UNDER THE " NEW" NOT THE OLD APPLE TREE

Under the " New" not the Old Apple Tree:  Another song from "Hooray for What"  was " In The Shade of the New Apple Tree." It was a gentle and witty  parody of a popular 1905 parlour song that extolled the virtues of an old apple tree. Arlen's biographer, Edward Jablonski, described the song as having  " A gentle melody, swinging rhythm, amiable harmonies and a whimsical A-A-B-A structure."

 Harburg's lyrics mentioned that " Though the world is new and fancy free, the old moon's above you and the words are still I love you, In the shade of the new Apple Tree."  The song concludes with " Hey Nonny -oh, fortunately There'll always be You and Me ,  In the Shade of the New Apple Tree."
Although not well known, the song became very important to Arlen and Harburg's film careers. Arthur Freed who eventually became head of MGM'S famous musical film unit was looking for his first film project for Louis B. Mayer. A former song writer who , with Nacio Herb Brown,wrote the songs featured in " Singing In The Rain"  felt that, in Jablonski's words" There was something in the song's character, something in the frolicksome, whimsical tune and the lighthearted witty lyrics, that convinced Freed he had found the perfect team to score his film---if it ever got made." Several years later, Freed selected Arlen and Harburg to write songs for " Wizard of Oz."  Their brilliant collaboration was proof indeed  that there was  something new musically under that New Apple Tree.

The version you will hear is a dance band version with an unknown female vocalist.

LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5UorMxTqLc