Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
Here are some famous songs selected from folk music that has been passed down and sung in various countries and regions around the world.
Even if you don’t know the titles, you may have heard them somewhere or hummed them as a child—foreign folk songs are actually quite familiar in our daily lives.
In some cases, the version widely known in Japan is the adaptation, and you might discover, “So this was the original song!”
Learning which country a song comes from leads to learning about that country’s culture and history, and it will broaden your horizons.
Please take a listen to these time-honored folk songs that are cherished in each country!
World Folk Songs | Hometown Songs Passed Down Overseas (1–10)
The Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)Airurando min’yō
This work is known as a traditional Irish folk song.
It is characterized by a beautiful melody and moving lyrics, and is said to originate from the Londonderry region.
In 1913, Frederick Weatherly added lyrics and re-released it as “Danny Boy,” through which it became widely known.
The lyrics, themed around love, nostalgia, and farewell, resonate deeply with listeners.
Its gently flowing melody evokes the rich natural landscapes of Ireland.
It has been used in films and television programs, further increasing its recognition.
This is a highly recommended song for those interested in Irish culture and history.
Grandfather’s ClockAmerika min’yō / Henly Clay Work
Grandfather’s Clock is an American song composed in the 19th century by Henry Clay Work.
The model for the song was a longcase clock placed in the George Hotel, where Work stayed during his tour of England.
Mary’s LambAmerika min’yō / Sarah Josepha Hale
This work could be called a gem of American folk songs.
Published in 1830 by Sarah Josepha Hale, this nursery rhyme gently tells the story of Mary, a girl who loves her little lamb.
The sight of a snow-white lamb following the girl, guided by affection, left a warm feeling in children’s hearts.
In 1877, Thomas Edison famously used this song to make the first recording of the human voice on his newly invented phonograph.
With its simple melody and charming lyrics, it’s a song many hum from early childhood.
Teaching kindness to animals and pure affection, it is truly a timeless classic beloved across generations.
The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō
“The Bear of the Forest” (Mori no Kuma-san) is originally an American folk song.
It became widely known in Japan after its first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1972.
In the original song as well, a humorous exchange between a person and a bear they encounter is depicted.
Old MacDonald Had a Farmamerika min’yō
A nursery rhyme originating in the United States, passed down by children in Japan—this work carries a curious charm.
Its lyrics depict cheerful everyday life on a farm, incorporating animal sounds and unfolding with a rhythmic flow.
The 4/4 time signature makes it easy for children to sing together.
Widely used in both education and entertainment, it also plays an important role as a teaching tool for learning animal names and their sounds.
Influenced by Stephen Foster, born in 1826, and other American folk song composers, this piece’s simple, memorable melody and repetitive structure may be why it remains beloved across generations.
Return to SorrentoNaporimin’yō / Ernesto De Curtisu / Giambattista De Curtisu
“Return to Sorrento” is a Neapolitan song that portrays the beautiful nature of Sorrento and a man’s feelings of love.
There are various theories about its origin, but the most widely accepted one is that in 1902, when the Italian prime minister visited Sorrento, the mayor, hoping for economic support and wishing to entertain the guest, commissioned the Curtis brothers to write the lyrics and compose the music.
BirdsongKataronia min’yō
The Song of the Birds is a traditional folk tune from Catalonia, Spain, made famous through Pablo Casals’s arrangement and cello performance.
The original piece is a Christmas carol from Casals’s homeland of Catalonia.
Its lyrics depict birds gathering and singing to celebrate the Nativity of Christ.