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

Let No Man Steal Your ThymeInguranndo min’yō

Let No Man Steal Your Thyme

“Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” is a traditional folk song from Britain and Ireland, also known by titles such as “The Sprig of Thyme” and “The Seeds of Love.” Its lyrics feature many episodes involving plants, and it’s said to be sung as a song to help children become familiar with nature.

The slightly wistful mood of the melody is particularly appealing.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Scarborough Fair (feat. Dave Swarbrick)Sukottorando min’yō

Lowlands of Holland (feat. Dave Swarbrick)

Among traditional folk songs passed down through the ages, there are not only cheerful ones but also many with sad stories.

“Lowlands of Holland” is one such folk song with a melancholy mood.

Said to have originated in Scotland, its lyrics portray a young wife mourning her husband who died in a war in the Low Countries.

It’s the kind of somber song you feel like listening to on a rainy day.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Robin Hood And The PeddlarInguranndo min’yō

Robin Hood And The Peddlar

“Robin Hood And The Peddlar,” also known by the same title, is one of Britain’s children’s folk songs.

The lyrics tell a story featuring Robin Hood, a character familiar in Japan from fairy tales and the like.

Sung to the accompaniment of a guitar, the narrative is sure to evoke a nostalgic feeling even for Japanese listeners.

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Saitō Ayumu

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The Merchant’s SonSukottorando min’yō

The Merchant’s Son

If you’re looking for traditional folk songs like the ones you’d hear in pubs and bars in the UK, “The Merchant’s Son” is a must-check.

This folk song centers on the son of a merchant, and its melody has a distinctly British feel.

The flowing, beautiful tune pairs perfectly with the sound of the fiddle, resulting in a track that really captures the atmosphere of Britain.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Matty GrovesFairport Convention

Fairport Convention – Matty Groves

A traditional British folk song, also known as “Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard.” It has been recorded by many artists, including Joan Baez.

This version by Fairport Convention is included on their 1969 album Liege & Lief.

The Skye boat songThe Corries

The Corries – The Skye boat song with lyrics

A Scottish folk song that is often performed as a waltz.

It has been recorded by many artists, including Tom Jones and Rod Stewart.

This version is by The Corries, a Scottish folk group.

London Bridge is Falling Down

London Bridge Is Falling Down | Mother Goose Club Rhymes for Kids

This is the song of the traditional British nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” It gets lively if you play it as a group: two people form a bridge by joining hands while the other children pass underneath, and at the end of the melody—on the “My fair lady” part—you catch the child who happens to be there.

Scarborough fairMartin Carthy

Martin Carthy – Scarborough fair

A traditional English folk ballad.

It has been recorded by many artists, including Andy Williams and Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66.

This version is by Martin Carthy, a British folk singer and guitarist.

The Cruel MotherInguranndo min’yō

The Cruel Mother

As its title would be rendered in Japanese as “Zangyakuna Haha” (“The Cruel Mother”), this English folk ballad has rather frightening lyrics.

There are various versions, but many tell the story of a mother who kills her own sons—a theme compelling enough to captivate even adult listeners.

Combined with the lyrical content, the song sounds all the more chilling when sung by a woman.

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Saitō Ayumu

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