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!
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World Folk Songs | Hometown Songs Passed Down Overseas (1–10)
London BridgeIgirisu min’yō
This piece has long been cherished as a traditional English folk song.
Its lyrics, which date back as far as the 13th century, revolve around the destruction and reconstruction of London Bridge.
With its simple melody and repetitive structure, it is widely loved as a children’s play song.
Since it was first recorded in 1744 in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book, it has been sung around the world.
It is also used as a beginner practice piece for piano and violin, making it a staple in educational settings.
Its historical background and familiar tune may be why it continues to resonate with people across the ages.
Under the big chestnut treeIgirisu min’yō
“Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree” is a song that became popular in the United States as a Boy Scouts song.
It is used when playing with gestures and moving the body.
In Japan, it was popularized by Masanori Tomotake, known from NHK’s “Uta no Ojisan.”
Amazing GraceSukottorando min’yō / John Newton
Known as a hymn praising God’s grace, this piece features lyrics that deeply moved many, reflecting the dramatic life of its lyricist, John Newton, though the composer remains unknown.
The joy and gratitude of being saved from a sinful past are expressed through a simple and beautiful melody.
Since the lyrics were written in 1772, it has been loved across generations and, especially in the United States, became an iconic song of the abolitionist and civil rights movements.
In October 2005, it was released in a classical arrangement, drawing renewed attention.
With a universal message that comforts those seeking solace, this work is one to listen to when you want to quietly reflect on yourself.
World Folk Songs | Hometown Songs Passed Down Overseas (11–20)
Light of FirefliesSukottorando min’yō / Robert Burns
Auld Lang Syne is a folk song with lyrics written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, based on a traditional Scottish melody.
In English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Scotland, it is sung as a New Year’s song at the moment the new year begins during New Year’s Eve countdowns.
Rain on the pondDoitsu min’yō / August Heinrich Hoffmann
Familiar from the Yamaha Music School commercials, this melody comes from a German children’s song that depicts a small figure quietly standing in the forest.
There’s a playful twist: the little person in a red cloak and black hat is actually a mushroom, sparking children’s imaginations.
Since its release in March 2019, the simple, easy-to-remember tune has continued to be used in educational settings.
Teaching the importance of harmony with nature and patience, it’s a heartwarming song that you’ll find yourself humming into adulthood, along with memories of early childhood.
It’s a piece that lets you fully savor the charm of German folk songs.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little StarFuransu min’yō / Jean-Philippe Rameau
Born in 18th-century France, this song is known worldwide as a beloved nursery rhyme.
It originally had lyrics themed around “the woes of love,” but later changed to celebrate the sparkle of the stars.
Characterized by a simple melody and gentle tempo, it is cherished by people of all ages, from children to adults.
Mozart’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” variations, which use this melody, are also famous.
It was introduced to Japan in the Meiji era and is now used not only for singing in music classes but also as teaching material for various instruments.
It’s a perfect piece for relaxing before bedtime or for singing together with children.
The railroad tracks go on forever.amerika min’yō
A folk song sung by American railroad construction workers is loved in Japan as a children’s song that depicts a fun train journey.
Since it was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it has become a song cherished by generations.
It portrays the joy of traveling along tracks that seem to go on forever, and the journey that continues over fields, mountains, and valleys to distant towns, sparking children’s sense of adventure.
It has also been adopted as the departure melody at JR East’s Sakuragicho Station, and is still used today as a piece that evokes the history of railways.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who dreams of traveling by train.