RAG MusicWorld Music
Music of a wonderful world

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.

Foreign folk songs: Classic and recommended popular folk tracks (31–40)

I AIN’T MARCHING ANYMOREPHIL OCHS

An anti-war song released in 1965 by American protest singer-songwriter Phil Ochs.

It is his best-known track and has been covered by many artists, including Black 47, Eugene Chadbourne, and Jefferson Starship.

The Night They Drove Old Dixie DownThe Band

The Band – The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
The Night They Drove Old Dixie DownThe Band

A track set during the American Civil War.

It was released as a single in 1969 by the roots rock group The Band.

It has been recorded by many artists, including Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Arnold, and John Denver.

For What It’s WorthBuffalo Springfield

Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth (Official Audio)
For What It's WorthBuffalo Springfield

As a song that symbolizes 1960s America, this Buffalo Springfield track continues to exude an unfading appeal.

Created by a Canadian-American hybrid band, it was released in December 1966 and became a major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Woven from Stephen Stills’s delicate guitar alone and lyrics with profound meaning, it has captured the hearts of many across generations.

Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000 and performed at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, its influence extends into the present day.

An eternal classic that evokes the history and evolution of folk music—that is what this song is.

Time will show the wiserFairport Convention

Fairport Convention “Time will show the wiser (1967)
Time will show the wiserFairport Convention

Hearing the name Fairport Convention is enough to make many people nod in recognition.

The track released on their 1968 debut album, Fairport Convention, was a pioneering fusion of folk and rock.

It’s no exaggeration to say it revolutionized the British folk-rock scene.

This song, which portrays emotions swaying between love and friendship, captivates with its melodious guitar tones and lyrics that resonate deeply.

It’s a quintessential folk song that empathizes with those grappling with dilemmas and inner conflict.

Highly recommended not only for fans of folk music, but also for anyone seeking moving lyrics and beautiful melodies.

Northern SkyNick Drake

Nick Drake – Northern Sky (Vinyl)
Northern SkyNick Drake

This song is a classic by Nick Drake, the celebrated British singer-songwriter.

Featured on his 1970 album Bryter Layter, it is memorable for Drake’s delicate vocals and the beautiful resonance of his acoustic guitar.

The lyrics, written in his uniquely poetic style, explore themes of change and discovery brought about by love, and they deeply move the listener.

Although released in March 1971 and not widely noticed at the time, the song was reassessed from the 1980s onward and is now cherished as an enduring masterpiece.

It has continued to captivate many hearts, even appearing in the 2001 film Serendipity.

It’s a profoundly affecting track, perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.

Western folk songs: Classic masterpieces and recommended popular tracks (41–50)

A Song For The StoneRyan Bingham

Ryan Bingham – “A Song For The Stone”
A Song For The StoneRyan Bingham

This is a song written by American singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham for the TV series Yellowstone.

It was released in December 2024 and first featured in Season 5, Episode 9.

The lyrics are striking for their depictions of the Yellowstone region’s natural landscape, cowboy life, and the history and culture rooted in the land.

Bingham’s emotive vocals and simple acoustic guitar accompaniment further highlight the deeper meaning of the lyrics.

For fans of Yellowstone and country music lovers, it’s a special track that lets you savor the lingering resonance of the story.

Matty GrovesFairport Convention

Fairport Convention – Matty Groves
Matty GrovesFairport Convention

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.