't be your home for forever
Just be kind to that bird, say
"I love you so, don't go!
Oh, save yourself a line, I'll buy all of your time
All of you's almost gone," just said

At Christmastime (two, three, four)
We bought a bonsai tree (two, three, four)
Said, "I had no idea (two, three, four)
You would be waiting for me" (two, three, four)

At Christmastime (two, three, four)
He was a bonsai tree (two, three, four)
Gave himself away to a secretary

One and two (One, two, three, four)
I did not mean to bother you (One, two, three, four)
Three and four (One, two, three, four)
Never sung this sort of thing before (One, two, three, four)