Lemon Tree

When I saw them in concert back in the 80s they sang this song, but they first apologized, saying they disagreed philosphically with the the message "Don't put your faith in love". For that reason they hadn't sung this song for many years. I remember they asked the audience to sing along, but they had fun with it, declaring that you should only join in if you're over 40: only the people over 40 could summon up the requisite bitter memories and sad wisdom (I'm paraphrasing here). We all had a good laugh.

I've seen alternate lyrics to the first verse that I think fix that problem, and actually make more sense metaphorically. (I think the Kingston Trio recorded it this way)

"My son it's most important," my father said to me "to put your faith in what you feel and not in what you see."

Better advice, I think, than "don't fall in love". Still, it doesn't quite work, because the guy in the song is clearly feeling plenty.

I remember in the fourth grade, My teacher made us all sit and memorize the words to this song. He said to always keep them close by, that they are the only words that matter. Man, he was a creeper.

freaky story. haha

Verbosity... you had a very very creepy teacher, I must say xD

I just recently started listening to these talented trio. Most of their songs seem very elementary and basic, but i do enjoy this song and others off their first. After listening to this I kinda grasped a new perspective, not too revolutionary.

When he speaks of the Lemon Tree, the Flowers and the Lemon, he seems to refer to a new love, the lemon tree or the relationship seems so large and beautiful, and the flower, so sweet and natural (dont know if this is a reference to women in general or maybe the reproductive organs as flowers easily resemble the fertility of a woman's vagina...But P,P&M are so innocent...hmm...) and then he continues with the lemon being impossible to eat, maybe referring to never actually being able to comprehend or really grasp the complexity of love, after when the girl is gone, and guy is left to ponder why did she leave? And the only thing he can think of is the Wise words from his father..."Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet, But the fruit of the poor lemon, is impossible to eat! "

Sad...love is all about risks. I read that in a fanfiction about these two teenagers in love, and the ghost of a boy they witnessed being murdered was the one who told them that. This was a risk that didn't turn out well. And that's why the father said not to put faith in love-so that the protagonist wouldn't get hurt the way he did.

This brings back such wonderful childhood memories; I recall listening to this on the car's radio. My parents would at least allow us to pick the radio station and we all loved Peter, Paul, and Mary. The song is rather depressing considering the lyrics, but when you are a child you tend to concentrate on the melody; beat; rhythm; etc. I never realized then the darkness of the song. I just always loved the trio.

An embittered man advises his son not to waste his time believing a woman will be faithful to him - like a bitter lemon she will always hurt him in the end. Interesting that the music and lyrics together are so seductive - perhaps to show the pretty and sweet wiles of a woman.

More about substance over appearance. what you "feel" is what is beneath. Trust, love, etc; The kinston trio's version plainly says, "put your faith in what you FEEL, not in what you SEE."

"feel" not so much being emotional, but the deeper things that only come to the surface with time.

The lemon tree being the basic reminder: Just because it looks good doesn't make it good.

Back in 2003, the last two lines of the chorus were part of my signature on the first forum I ever joined. I was a smug, cynical, sexually and emotionally repressed little bastard. Now, almost six years later to the day, when I hear the last chorus of this song, I picture the narrator sitting under the lemon tree with a new lover--sipping lemonade.