“Strange Fruit” is a chilling and powerful song made famous by jazz singer Billie Holiday in 1939. The lyrics speak to the brutal and inhumane practice of lynching in the American South, describing the hanging bodies of black men as “strange fruit” hanging from the trees.
Holiday’s haunting vocals and emotional delivery make the song an unforgettable and poignant commentary on racial violence and oppression. The song’s stark imagery and heartbreaking lyrics serve as a reminder of the dark history of racism in America, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Strange Fruit” has endured as a timeless and important work of art. It has been covered by many artists and continues to be performed to this day, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of the past and a call to action for a more just and equal future.
Image by Ai Junkie
