Folk Music Fans Will Love These Sad Songs

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Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you know that sometimes the best songs are the ones that make you feel a little sad. Here are 10 of the best folk songs that will make you feel all the feels.

Introduction

Whether you’re a fan of folk music or not, there’s no denying that the genre has a way of producing some truly sad songs. Fans of folk music will often seek out these songs, using them as a way to connect with the pain and heartache that they’re feeling in their own lives.

If you’re looking for a good cry, or just want to connect with some of the sadness in the world, check out these ten folk songs. Each one is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is often passed down through generations. It is typically based on traditional songs or tunes, and can be found in many different cultures around the world. Folk music often has a strong sense of community and identity, and can be used to express important social and cultural values.

One of the defining features of folk music is that it is often sad or melancholy in tone. This may be due to the fact that many traditional folk songs are about poverty, loss, or other difficult life experiences. However, this does not mean that all folk music is sad – there are also many upbeat and positive folk songs out there!

If you’re a fan of sad songs, then you’ll definitely want to check out some folk music. Here are 10 of the saddest folk songs out there:

1. “Barbara Allen” – This traditional ballad tells the story of two young lovers who are separated by death.

2. “Blackjack Davy” – This English ballad tells the story of a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover.

3. “The Death of Queen Jane” – This traditional English ballad tells the story of Queen Jane dying in childbirth, and her husband’s grief at her death.

4. “The Cruel Sister” – This Scottish ballad tells the story of two sisters who fight over a man, with tragic results.

5. “Lord Thomas and Fair Annet” – This English ballad tells the story of young lovers who are killed by jealous family members.

6. “She Moved Through the Fair” – This Irish ballad tells the story of a young woman who dies tragically young, leaving her lover behind to grieve for her.

7. “The Twa Corbies” – This Scottish ballad tells the story of two carrion crows who discuss what they will do with the body of a dead knight.

8. “Geordie” – This English ballad tells the story of a man who is unjustly executed for murder, leaving his pregnant wife behind to grieve for him.

9ef=fdfbd”The Little Weaver Girl” – This Irish ballad tells t`he story odf an unkind nobleman who mistreats his little weaver girl servant, with tragic results..`

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s. The term “folk” refers to the traditional songs and ballads of the British Isles that were brought to North America by immigrant settlers, as well as the music of the Native Americans and Afro-Americans.

Folk music has been defined in various ways, but is generally understood to refer to music that is:
– traditional or orally transmitted;
– anonymous or with unknown composers;
– handed down from generation to generation; and/or,
– based on regional or national culture.

Folk music has roots in both the oral tradition and the written tradition. In the oral tradition, folk music is passed down from person to person, typically within a community, without being written down. This includes songs that are learned by ear, such as nursery rhymes and ballads. In contrast, in the written tradition, folk music is preserved in print or on recordings, which makes it possible for later generations to learn and perform the same song.

The origins of folk music are particularly evident in songs about love, loss, and other emotions that are central to human experience. These songs often tell stories about real life events, and they often use simple language that can be easily understood by everyone.

One of the most popular folk songs is “The House of the Rising Sun,” which tells the story of a young woman who is forced into prostitution. The song was first recorded by Lead Belly in 1933, but it became a hit in 1964 when it was recorded by The Animals.

Other popular folk songs include “Oh Shenandoah,” ” Scarborough Fair,” and “Amazing Grace.” These songs have been covered by numerous artists over the years, and they continue to be performed today.

Themes in Folk Music

Folk music often deals with themes of love, loss, and heartache, and these sad songs are some of the most beautifully tragic examples of the genre. From break-up anthems to songs about death and betrayal, these tracks will resonate with anyone who’s ever had their heart broken.

Folk Music Today

Folk music today is more than just acoustic guitars and sad songs. It’s a genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. If you’re a fan of folk music, there’s something for everyone on this list.

1. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn
2. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
3. “Green Fields of America” by The Wailin’ Jennys
4. “I’ll Fly Away” by Alison Krauss
5. “The Wayfaring Stranger” by Emmylou Harris
6. “Down in the River to Pray” by Alison Krauss & Union Station
7. “In the Pines” by Loretta Lynn
8. “Oh Death” by Jen Titus
9. “Barbara Allen” by Gillian Welch
10. “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” by The Soggy Bottom Boys

The Best Folk Songs

“In the Pines”

“In the Pines” is a traditional folk song that has been recorded by a number of artists over the years. The song is also known by a number of other titles, including “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?,” “Black Girl,” and “The Longest Train.”

The song tells the story of a young woman who is abducted by an unidentified man and taken away to an unknown location. The woman’s body is later found in the pines, leading to speculation that she was killed and her body disposed of in the woods.

“In the Pines” is a haunting and chilling song that has been covered by artists such as Nirvana, Lead Belly, and Emmylou Harris. If you’re a fan of folk music, or if you’re looking for a sad and atmospheric song to add to your playlist, then definitely check out “In the Pines.”

“Barbara Allen”

“Barbara Allen” is a haunting folk song that tells the story of a young woman who is dying of a broken heart. The song is believed to be based on a real person, Barbara Allen of Rotherwood, England. The song was first published in 1792 and has been sung by many folk singers over the years.

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”

The song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” was written by Hank Williams in 1949. The song is about loneliness and despair, and has been covered by many artists including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Willie Nelson. The song has been described as “one of the saddest songs ever written”, and is considered a country music classic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, folk music fans will love these sad songs because they are relatable and provide a sense of comfort. The lyrics are often about breakups, loss, and heartache, which can be cathartic for those who are going through tough times. If you’re looking for something to cry to, or just want to listen to some beautiful music, then check out these sad songs from some of folk music’s best artists.

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