Lemon Tree
Peter Paul And Mary · Other Songs - Peter Paul And Mary
"Come here and take a lesson from the lovely lemon tree:
don't put your faith in love my boy"
my father said to me,
"I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely lemon tree."
*lemon tree very pretty
and the lemon flower is sweet
but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat* x2
One day beneath the lemon tree my love and I did lie,
A girl so sweet that when she smiled the stars rose in the sky.
We passed that summer lost in love beneath the lemon tree,
The music of her laughter hid my fathers words from me.
* x2
One day she left without a word
She took away the sun
And in the dark she'd left behind I knew what she had done.
She'd left me for another, it's a common tale but true.
A sadder man but wiser now I sing these words to you;
* x2
lemon tree... lemon tree.. lemon tree... lemon tree
About Lemon Tree
Peter, Paul, and Mary's 1966 recording of "Lemon Tree" stands as a defining moment in folk-rock history, blending traditional acoustic instrumentation with a driving, rhythmic energy that propelled them to international fame. Originally a folk song with roots in American and British traditions, the trio's arrangement transformed it into an anthem of social consciousness, reflecting the era's growing interest in protest music and civil rights. Their version features a distinctive interplay between Paul Stookey's baritone and the group's harmonies, creating a sound that was both intimate and powerful. The track became a staple of their discography and remains a signature piece of the 1960s folk revival. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to convey a sense of shared struggle and hope without relying on specific political slogans, allowing listeners to project their own meanings onto the narrative of the "lemon tree." As a key work in the catalog of Peter, Paul, and Mary, the recording exemplifies how traditional material could be reimagined to resonate with a new generation seeking authentic, socially aware music.