Southern Trees bare strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. Pastoral scene of the gallant south The bulging eyes, the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burning flesh Here is the fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop Here is a strange Here is a strange and bitter crop. Strange fruit Strange fruit hanging Strange fruit hanging Strange fruit Strange fruit hanging Strange fruit