Lemon Tree is a pop song originally written and performed by German folk duo Fool’s Garden in 1995. From the band’s 1995 album Dish of the Day, the song soon gained massive popularity worldwide, particularly in North America and the UK. The lyrics describe a symbolic connection between the narrator and a lemon tree, and its themes of longing, nostalgia, and loss make it relatable to many listeners. After its initial release in 1995, various artists have covered the song including Nena, Angie Stone, and Peter, Paul & Mary. It has also appeared in many TV shows and movies, becoming something of an international staple.
The Origin of the Song
Lemon Tree was written by Fool’s Garden lead singer and songwriter Volker Hinkel and performed by the duo in June 1995. Fool’s Garden was formed in 1991 when Volker Hinkel, Thomas Mangold, and Roland Röhl met at a folk music club in their hometown in Germany. The band quickly achieved commercial success with their first two albums, which featured a mix of folk, pop, and rock songs with both English and German lyrics.
Lemon Tree was the lead single from their second album Dish of the Day, and upon its release in June 1995, it quickly became a hit. The band was initially reluctant to promote the song as they felt it was too commercial, but after its commercial success, they embraced it and went on to tour it extensively for the next two years.
The song’s popularity sustained over the years, and it has been covered by numerous artists. In 2001, German singer Nena released an alternative version of the song in collaboration with Fool’s Garden. In 2011, R&B singer Angie Stone also released a cover version, and in 2012, folk music icons Peter, Paul & Mary released their own take on the song.
Unforgettable performances
One of the most memorable performances of Lemon Tree came in 2018, when the song was performed live by sisters Rina and Lisy Hinkel. Both daughters of fool’s garden lead singer Volker Hinkel, they had never performed the song before in public. During the live performance, their father and the other members of the band joined them on stage as a surprise and it was an emotional and touching moment.
Apart from live performances, the song has also been featured in TV shows and movies. In the 2004 movie “The Notebook”, the song was used to underscore an emotional scene between the two lead characters. The song has also been featured in TV shows such as Grey`s Anatomy, The Simpsons and Lost, as well as appearing in numerous video games and commercials.
Lemon Tree has also become a popular choice for wedding songs. Its symbolism, combined with its upbeat pop melody, has made it a memorable choice for many couples tying the knot.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics describe a symbolic connection between the narrator and a lemon tree. The narrator is drawn to the tree in an attempt to seek solace and comfort, as it gives him a sense of familiarity in spite of the fact that he is far away from home. The line “I wonder how, I wonder why, yesterday you told me ‘bout the blue blue sky” encapsulates the sense of loneliness and longing the narrator feels.
The chorus of the song summarizes the song’s themes of nostalgia and longing as the narrator asks “Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat”. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgic longing for a home one can’t quite return to, but still remembers fondly.
The Impact of the Song
The song has had a lasting impact on listeners, particularly those who feel an affinity for its themes of longing and loss. The song has become something of an international staple, and its use in television shows and movies has only added to its prominence. Many artists have also released their own version of the song, showing that its popularity has transcended generations.
Fool’s Garden’s continued success is largely attributed to their hit single Lemon Tree. The band has released four albums since their initial success in 1995, and they remain active to this day, performing their hit song on tour regularly.
Legendary Covers
Various artists have released their own versions of the song over the years. Nena’s 2001 version of the song was an instant hit in her native Germany and across Europe. In 2011, singer Angie Stone released her take on the song, while in 2012, folk music icons Peter, Paul & Mary released their version of the song, further attesting to its timelessness.
Covering Lemon Tree has become something of a rite of passage for aspiring pop and folk singers looking to prove their mettle. In recent years, numerous talented singers have attempted their own version of the song, all offering a unique interpretation of its themes.
A Modern Classic
Lemon Tree remains one of the most popular songs of the 90s. Its timelessness can be attributed to its meaningful lyrics and catchy tune. It is a song that speaks to its listeners with its themes of longing and nostalgia, as well as its upbeat pop melody. While many things have changed since 1995, Lemon Tree’s popularity remains as strong as ever.
The song has also become a widespread cultural phenomenon. Its countless TV and movie appearances, along with countless covers by artists of all genres, have made it one of the most recognizable songs of the past two decades.
Final Word
Lemon Tree, originally written and performed by German folk duo Fool’s Garden in 1995, has achieved international success. It has been covered numerous times, appearing in various TV shows and movies, while its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody make it a timeless classic. It is a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for many years to come.
