Lemuru by Orchestra Gold

Written by Malian legend Karamoko Keita, the song is central to the origin story of Orchestra Gold. As Diakite recounts, “Erich walks into my family’s compound, and he’s got his guitar. He shows me this old song he really likes, ‘Lemuru.’ I had heard this song many times growing up, but had never sung it before. I took my time and listened to the recording, and then we started playing it together. It was very magical, we just kind of looked at each other, and took in that moment.”

“Lemuru” illustrates just how far Orchestra Gold has come. “It talks about the importance of putting our best foot forward,” says Huffaker. “It says that ‘like attracts like,’ and if we bring positivity to our actions, positivity comes back to us.” True to the song’s message, Mariam would relocate to the Bay Area after successfully navigating the U.S. Customs & Immigration industrial complex, and would consequently found Orchestra Gold with Huffaker. More recently, the band has released a viral video (400k views on Facebook), and in the year ahead, will bring its signature sound to DIO Fest, Joshua Tree Music Festival, Treefort Music Festival and SFJAZZ’s annual San Francisco Jazz Festival.

Tracklist

1.	Lemuru	5:49

Videos

Lyrics

{Context: This song is a parable, using the image of the lemon tree. In it, the thorns are a symbol for evil, negativity. It speaks to the truth that “like attracts like”. Therefore, we must lead with our good actions and positivity. They will be revisited back to us.}

Oh Lemon Tree
Oh Lemon Tree
See those thorns on the top of the lemon tree?
If they were on the bottom,
No one could enjoy it's shade

Oh Lemon Tree
Oh Lemon Tree
See those thorns on the top of the lemon tree?
If they were on the bottom,
No one could enjoy the shade of the tree
(Thorns are a symbol for evil, evil actions
i.e., Good attracts good)

Oh the poor
Oh the one who is despised
Can you hear the hateful speech of the despised?
If the father spoke like that,
No one would respect him

Oh the “haves”
Oh the “have-nots”
Can you hear the speech of the “have-nots”?
If the “haves” spoke like that,
No one would listen

I’m looking for some love, some acceptance
All my people are here
Erich, David, Aaron, Leila, Nicole, Chris

…..
Oh Lemon Tree
Oh Lemon Tree
See those thorns on the top of the lemon tree?
If they were on the bottom,
No one could enjoy it's shade

Credits

released March 20, 2020
Mariam Diakite: Vocals and Percussion
Erich Huffaker: Guitar and Arrangements
Luke Baće: Bass
Leila Elizabeth: Conga
Aaron Kierbel: Drum Set
Chris Hoog: Baritone Sax
Luis Andrade: Tenor Sax

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