The Best Folk Music Songs for Your List
Contents
Looking for some great folk music to add to your playlist? Check out our picks for the best folk songs around! From classic hits to modern classics, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Introduction
Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s one of the most popular genres today. Though it’s sometimes associated with old-timey music, folk songs can be about anything. Here are some of the best folk songs for your playlist.
“The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
Dylan’s 1964 anthem is as relevant today as it was when it was written. The song is about social change, and its simple but powerful lyrics have resonated with generations of listeners.
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
Another Dylan classic, “Blowin’ in the Wind” is a beautiful and thoughtful song about the human condition. The lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, making it one of Dylan’s most iconic songs.
“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
This traditional folk song was made famous by The Animals in 1964. The haunting tune and lyrics tell the story of a man who goes to New Orleans and ends up in a life of vice.
“I Shall Be Released” by Bob Dylan
This 1967 song was written by Dylan during his time with The Band. It’s a beautiful ballad with gospel undertones that has been covered by many artists over the years.
“Which Side Are You On?” by Florence Reece
Written in 1931, this song is about the coal miners’ strike in Harlan County, Kentucky. It’s an iconic folk song that has been covered by many artists, including Pete Seeger and Natalie Merchant.
The Best Folk Songs
The folk music genre has exploded in popularity in recent years. Thanks to shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones,” the traditional sounds of folk music have found their way into the mainstream. If you’re looking to get into folk music, or simply want to expand your musical horizons, here are some of the best folk songs for your list.
“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, thought to be written byGeordie Folk singer, Bella Hardy. The song tells the story of a young man who is forced to leave his home and head to the city after committing a crime. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but The Animals’ version, which was released in 1964, is the most well-known.
“The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
“The Times They Are A-Changin'” is a song written by Bob Dylan and released as the title track of his 1964 album of the same name. Dylan wrote the song as an anthem for social change, and it quickly became one of his most popular and influential works. The song has been covered by a wide variety of artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, Pete Seeger, The Byrds, and Rod Stewart.
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Peter, Paul and Mary
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song written by Bob Dylan and first released on his album Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan in 1963. The song has been covered by many artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary, who recorded it for their 1964 album In the Wind.
The song is based on a traditional folk melody and is simple in structure and arrangement. The lyrics are based on Dylan’s protest against the injustice of racism and war. The song became one of the most well-known protest songs of the 1960s and helped to define the folk music genre.
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a folk song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot in 1976, telling the story of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, an American Great Lakes freighter on November 10, 1975. The song was released as a single on December 16, 1976, reaching #1 on Canadian music charts and earning Lightfoot a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. In 2004, it was voted #50 on Canada’s Greatest Songs ever list. In 2010, the song was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“The Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen
“The Streets of Philadelphia” is a song by Bruce Springsteen that was released in 1994. The song was written and recorded for the movie Philadelphia, which starred Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. The song won multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the best folk music songs that you should have in your playlist. Each song has its own unique story and charm that is sure to resonate with you. Whether you are looking for something to relax to or something to get your feet tapping, these songs are sure to please. What is your favorite folk song?
