i have a few questions about the song:
how do we know from the lyrics that the ''strange'' fruit here means the bodies of lynching victims?
why is it that sounthern trees bear the ''strange fruit''?
what contrast is made between the ''gallant south'' and the south which bears strange fruit? what is ironic about this contrast? 1)The lyrics give direct refrence to black bodies swinging
2) The comparison to fruit is that it hangs from trees, since it is in refrence to black bodies, it is refering to lynching.
Lynching was most common in the south, which post civil war, continued a overt and hostile submission of the former slave populations through fear, violence and laws.
3) Gallant south is made to be ironic. as murder or lynching is not gallant. Wikipedia about it. Thought it might help...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strange_Fru... | 