Music Challenge Day 10: Billie Holiday - “Strange Fruit"

in #music-challenge7 years ago (edited)

The first time I heard this song, I didn’t know who it was by or what it was about. All I knew was that from the first words my skin started crawling and I had to get away from it. Music doesn’t usually affect me that way. I’ve been moved by many songs but this one hurt to the point where I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever voluntarily listened to the whole thing in one sitting. ‘Sad’ isn’t a strong enough word for what it makes me feel but I suppose it’s a good starting point if I ever had to describe it. Here’s Strange Fruit:

For those who aren’t familiar with the meaning behind it, the song is about people hanging from trees, not fruit. To an extent, it brings to mind the ability of ordinary humans (not psychopaths) to set aside their ‘humanity’ to torture/maim/murder others (or sit back and watch without intervening). It’s happened throughout history at different points for different reasons but it’s important not to become complacent and think we’ve outgrown that level of cruelty as a species.

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Timely. People on the streets calling for this to happen again. Not that it ever completely went away. But some seem to want to reverse the progress we've made.

That's why it's important to keep an eye on the society you live in. People get desensitised to the suffering of others by seeing it as necessary or even justified and no matter how benign it looks at first, it has a tendency to get horrific.

Thanks for posting this link and the explanation; I have heard this before, but never knew what it was about.
So sad..

There's much more to the story than I've explained so if you're interested, have a look online. It's not for the faint of heart though.

Thank you for the post!

The song is very powerful and sad. Billy Holiday has one of the best voices for performing it.

I agree. The song needed a distinct, haunting voice to carry it. It's part of what makes it unforgettable.

Search for joy in everything you watch!

Only happiness will overcome fear and sadness.

Be love!>:D<

Enjoy @nature.art!

Powerful, thought-provoking piece.

Really, how so?

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