Halloween Folk Music to Get You in the Mood

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for some Halloween folk music to get you in the mood for the spooky season? Look no further! We’ve put together a list of our favorite tunes to help get you into the Halloween spirit.

Introduction

Halloween is a time for fun, spooky costumes, and of course, great music! If you’re looking for some folk tunes to get you in the mood for this Halloween season, check out our list of favorites below.

From traditional ballads to modern day anthems, these songs are sure to get your toes tapping and keep you entertained all October long. So whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want to get into the spirit of the season, put on your costume and enjoy these Halloween folk classics!

“The Witch of Westmoreland” by The Duhks

Formed in Winnipeg in 2002, The Duhks fuse traditional Canadian, Cajun, bluegrass and country music with a modern twist. This song is from their 2005 album, “The Duhks,” and it’s about a woman who turns to witchcraft after the death of her lover.

“The Cuckoo” by Mariel Vandersteel

Mariel Vandersteel is a fiddle player based in Portland, Ore. who specializes in old-time and traditional music. She grew up playing Celtic music in New Hampshire, and has since picked up American old-time and Swedish tunes. She performs with several bands including The Stray Birds, Honey Dewdrops, Crow Quill Night Owls and Hotclub of Cowtown.

“Blackberry Blossom” by Jay Ungar & Molly Mason

“Blackberry Blossom” is a traditional fiddle tune from the Appalachian region of the United States. The tune dates back to the late 1800s, and has been popular among bluegrass and old-time musicians ever since.

The tune is played in the key of G major, and has a simple AAB structure. The A section (measures 1-8) is repeated twice, followed by the B section (measures 9-16). The B section is then repeated once more, before the A section is played again to close out the tune.

“Blackberry Blossom” is a great tune for beginner musicians to learn, as it only uses a few basic chords. It’s also a lot of fun to play, and is sure to get your toes tapping!

“Pretty Saro” by Gillian Welch

“Pretty Saro” is a traditional English ballad that dates back to the 1700s. It was brought to the American colonies by English immigrants, and later became a popular song among Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The song tells the story of a young woman named Saro who is forced to leave her home and family in England to marry a man she does not love. Saro is sad and fearful of her new life, but she takes comfort in the thought that she will someday return to her homeland.

“Pretty Saro” has been recorded by many artists, but Gillian Welch’s version is particularly haunting and beautiful. Welch’s voice is pure and clear, and her delicate guitar playing perfectly complements the lyrics. This song is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!

“The Wind That Shakes the Barley” by The Dubliners

This song is about the Irish Rebellion of 1798 in which Irish rebel against the British Army. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy song that is sure to get you in the mood for Halloween!

“The Ghost of Tom Joad” by Bruce Springsteen

One of the most popular Halloween songs of all time, “The Ghost of Tom Joad” by Bruce Springsteen is a spooky, haunting tune that is sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. The song tells the story of a man who is haunted by the ghost of a man he killed, and he is trying to escape from his past. This is a great song to listen to if you’re looking for something that will give you chills.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is a song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band, released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections. The song is written in the key of D minor.

The song is about a young fiddler named Johnny who competes with the devil for his soul. The devil bets Johnny that he cannot play “the fiddle better than me”. If Johnny wins, he gets the devil’s golden fiddle, but if he loses, the devil will take his soul. The song has been ranked among the greatest songs of all time by several publications.

In addition to being a popular Halloween song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has also been used in popular culture, including television shows, films, and video games.

“I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams

This spooky Hank Williams tune is the perfect choice for a Halloween party. The song is about a man who has a vision of the afterlife, and it definitely has a creepy vibe.

“In the Pines” by Lead Belly

A haunting and atmospheric folk ballad, “In the Pines” has been adapted and covered by a number of artists over the years. The most famous version is probably Lead Belly’s 1944 recording, which has become a Halloween staple.

The song is thought to date back to the 19th century, and there are a number of different versions with different lyrics. The most common interpretation is that it’s about a woman who is killed by her lover and buried in the pines.

“In the Pines” has been covered by everyone from Nirvana to Merle Haggard, but Lead Belly’s version is still the most chilling. If you’re looking for a song to get you in the mood for Halloween, this is it.

Similar Posts