About the song
“Strange Fruit,” performed live in 1959 by the legendary Billie Holiday, is a haunting and powerful song that stands as a poignant protest against the racial violence that plagued America, particularly in the form of lynching. This song, originally written as a poem by Abel Meeropol, a teacher and songwriter, was brought to the public’s attention through Billie Holiday’s evocative and deeply emotional interpretation. The live version from 1959, part of the Reelin’ In The Years Archives, captures Holiday at a mature stage in her career, offering a performance that is as profound as it is unforgettable.
First recorded in 1939, “Strange Fruit” was released as a single and quickly became a significant part of Holiday’s repertoire. The song’s chilling imagery and raw emotion resonated deeply with listeners and established Holiday as not only a master vocalist but also a courageous artist willing to tackle the most harrowing issues of her time. Despite its controversial subject matter, or perhaps because of it, “Strange Fruit” achieved significant acclaim, earning a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978.
Billie Holiday’s performance of “Strange Fruit” in 1959 occurred towards the end of her career, a time when she was recognized as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. This particular live rendition offers a glimpse into her enduring artistry and the emotional depth she brought to her music, even as she faced personal and professional struggles. The Reelin’ In The Years Archives have preserved this performance, allowing contemporary audiences to experience the intensity and significance of Holiday’s live delivery.
“Strange Fruit” remains a powerful reminder of the dark chapters in American history and stands as a testament to Billie Holiday’s enduring legacy as a voice for social justice and artistic expression. Her ability to convey profound sorrow and a call for change through her music continues to resonate with listeners, making “Strange Fruit” as relevant today as it was over six decades ago.
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Lyrics
Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees
Pastoral scene of the gallant South
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolia, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh
Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop