Strange Fruit was first written as a poem by Abe Meeropol, a New York teacher and poet.
Upon becoming familiar with Billie Holliday's music, Meeropol took the poem to her, and she worked on turning it into a song. For this assignment, you will research lynching in America and the song Strange Fruit and write a one page journal/blog post.
Follow these steps to complete the assignment:
• Research Abel Meeropol, author of Strange Fruit. Who was he? What was his life like?
• Research Billie Holliday: What was she famous for?
• Research the song Strange Fruit. Try to find a video for the song and then watch and listen to it. What are the lyrics like? Do you see or hear connections to lynching?
• Take notes as you research the above topics to prepare for you journal entry
Next, write your journal. Use these questions as writing prompts:
• How does this song make you feel? Use adjectives to describe your feelings (you may want to Google a feeling adjective list if you want some creative options)
• How do we know from the lyrics that the "strange" fruit here means the bodies of lynching victims?
• List three things about the song that you think are important.
• Discuss life in the United States during the time that the song was written
Journal Entry:
Researching Abel Meeropol, I discovered that he was a New York teacher and poet. His life was deeply influenced by his commitment to social justice and fighting against racial inequality. Meeropol was disturbed by the brutality of lynching in America and wrote the poem "Strange Fruit" as a powerful expression of his outrage.
Billie Holiday, on the other hand, was a renowned jazz singer known for her unique voice and emotive performances. She was famous for her ability to convey intense emotions through her music, especially songs that addressed social issues and hardships faced by African Americans.
After listening to the song "Strange Fruit," I am left with a heavy and somber feeling. The lyrics and the haunting melody evoke a sense of despair, anger, and sorrow. The song's emotional impact is enhanced by Holiday's raw and emotional delivery.
The connections between the lyrics and lynching are evident throughout the song. The phrase "strange fruit" is used as a metaphor for the bodies of lynching victims hanging from trees. This imagery is powerful and shocking, confronting listeners with the gruesome reality of racial violence.
Three important aspects of the song stand out to me. Firstly, the poetic and vivid imagery used in the lyrics captures the horror and brutality of lynching, making it hard to ignore or dismiss. Secondly, Holiday's interpretation and performance of the song imbue it with a haunting intensity that amplifies its message. Lastly, the song's ability to highlight the pervasive racism and violence in America during that time is significant, shedding light on a dark period of history that, unfortunately, is often overlooked.
Life in the United States during the time the song was written was marked by rampant racism, segregation, and violence against African Americans. Lynching was a horrific and common practice, often used to terrorize and oppress black communities. Racial inequality was deeply entrenched, and the song reflects the anguish and struggle endured by marginalized communities during this period.
In conclusion, the song "Strange Fruit" is a powerful and poignant protest against racial violence and inequality. Its lyrics, performed by the incomparable Billie Holiday, evoke strong emotions and shed light on the dark history of lynching in America. This song serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing our country's past and striving for a more just and equal future.