Under the Greenwood Tree oDDBall

I sing this unaccompanied
"**Under the Greenwood Tree**" is a song from William Shakespeare's comedy *As You Like It*, specifically found in Act 2, Scene 5. It is sung by the character Amiens, a loyal follower of the exiled Duke Senior, as they live in the Forest of Arden. The song reflects the pastoral and serene life they lead in the forest, contrasting with the complexity and corruption of court life.

### Key Themes:
1. **Simple, Rustic Life**: The song celebrates the joys of a life close to nature, away from the ambitions and rivalries found in society. It speaks to the pleasures of living with simplicity and being content with what life offers.

2. **Freedom from Ambition**: It invites those who "shun ambition" and prefer a peaceful existence to join this carefree life. The forest is portrayed as a refuge where one can escape the pressures of power and ambition.

3. **Nature’s Harshness**: While the song glorifies the tranquility of nature, it also acknowledges that the only "enemy" in this life is "winter and rough weather"—a nod to the inevitable hardships of a life spent outdoors.

In the broader context of *As You Like It*, the forest represents a space of transformation and reflection for many characters. The song reinforces the pastoral setting, idealizing the simplicity of nature over the complexities of courtly life.