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 (31–40)
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.
The Trees They Do Grow HighMartin Carthy
Here is a traditional ballad included on Martin Carthy’s debut album, “Martin Carthy,” released in June 1965.
Carthy is known as a leading figure in the British folk music scene.
The story, which portrays the tragic fate of a boy forced into marriage at a young age and his wife, carries a timeless, universal theme that resonates across generations.
Carthy’s distinctive guitar playing and rich vocals breathe new life into this old tale.
The way his singing weaves the narrative over the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar is the very essence of folk song.
It’s a piece I highly recommend not only to lovers of traditional music, but also to those who don’t usually listen to folk.
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.
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.
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.
Western folk songs: Classic masterpieces and recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Fire & RainJames Taylor
James Taylor is a quintessential American singer-songwriter who helped lead the singer-songwriter boom of the 1970s.
His gentle voice and the sound of his acoustic guitar have continued to soothe the hearts of many.
Released in February 1970, this song was written based on Taylor’s personal experiences, chronicling hardships in his life such as a friend’s suicide and his struggle with drug dependency.
Its calm melody and deeply moving lyrics strike a chord with listeners and evoke empathy.
Reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a turning point in Taylor’s career.
It’s a profoundly resonant masterpiece—highly recommended for listening alone on a quiet night.
Where Did You Sleep Last Night?Lead Belly
Marked by a wistful melody and powerful vocals, this song by Lead Belly was released in May 1959.
He delivers a traditional American folk song in his own distinctive interpretation, delving deeply into universal themes like distrust and betrayal.
Accompanied by the resonant sound of a 12-string guitar, Lead Belly’s raw voice sinks into the listener’s heart.
His unique style, infused with elements of the blues, greatly influenced later musicians.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the complexity of human relationships and the pain of the heart, or who want to experience the essence of American roots music.