The olive tree

Judith Durham sang solo The Olive Tree at their farewell concert July 7 1968 at the BBC in London.

Tom Springfield and Diane Lampert wrote this song for Judith and in a way it brought her together with her husband Ron Edgeworth.

Judith recorded this song in april 1967 and

it was to become her first solo single record.

The Olive Tree sung by Judith Durham

The lyrics to this song I learned and sang while cycling between my digs in Hackney and my workplace in Mayfair, London. This was back in late 1982, as I prepared my soul for its pilgrimage to the holy shrines of the Baha'is in the Holy Land. My nine-day pilgrimage took place in January 1983, coinciding with the Universal House of Justice's occupancy of their newly built edifice—a beacon destined to guide humanity towards its long-awaited coming of age.

While circumambulating the shrine of Bahá'u'lláh's resting place, I found myself singing this song.

Its words resonated deeply within me, expressing the profound longing of my heart to feel the warmth of divine light and to find that land of sweet contentment, a place I yearned to share with those seeking solace and enlightenment.

The song’s imagery of a white dove leading one to a greener land of dreams come true mirrored my personal quest for peace and spiritual fulfillment. As I sang, I envisioned the olive tree, a universal symbol of peace, resilience, and enduring faith, embodying my hopes for unity and tranquility.

In sharing this story and the song that accompanied me, I hope to offer a glimpse into the peace and unity found in faith, and the enduring quest for a brighter, more harmonious world.