Below are the lyrics from "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday. Analyze the lyrics and tell me what was Billy Holiday's message in her lyrics, and tell me what do you think was happening at the time of her writing this song. Use quotes from the song and other facts you have learned in this class to support your answer.
Lyrics

Southern trees bear a 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 and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolia, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop