[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe

Horch, was kommt von draußen ‘reinNEW!Volkslied

Horch was kommt von draußen rein 🎶 Deutsches Volkslied

Among German folk songs, this piece is one of the most familiar in Japan.

It depicts a scene where the hopeful thrill and anxious uncertainty of a love interest possibly arriving from outside coexist, set to an approachable melody.

Its cheerful refrains are especially appealing, creating a structure that becomes more exhilarating when sung in a group.

It has long been cherished as a symbol of German character and nostalgia.

In Japan, its tone is loved much like “The Mountain Musicians,” and it is widely sung at home and in choral settings.

With its bright yet bittersweet emotions intersecting, this piece is perfect for occasions where everyone wants to enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere together.

Flag of Dublin

FourWinds – The Flags of Dublin / Ger Quigley’s / Fred’s Favourite

Traditional Irish music, with the distinctive tone of the uilleann pipes, leaves a strong impression.

Some may be more familiar with the term “Irish music.” Although it bears the name of a country, it’s loved worldwide, especially across Europe, without borders.

When you listen, images of grand natural landscapes come to mind—its soft, rich sound paired with a lively sense of momentum is particularly striking.

The video introduced here features the band FourWinds performing “The Banner of Dublin.” Dublin is the capital of Ireland.

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Araki Jakkan

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HeidenrösleinNEW!Heinrich Werner

Wild Rose | Werner | Japanese Lyrics | German Song | The child has seen it, the rose in the field

Premiered by Heinrich Werner at a choral concert in 1829, this work is a German Lied that sets Goethe’s poem to melody.

The story, depicting an exchange between a boy and a beautiful flower, is sung to a clear, natural tune.

Combining artistry with familiarity, it became the most widely disseminated among the many musical settings.

In Japan, it has been sung as a children’s song and has strong ties to literary works, including being incorporated into a 1928 operetta.

With its simple, easily hummable motif, it’s a perfect piece for singing at home with children or for a leisurely stroll while savoring the arrival of spring.

Der letzte AbendNEW!Volkslied

At last, the long-lost original song of “Furusato wo Hanaruru Uta” emerges: the German-language version by a German songstress, Der letzte Abend (Untertitel)/The Last Evening (subtitles)

A song that is also well known in Japan as a beloved standard.

It features a lyrical melody that gently sings of parting from a lover, and it has been confirmed to have been included in a German folk song collection in 1863.

In Japan, it spread in 1913 through Ichishō Yoshimaru’s translated lyrics as “Song of Leaving One’s Hometown,” reborn as a piece that sings of a bittersweet farewell to one’s homeland.

Its melody, evoking the quiet and poignancy of night, gently stays close to the heart.

It’s perfect for times when you want to be alone with your thoughts on a quiet night or look back on fond memories.

Please savor its warm resonance, passed down across eras and borders.

Muss i dennNEW!Volkslied

Muss I Denn

This traditional song is captivating for its uplifting theme: it portrays the parting of a young man setting off on a journey and the lover he leaves behind in his hometown, while still conveying hope for their reunion.

Standardized by a music educator in 1827, it was recorded in April 1960 and gained worldwide popularity through its English cover as a song featured in the film G.I.

Blues.

In Japan, it’s affectionately known as “Wakare no Uta” and “Mushiden,” so many people may have found themselves humming it.

Its simple melody is perfect for listening while enjoying the fresh air on a walk or a hike.

Be sure to savor its gentle, uplifting tune during your weekend refresh time.

SchwefelhölzleNEW!Volkslied

P283. The Hasty Song (children’s song) “Schwefelhölzle” Tremolo Harmonica by Yuko Yanagawa 1,000 Tremolo Mouth Organ

Among German folk songs, this piece is closely tied to everyday life.

Its title refers to an old tool for kindling fire, making a once-indispensable household item the star.

Rather than a dramatic progression, its charm lies in a light, sprightly melody that echoes the rhythms of daily life.

Included in a children’s song collection published in 1857, it has been widely loved and passed down in Japan as well.

With a familiar tone that conveys everyday warmth, it seems perfect for family time around the hearth.

Shiyahanba

Siyahamba – Mwamba Children’s Choir

A hymn to freedom and hope woven by the voices of South Africa.

Popularized in 1984 with the album “Freedom is Coming: Songs of Protest and Praise from South Africa,” this piece gained support as a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement.

Its powerful African rhythms and bright melodies have made it beloved in churches and schools around the world.

Discovered by the Swedish group Fjedur at a South African girls’ school and arranged by music director Anders Nyberg, the charm of the Zulu language spread globally.

With its simple, heartfelt melody, the song is often performed to strengthen community bonds and at events that pray for peace, and its universal message remains as vibrant as ever.