[English Folk Song] A collection of classic British trad masterpieces

GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō

Greensleeves – English Folk Song

An English folk song known for its melancholy tune about unrequited love for the Lady with the Green Sleeves.

The piece has been cherished since ancient times, with as many as 18 stanzas printed in the 1584 book A Handful of Pleasant Delights, and even being mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

Its graceful melody has transcended eras, serving as the tune for the Christmas carol What Child Is This? and appearing in the film How the West Was Won, among other uses.

The woman who appears in the lyrics has been interpreted in many ways, and this enigmatic narrative is a core part of the work’s deep allure.

It is a perfect piece for moments when you want to bask in the romance of history or quietly calm your heart.

The Lincolnshire PoacherInguranndo min’yō

The Lincolnshire Poacher – English Folk Song

If it’s called Lincolnshire’s “unofficial county anthem,” many of you will probably think of that jaunty melody, and with good reason.

It’s the famous English folk song that depicts the adventures of a poacher stalking his quarry under cover of night.

The protagonist’s brash spirit—singing of thrills lived on the edge as if they were a carefree game—is utterly exhilarating.

First recorded in print around 1776, the song later became the theme of the film Tom Brown’s School Days and even a military marching tune.

The fact that it inspired the jazz classic St.

Thomas and has been passed down by countless artists attests to its enduring charm.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to feel cheerful—so catchy your feet can’t help but keep time.

The Trees They Grow So HighInguranndo min’yō

The Trees They Do Grow High

It’s a Scottish-origin ballad whose sorrowful tale stirs the heart in a way quite different from a cheerful folk song.

Also known by other titles such as “Long-A-Growing” and “Daily Growing,” this piece tells the tragic fate of a woman forced by her father to marry a much younger boy.

Her despair and love are palpable as she can do nothing but watch her husband’s brief life unfold: a husband at fourteen, a father while still young, and dead in battle at sixteen.

Since composer Ralph Vaughan Williams transcribed it in 1907, many may recognize it from notable performances by Joan Baez in the United States and Pentangle in the United Kingdom.

It’s a perfect song for a quiet night of reflection on a tragic love swept up in the currents of history.

The Broomfield HillSukottorando min’yō

The Broomfield Hill – Malinky

If you enjoy stories featuring quick-witted women, I recommend this song known as “Child Ballad No.

43.” It’s also familiar under various titles such as “The Green Broomfield” and “A Wager, a Wager.” The ballad tells of a maiden who wins a dangerous bet with a gentleman through seemingly magical cleverness, and her cool, chaste exit is truly exhilarating! The piece is well known thanks to folk luminary Martin Carthy, who recorded it on his 1965 debut album “Martin Carthy” and again on his 1971 album “Landfall.” Later, the large-ensemble band Bellowhead performed it on their 2010 album “Hedonism,” which sold over 60,000 copies.

I think it’s a song that will satisfy anyone who loves narrative-driven music!

Rufford Park PoachersInguranndo min’yō

The Longest Johns | Rufford Park Poachers

English folk music features many heartwarming melodies, but among them are also powerful works that convey the weight of history.

One famous example is a ballad that recounts a real incident from around 1851.

Its theme is the tragic clash between laborers, who formed a poaching gang out of economic hardship, and the gamekeepers—an unflinching story indeed.

Sung to a lyrical melody are the resistance and urgent cries of the people of the time.

The first commercial recording of this song was made in July 1908, when musicologist Percy Grainger recorded English folk singer Joseph Taylor’s performance.

Since then, it has been passed down by many folk singers, notably featured by Martin Carthy on his classic album “Out of the Cut.” Listening to it when you want a glimpse of British history may stir a different kind of feeling.

Molly BawnAirurando min’yō

The Chieftains & Alison Krauss – Molly Ban

It’s a sad yet beautiful ballad that conjures up misty Irish scenery.

The story it tells is unbearably tragic: a young man out hunting mistakes his lover, hidden in the bushes, for a swan and shoots her.

The young man’s despair at losing his beloved is heartbreaking.

Yet the song’s depth lies in the fact that it doesn’t end as mere tragedy.

In some traditions, the lover’s spirit appears, forgives the young man’s mistake, and saves him.

It’s almost like a shapeshifting tale from Celtic mythology, suffused with a dreamlike atmosphere.

First appearing in print around 1799, it has been lovingly passed down by many singers, including The Dubliners on their album ‘At It Again.’ It’s perfect for a quiet night when you want to immerse yourself in the story—give it a thoughtful listen.

When the Boat Comes InInguranndo min’yō

When The Boat Comes In – Geordie Folk Song

This is an English folk song with a heartwarming tune that has been passed down in a northern English port town.

The traditional lyrics depict a family waiting for the father to return from fishing, conveying the gentle affection found in everyday life.

It has also long been cherished as a lullaby, and its gentle melody carries a nostalgic warmth that brings a sense of calm.

The piece is so old that its first appearance can be traced to a book published in 1849, and it gained renewed recognition when it was used as the theme song for the BBC television drama of the same name, When The Boat Comes In, which began airing in 1976.

It’s a perfect introduction to British trad, and a song to listen to when you want to spend a relaxed moment reflecting on history.