The Best Folk Songs to Add to Your Music Collection

If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll want to check out this list of the best folk songs to add to your collection. From classic tunes to modern hits, there’s something for everyone. So grab your guitar and get ready to sing along!

Introduction

Folk music is a genre that has its roots in the oral tradition, and encompasses a wide variety of styles from around the world. It often tells stories or conveys messages about important issues, making it an excellent choice for adding to your music collection.

There are many great folk songs out there, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones to get you started. Whether you’re looking for something upbeat or reflective, there’s sure to be a song on this list that appeals to you. So add these tunes to your collection and enjoy!

“The Rising of the Moon” by The Dubliners

Written by the Irish poet and Fenian leader, John Keegan Casey, “The Rising of the Moon” is an Irish ballad that tells the story of the 1798 rebellion against British rule led by Wolfe Tone. The Dubliners’ version, which was released in 1967, is a folk-rock adaptation of the traditional song that became one of their signature tunes. Featuring Ronnie Drew on lead vocals, the song is powered by a catchy melody and Drew’s rough-hewn delivery, which lend it an anthemic quality.

“The Wild Rover” by The Dubliners

“The Wild Rover” is a traditional Irish folk song about a man who has been away from home for many years and is now returning. The song is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but it can be enjoyed anytime of year. The Dubliners are one of the most famous Irish folk bands and their version of “The Wild Rover” is widely considered to be the definitive version of the song.

“The Parting Glass” by The Dubliners

“The Parting Glass” is a traditional Irish folk song that was popularized by the Irish folk group The Dubliners. The song is about parting ways with friends, and the lyrics are full of emotion. “The Parting Glass” is a beautiful song that will make you feel nostalgic for your friends, even if you’ve never met them before.

“The Rocky Road to Dublin” by The Dubliners

“The Rocky Road to Dublin” is a song written by Percy French in 1903. It is about a young man from County Mayo who decides to emigrate to America. The Dubliners recorded the song in 1967 and it became one of their signature tunes. The song was also recorded by many other artists, including the Clancy Brothers, Pete Seeger, and Luke Kelly.

“The Leaving of Liverpool” by The Dubliners

“The Leaving of Liverpool” is a traditional English folk song about the emigration of workers from the city of Liverpool to North America. The song is also known as “Fare Thee Well, Oh Pull Away My Heart”, “Farewell to Old England Forever”, and “Farewell to Foreign Lands”. It was first recorded by The Dubliners in 1964, and has been covered by many artists since then.

The song tells the story of a sailor who is leaving his home and loved ones behind to seek work in America. He pledges to return home one day, but he knows that it will be many years before he can do so. The sailor says goodbye to his mother, his girlfriend, and his dog, all of whom he knows he will miss dearly.

The Dubliners’ version of the song is one of the most popular and well-known versions. It has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Johnny Cash.

“The Banks of the Roses” by The Dubliners

The Dubliners are an Irish folk band founded in 1962. The band’s name refers to James Joyce’s Dubliners, a collection of short stories about the inhabitants of Dublin. The Dubliners have released over 30 albums and have been credited with popularizing Irish folk music in Europe and beyond. “The Banks of the Roses” is one of the band’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by many other artists. The song is about a young woman who is forced to leave her home and family in Ireland to find work in England. The song is beautifully sad, and it will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

“Fiddler’s Green” by The Dubliners

One of the most iconic folk songs of all time, “Fiddler’s Green” is a celebration of the afterlife, told from the perspective of a sailor who has passed on to the titular paradise. The song has been covered by a wide variety of artists over the years, but The Dubliners’ rendition is widely considered to be the definitive version.

“The Black Velvet Band” by The Dubliners

“The Black Velvet Band” is a folk song originating from England or Ireland. It was first published in England in 1883 and was popularized by The Dubliners, an Irish folk band, in the 1960s. The song tells the story of a young man who is sent to Australia (or North America) as a convict after being caught stealing a black velvet band (a type of ribbon) from a local girl.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and The Pogues.

“The Irish Rover” by The Dubliners

“The Irish Rover” is a traditional Irish folk song about a massive ship that was built in Ireland and sailed to America. The song is said to have originated in the 18th century, and it has been performed by many different artists over the years. The Dubliners are one of the most well-known groups to have recorded the song, and their version is widely considered to be one of the best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the best folk songs to add to your music collection. Each one is unique and has its own special meaning. They are sure to bring you hours of enjoyment and will provide you with a lifetime of memories.