The famous song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” was first recorded in 1942 by the Glenn Miller Orchestra featuring vocals from Tex Beneke and the Modernaires. The tune was written by composer Lew Brown and lyricists Charles Tobias & Sammy Gallop. The song topped the charts in the US, peaking at #5 in 1942 and again in 1945, when it reached the top spot. The memorable tune and lyrics have been adopted as an anthem of both World War II and the Swing era. It remains one of the most popular songs of the period, and has been covered by a variety of modern-day artists.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra was one of the most prominent acts of the era, having been formed by Miller in 1938. The band’s biggest hit was “In the Mood.” They had their own radio show, appeared regularly on television, and toured extensively. The recording of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” which was the eighth best-selling record of 1942, was their next big hit and catapulted them to stardom.
The male vocalist on the original 1942 version of the song was Tex Beneke, who had been with the orchestra since 1939. He was singing lead with the band by 1941, and was known for his excellent vocal range and swinging style. He sang lead for the historic recording, backed by the Modernaires, a vocal group that had been with Miller since 1940. The group featured Paula Kelly, Ruth Darwin, Janet Conerly, and Hal Dickinson. The band also included saxophone player Al Klink, who co-wrote the classic saxophone solo with Miller.
For years, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” has been performed by modern-day artists, including The Andrews Sisters, Sam Cooke, and The Temptations. The song has also been featured in movies, television shows, and commercials. It’s been sampled and covered by current-day musicians, and the catchy chorus is still familiar to many.
Though it was first performed during World War II, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” is remembered more as a swing classic. The up-tempo beat and iconic saxophone solo help make it one of the defining songs of the 1940s. The memorable tune and lyrics have stood the test of time and remain classics of the swing era.
The Lyrics of Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree
The memorable lyrics of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” have been a source of nostalgia for people who experienced the 1940s. The song was released as the A-side of a single, but was quickly adopted as a popular anthem of World War II. The lyrics reflected the wartime attitude of many Americans and assert the belief that love could endure even in times of great upheaval.
The chorus of the song contains an iconic line that references the Biblical story of Adam and Eve: “Don’t sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me, till I come marching home.” This symbolizes the faith that one’s love will eventually return from a wartime deployment. The chorus is repeated throughout the song and contains two other lines, “No, no, no, no” and “Till the blues, the blues, the blues go away.”
In the verses, the singer expresses his love for his sweetheart and his desire for her to remain loyal until his return. It reads:
“I sent you a letter, I sent it by mail,
I told you in writing, my love can’t fail;
I asked you to wait, to have no doubt
Don’t sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me.”
Instrumentation
The original 1942 recording of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” was performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, a large jazz ensemble featuring a wide array of instruments. The orchestra regularly included up to 18 pieces, including acoustic and electric bass, electric guitar, alto saxophone, clarinet, and trombone, in addition to a full rhythm section and vocalists.
The arrangement for “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” featured prominent solos from lead vocalist Tex Beneke, as well as a saxophone solo from Al Klink. The song has been recorded many times since the original, and the instrumental accompaniment has changed according to the style of the artist.
Legacy
Since its release in 1942, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” has become an anthem to the swing era and a memorable reminder of World War II. The song remains one of the most beloved tunes of the era, and its memorable lyrics continue to inspire listeners with the message of hope and love.
The song has been featured prominently in popular culture, from movies and television shows to commercials. It’s been covered by a variety of modern-day artists, ranging from the Andrews Sisters to The Temptations. It’s been sampled by current-day musicians, and the classic saxophone solo has been emulated by generation upon generation of aspiring saxophonists.
The legacy of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” is as timeless as it is universal. The clear message of the lyrics and the captivating melody of the tune make it one of the most beloved songs of the 1940s. From movies to commercials and even modern-day recordings, the song has endured and continues to lift the spirits of listeners everywhere.
Modern Day Recordings
In recent years, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” has been covered by a variety of modern-day artists. The song has been performed by classic swing bands such as The Brian Setzer Orchestra and contemporary swing artists such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
The tune has been sampled by hip-hop artists, and the famous saxophone solo has been played by countless musicians around the world. Perhaps most famously, the song was featured prominently in the 1983 classic family comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
These versions of the tune demonstrate the timelessness and versatility of the song. It has been embraced by fans of all ages, from World War II veterans to modern-day millennials. Whether experienced through the original recording or one of its modern incarnations, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” remains an iconic song and a beloved classic of the swing era.
The Music Video
In 2009, the Glenn Miller Orchestra released a music video for the song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” in honor of its 75th anniversary. The video was directed by Paul Marshall and featured international vocalist, Tony Desare. The video highlighted many of the iconic images from the 1940s, from pictures of the troops to dancers in vintage swing attire.
The video featured a contemporary arrangement of the tune, yet still retained the spirit of the original. The video’s unique style and message resonated with fans of all ages and marked an important moment for the celebration of the song’s legacy.
Live Performances
To this day, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” remains a fan favorite, and is often featured in live performances. Many of the current incarnations of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, most notably The Brian Setzer Orchestra, have adopted the song as one of their signature pieces. The memorable chorus and iconic saxophone solo still stir up the crowd and remain an audience favorite.
The song is also sometimes performed in a more traditional acoustic arrangement by smaller jazz ensembles. The combination of swinging instrumentation and timeless lyrics ensures that the energy of the tune remains intact.
“Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” will live on as an anthem of the swing era and a part of the musical legacy of World War II. The catchy chorus, swinging tempo, and iconic saxophone solo make it one of the most beloved songs of the era. Whether it’s performed by modern big band groups or acoustic jazz ensembles, the song will continue to bring joy to listeners for generations to come.
