Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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When the love in your eyes I could see
When the voice that I heard, like the song of the bird
Seemed to whisper sweet music to me
I could hear the dull buzz of the bee
In the blossoms as you said to me
With a heart that is true, I'll be waiting for you
In the shade of old apple tree
(Apple tree)
When the love in your eyes I could see
(I could see)
Mama, when the voice that I heard, like the song of the bird
Seemed to whisper sweet music to me
(Music to me)
I could hear the dull buzz of the bee
(Buzz of the bee)
In the blossoms as you said to me
(Said to me)
Mama, with a heart that is true, I'll be waiting for you
Yes, shade of the old apple tree
The lyrics of "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more romantic time. The singer is remembering a moment spent with their lover under the shade of an apple tree, where they could see the love in each other's eyes and could hear the sweet music of whispered words and buzzing bees. The apple tree symbolizes the idea of a long-lasting, fruitful relationship, and the shade it provides represents protection and comfort during moments of vulnerability.
The imagery in the lyrics is also significant in conveying the romantic mood of the song. The use of natural sounds like the buzz of the bee and the song of the bird creates a serene atmosphere, where the singer and their lover can connect with each other and with nature. The repetition of "Mama" at the end of each stanza reinforces the idea of a romantic love that is all-encompassing and all-consuming.
Line by Line Meaning
In the shade of the old apple tree
Under the peaceful shade of the old apple tree
When the love in your eyes I could see
When I could feel the warmth of your love by looking into your eyes
When the voice that I heard, like the song of the bird
When I heard your voice, sweet like the melody of a bird's song
Seemed to whisper sweet music to me
It felt as though your voice was a sweet music that only I could hear
I could hear the dull buzz of the bee
Amidst the quietness, I could clearly hear the droning buzz of a bee
In the blossoms as you said to me
Amidst the beautiful blossoms, you told me something special
With a heart that is true, I'll be waiting for you
With a heart full of sincerity and honesty, I promise to patiently wait for you
In the shade of the old apple tree
Once again, under the peaceful shade of the old apple tree
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EGBERT VAN ALSTYNE, HARRY WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind