The Best Folk Rock Songs to Add to Your Playlist

We’re sharing some of the best folk rock songs to add to your playlist. From The Byrds to Bob Dylan, these tracks will have you feeling nostalgic.

The Times They Are A-Changin’- Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is one of the most iconic folk songs of all time. Released in 1964, the song’s impact is still felt today. The lyrics are filled with hope and optimism, and the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years. If you’re looking for a folk song that will inspire you, look no further than “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”

The Weight- The Band

There are a lot of great folk rock songs out there, but one that definitely deserves a spot on your playlist is “The Weight” by The Band. This classic song features some great harmonies and instrumentation, and is sure to get your toes tapping.

I’m on Fire- Bruce Springsteen

This song is from Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 album Born in the USA. The song was a big hit, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song reflects on the feelings of yearning and desire, and has been described as “haunting” and “hypnotic”.

The Wanderer- Dion

Dion’s “The Wanderer” is one of the most famous folk rock songs of all time. The song is about a man who is searching for his place in the world. He is a wanderer who is always on the move, and he never settles down in one place for very long. The song has a catchy melody and Dion’s trademark nasally vocal style. It was a huge hit when it was released in 1962, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.

The Streets of Philadelphia- Bruce Springsteen

“The Streets of Philadelphia” is a song by Bruce Springsteen which appeared in the 1993 film Philadelphia. The song was written and performed by Springsteen for the film, and features a heavy rock sound with synthesizers. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 66th Academy Awards in 1994.

The song is included on the soundtrack album Philadelphia: Music from the Motion Picture and was released as a single in 1994. It peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1994 and #18 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1994. In 2004, “The Streets of Philadelphia” was ranked #43 on Blender magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born”.

The Ghost of Tom Joad- Bruce Springsteen

Tom Joad is a character from John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath. Springsteen’s song tells the story of the fictional character after he is released from prison and goes on a journey across America during the Great Depression. Springsteen has said that the song is about “the photo negative of The Grapes of Wrath”.

The song was first released on Springsteen’s 1995 album Ghost of Tom Joad. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1997. The song has been covered by several artists, including Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Rage Against the Machine, and Bruce Cockburn.

The Boy With the Thorn In His Side- The Smiths

“The Boy with the Thorn In His Side” is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, released in September 1985 as the second single from their third studio album, The Queen Is Dead. Written by guitarist Johnny Marr and frontman Morrissey, the song addresses Morrissey’s frustration with his treatment by the music press and certain members of the music industry. The song’s title refers to Marr’s chronic health problems at the time.

The Rain Song- Led Zeppelin

“The Rain Song” is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in June 1973 as the lead single from their fifth album Houses of the Holy. Written and composed by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant whilst on tour in 1972, it features contributions from John Paul Jones and Micheal Lee. With a running time of over seven minutes, “The Rain Song” is one of the band’s longest tracks and contains no reprise or chorus.

The Ballad of John and Yoko- The Beatles

John Lennon wrote this song about his wife, Yoko Ono, and the two week period they spent in bed in a Amsterdam hotel in 1969 to protest the Vietnam War. The couple were married shortly after and remained together until Lennon’s untimely death in 1980.

The Times They Are A-Changin’- Bob Dylan

The Times They Are A-Changin’- Bob Dylan
If you’re looking for a song that perfectly encapsulates the history and feeling of the folk rock movement, look no further than Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” Recorded in 1963, the song is an anthem for social change, with Dylan’s plaintive vocals backed by a simple but effective guitar melody.