13 Songs About Fruit

As someone who loves eating fruit, I can’t get enough of songs that celebrate my favorite sweet and juicy treats. From bananas to watermelons, there’s nothing I enjoy more than sinking my teeth into a ripe piece of fruit. So when I’m not snacking on an apple or orange, I’m listening to tunes that pay homage to nature’s candy.

In this playlist, I’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best songs about fruit throughout music history. These songs span multiple genres from pop to hip hop to country, proving that a love of fruit is universal. 

1. “Pen Pineapple-Apple Pen” by Pikotaro

“Pen Pineapple-Apple Pen”, often abbreviated as PPAP, is a viral novelty song by Pikotaro, a fictional character portrayed by Japanese comedian Daimaou Kosaka. Released in 2016, the song quickly became an internet sensation due to its catchy tune and humorous lyrics. The song’s structure is simple and repetitive, featuring Pikotaro combining a pen with an apple and a pineapple, resulting in the phrases “Apple-Pen” and “Pineapple-Pen” before concluding with “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen”. The song’s absurdity and simplicity contributed to its widespread popularity, making it a cultural phenomenon and earning it comparisons to “Gangnam Style”.

2. “Kiwi” by Harry Styles

“Kiwi” is a track from Harry Styles’ self-titled debut solo album, released in 2017. The song is a rock-influenced piece with energetic and provocative lyrics. The narrative revolves around a tumultuous relationship with a mysterious woman who captivates the singer. The lyrics include striking lines such as “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business,” which have sparked much speculation among fans about the song’s true meaning and the identity of the woman. Despite its title, “Kiwi” does not directly reference the fruit but rather uses it metaphorically, possibly hinting at the nationality of a woman (New Zealander) or serving as a playful nickname. The accompanying music video features a chaotic cupcake fight among children, adding to the song’s enigmatic and whimsical nature.

3. “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino

“Blueberry Hill” is a classic song made famous by Fats Domino in 1956. Originally written by Vincent Rose, Al Lewis, and Larry Stock for the 1940 film The Singing Hill, Domino’s rendition became one of his most iconic hits. The song is a nostalgic piece about finding love on “Blueberry Hill” and reminiscing about the joy and heartbreak associated with it. Domino’s soulful piano playing and distinctive voice helped the song reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B charts. “Blueberry Hill” is celebrated for its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying Fats Domino’s legacy as a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll.

4. “Cherry Bomb” by John Mellencamp

“Cherry Bomb” is a song by John Mellencamp from his 1987 album The Lonesome Jubilee. The song reflects on Mellencamp’s teenage years, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and the innocence of first loves. The title “Cherry Bomb” refers to a fictional club where the singer and his friends would gather, dance, and experience the thrills of adolescence. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times, with lines like “We were young and we were improving” and “Holding hands meant something, baby.” Mellencamp’s storytelling and the song’s folk-rock instrumentation create a vivid picture of small-town life and the universal experience of growing up.

5. “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson

“Coconut” is a whimsical and catchy song by Harry Nilsson, released in 1971 on his album Nilsson Schmilsson. The song tells a humorous story about a woman who mixes lime with coconut and drinks it, subsequently experiencing a stomachache. She calls a doctor for advice, and the doctor humorously suggests she continue drinking the concoction. The repetitive lyrics and playful melody contribute to the song’s light-hearted vibe. The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for self-inflicted problems and the tendency to overcomplicate solutions, with the absurd prescription highlighting the humor in the situation.

6. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday

“Strange Fruit” is a powerful protest song performed by Billie Holiday, first recorded in 1939. The song was originally a poem written by Abel Meeropol, a Jewish American teacher, as a protest against the lynching of African Americans in the United States. The haunting lyrics describe the gruesome imagery of Black bodies hanging from trees in the South, symbolizing the racial violence and injustice prevalent at the time. Holiday’s rendition of the song became a significant and controversial anthem, highlighting the horrors of racism and making a profound impact on audiences. Despite initial resistance from record labels and radio stations, “Strange Fruit” became one of Holiday’s most famous recordings and remains a poignant symbol of the fight against racial injustice.

7. “Orange In The Sun” by Blues Traveler

“Orange In The Sun” is a song by Blues Traveler from their 2008 album North Hollywood Shootout. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of calm and reassurance, using the imagery of an “orange in the sun” to symbolize warmth and tranquility. The song reflects themes of overcoming adversity and finding peace amidst chaos, with the repeated imagery of the sun suggesting hope and renewal. The soothing melody and optimistic lyrics create a comforting atmosphere, encouraging listeners to embrace the positive aspects of life despite challenges.

8. “Lemon Tree” by Fool’s Garden

“Lemon Tree” is a song by the German band Fool’s Garden, released in 1995 on their album Dish of the Day. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Peter Freudenthaler, who composed it on a Sunday afternoon while waiting for his girlfriend. Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics convey a sense of boredom, loneliness, and frustration. The recurring image of a “lemon tree” symbolizes the protagonist’s view of life as sour and unchanging, contrasting with the “blue sky” he longs for. The song became an international hit, reaching number one in several countries, including Germany, Austria, and Sweden.

9. “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles

“Strawberry Fields Forever” is a song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and released in 1967 as a double A-side single with “Penny Lane”. The song is named after Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home near Lennon’s childhood home in Liverpool. The lyrics reflect Lennon’s nostalgic and introspective memories of playing in the garden of the home, combined with themes of escapism and the blurred line between reality and imagination. The recording process was complex, involving multiple versions and innovative studio techniques, such as reverse-recorded instrumentation and Mellotron sounds. “Strawberry Fields Forever” is considered one of the band’s most influential works and a cornerstone of the psychedelic music genre.

10. “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

“Banana Pancakes” is a song by Jack Johnson from his 2005 album In Between Dreams. The song is a laid-back, acoustic track that captures the essence of a lazy morning spent with a loved one. Johnson wrote the song as a playful attempt to convince his wife to ignore her responsibilities and enjoy a carefree day together. The lyrics emphasize the simplicity and joy of spending time with someone special, making banana pancakes, and shutting out the outside world. The song’s mellow vibe and soothing melody have made it a favorite among fans, symbolizing peace, love, and the importance of taking breaks from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

11. “Peaches” by Justin Bieber

“Peaches” is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon. Released on March 19, 2021, as part of Bieber’s sixth studio album Justice, the song quickly became a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track is a laid-back pop, R&B, and pop-soul ballad with a mid-tempo funk groove and West Coast bounce. Musically, it features a simple four-chord structure and a blend of piano, electric guitar, and synth layers.

Lyrically, “Peaches” is a love song celebrating Bieber’s relationship with his wife, Hailey Baldwin. The chorus famously includes the lines, “I got my peaches out in Georgia (oh, yeah, shit) / I get my weed from California (that’s that shit),” which reference different regions significant to Bieber’s life and career. The song’s verses express deep affection and commitment, with Bieber, Caesar, and Giveon each contributing smooth, soulful vocals that enhance the song’s romantic atmosphere.

12. “Apples and Oranges” by Pink Floyd

“Apples and Oranges” is a song by Pink Floyd, written by Syd Barrett and released as a single in 1967. The song is a whimsical and somewhat disjointed love song inspired by Barrett’s observation of a girl shopping. It captures the psychedelic era’s essence with its quirky lyrics and experimental sound.

Despite its catchy and upbeat nature, “Apples and Oranges” did not achieve commercial success and marked the end of Barrett’s tenure with the band. The recording process was challenging, and the final product was considered by some band members to be overproduced. The song’s failure to chart was a significant disappointment for Barrett, who was already struggling with personal issues at the time. Nevertheless, “Apples and Oranges” remains a notable example of Pink Floyd’s early work and Barrett’s unique songwriting style.

13. “Rotten Apple” by Alice In Chains

“Rotten Apple” is a song by Alice In Chains from their 1994 EP Jar of Flies. The song is a haunting exploration of disillusionment, addiction, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics, written by vocalist Layne Staley, reflect his struggles with heroin addiction and the resulting personal turmoil.

The song’s repetitive structure and dark, brooding tone create a hypnotic effect, mirroring the cyclical nature of despair and regret. Lines like “Innocence is over” and “Confidence is broken” convey a sense of irrevocable change and the heavy cost of addiction. The metaphor of the “rotten apple” alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the corruption of innocence through the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. “Rotten Apple” is a powerful and introspective track that showcases Alice In Chains’ ability to blend raw emotion with complex musical arrangements.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.