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

When it comes to English folk songs, their charm lies in the warm, familiar melodies that everyone has heard at least once, and the lyrics—simple yet rich with meaning and culture.

British trad is filled with tales of everyday life, nature, and sometimes stories that stir a spirit of adventure.

It’s perfect not only for gaining a deeper understanding of British culture, but also as practice pieces for instruments like guitar and fiddle.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic traditional English folk songs—shall we explore the world of British trad together, with its historically evocative tunes and timeless messages that still resonate today?

Playlist

[English Folk Song] A collection of classic British trad masterpieces
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	The Lark In the MorningAirurando min’yō		Traditional English love folk song
2	Lavender’s BlueInguranndo min’yō		A gentle love song from English folk music
3	The Lincolnshire PoacherInguranndo min’yō		A cheerful folk song from Lincolnshire
4	Clyde’s WaterInguranndo min’yō		The legend of sorrowful lovers, a fate to be swallowed by the river
5	Early One MorningInguranndo min’yō		The sad folk song of a maiden whose lover’s heart has changed
6	Here’s Adieu, Sweet Lovely NancyInguranndo min’yō		A sailor’s farewell song, a traditional tune that sings of love
7	Adieu, AdieuInguranndo min’yō		The sorrow of a man who walked the path of crime out of poverty
8	Dominion of the SwordInguranndo min’yō		A satirical message about a society ruled by power
9	GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō		The folk song “Greensleeves,” an unfulfilled longing
10	I Will Give My Love An AppleInguranndo min’yō		The true meaning of love embedded in the riddle song
11	Rufford Park PoachersInguranndo min’yō		The tragic clash between impoverished workers and gamekeepers
12	The Trees They Grow So HighInguranndo min’yō		A tragic love ballad singing of a heartbreaking married life with a young boy
13	Old Sir Simon the KingInguranndo min’yō		Traditional British music depicting a king’s troubles
14	John BarleycornInguranndo min’yō		A folk song that personifies the life of barley, depicting the brewing process
15	Jack OrionInguranndo min’yō		The traditional British love ballad “Jack Orion”
16	Molly BawnAirurando min’yō		A sad legendary love story of Ireland
17	Brave BenbowInguranndo min’yō		A folk song story that praises a naval battle hero
18	When the Boat Comes InInguranndo min’yō		A heartwarming folk song from a port town in Northern England
19	Henry MartinSukottorando min’yō		The sorrow of a pirate depicted in a Scottish folk song
20	The Broomfield HillSukottorando min’yō		A story about a quick-witted woman who wins a bet
21	Scarborough Fair (feat. Dave Swarbrick)Sukottorando min’yō		A sorrowful folk song of a wife who lost her husband in the war
22	Let No Man Steal Your ThymeInguranndo min’yō		Old folk songs, songs of plants, a wistful melody
23	Robin Hood And The PeddlarInguranndo min’yō		Children’s nursery-rhyme story of Robin Hood
24	The Merchant’s SonSukottorando min’yō		Traditional English folk song, The Merchant’s Son
25	Matty GrovesFairport Convention		Traditional folk song of the United Kingdom
26	The Skye boat songThe Corries		A Scottish folk song, performed in many places
27	London Bridge is Falling Down		A traditional children's game of passing under a bridge
28	Scarborough fairMartin Carthy		A classic traditional British ballad
29	The Cruel MotherInguranndo min’yō		Cruel mother’s folk song, a tale of child murder