Foreign folk music. Classic folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the term “folk song”? Some of you might think of singer-songwriters performing solo with an acoustic guitar, or perhaps consider it somewhat old-fashioned music.
Originally derived from traditional styles like folk and ethnic music, folk songs have evolved across eras and continue to be loved to this day.
This time, we’ve researched and selected a wide range of folk songs, from classic masterpieces to recent hits! We hope you’ll find a new favorite.
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Foreign folk songs. Classic and recommended popular folk tracks (21–30)
Puff, The Magic DragonPeter, Paul & Mary
A track released as a single in 1963 by the American folk music group Peter, Paul and Mary.
It has been recorded by many artists, including Nina & Frederik, Glen Campbell, and Connie Francis.
City Of New OrleansSteve Goodman
A track released in 1971 by Steve Goodman, a folk music singer-songwriter from Chicago.
It was recorded at Quadraphonic Sound Studios in Nashville and has been covered by artists such as Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson.
Universal SoldierBuffy Sainte-Marie
A track released in 1964 by Canadian singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.
It was inspired by the sight of wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam.
In 1965, it was covered by Donovan and became an anthem of the Vietnam peace movement.
For The Sake Of The SongTownes Van Zandt
A track by Townes Van Zandt, often called a master of the country and folk music genres.
It’s the title track from his debut album, released in 1968.
Covered by many artists, the track was re-released in 1993.
Mr Tambourine ManThe Byrds
In the 1960s, The Byrds took the American folk-rock scene by storm.
Their covers of Bob Dylan’s songs drew major attention as an innovative attempt to fuse folk and rock.
Featured on their debut album released in June 1965, this track is notable for its distinctive 12-string guitar sound and beautiful harmonies.
Its dreamlike lyrics deftly capture the spirit of the era’s youth, who yearned for freedom and transcendence.
Topping the Billboard charts, the song was also a major commercial success.
It can be called a timeless classic that opened up new possibilities for folk music.
Hello In ThereJohn Prine
A track by John Prine, an American folk and country music singer-songwriter.
It is included on his self-titled album released in 1971.
The album was selected by Rolling Stone as one of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
The Green Green Grass Of HomeJoan Baez
Known as a classic of folk music, this song was covered in 1969 by American singer-songwriter Joan Baez.
Baez’s clear, translucent voice beautifully captures the world of lyrics filled with nostalgia.
Rich in narrative, the piece portrays the poignant feelings of a prisoner longing for home, and it is included on the album “David’s Album.” Released in January 1969, the album showcased the breadth of Baez’s musical range.
Blending elements of folk and country, this work pairs moving lyrics with a beautiful melody, making it a recommended track for quiet evenings.