"Music is the story of life, and folk songs are the record of those stories"
The background of a song's creation comes not only from the experiences of the creator but also from the temporal and spatial context in which it was created, which sparks the inspiration and motivation for the work. Folk songs serve as a prime example. During times of war in the United States, many songs with strong transmission qualities emerged, authentically reflecting the sentiments and consciousness of people living through those turbulent periods. These songs are not merely expressions of individual emotions but also reflections of collective experiences. When people are caught in the turmoil of war, the ambiguity of romantic relationships, or the hardships of daily life, music becomes a means for them to express fear, hope, love, and loss. The powerful transmissibility of folk songs stems from their roots in the lives of ordinary people, reflecting their genuine feelings and experiences during specific eras.In this article, we will introduce 16 famous American folk songs:
A traditional American gospel song, "Down by the Riverside" can be traced back to the 19th century during the American Civil War. The phrase "Down by the riverside" symbolizes a person setting down the burdens of life and finding a place of peace. The song’s themes of peace, laying down arms, and seeking inner tranquility contribute to its recognition as an anti-war song.
Composed in 1913, "Danny Boy" is set to the tune of the traditional Irish melody "Londonderry Air," with lyrics by British songwriter Frederic Weatherly. The song expresses sentiments of farewell and longing. The lyrics, which reference "the pipes, the pipes are calling," allude to Scottish bagpipes and evoke a sense of summons or departure. The song, filled with nostalgia for homeland, family, and love, is often used in funerals and memorials.
Written in 1861 during the American Civil War by Julia Ward Howe, this patriotic song is filled with religious and nationalistic fervor. It depicts divine judgment and justice, resonating with the Union's moral righteousness during the war. The famous opening line, "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord," signals the imminent arrival of divine judgment, symbolizing the end of slavery and the arrival of justice. Its chorus, "Glory, glory, hallelujah," became a powerful patriotic call. The song served as a spiritual backbone for Union troops and continued to be a significant anthem post-war, symbolizing the pursuit of equality and justice.
"Frankie and Johnny" is a traditional American folk song recounting a tragic love story centered on betrayal and revenge. Originating in the late 19th century and gaining popularity in the early 20th century, the song tells of a lover, Frankie, who discovers Johnny’s infidelity with another woman, Nellie Bly. In a fit of anger and jealousy, Frankie kills Johnny. The song often concludes with Johnny’s death and Frankie’s subsequent arrest or repentance, reflecting societal views on love, betrayal, and morality of that era.
Often referred to as the "Cowboy's National Anthem," "Home on the Range" is a classic American Western folk song with significant cultural impact. Composed in the 1880s by Denver lawyer Brewster M. Higley, the song depicts the vast and serene landscapes of the American West. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of the prairie and the freedom of cowboy life, describing scenes like "Where the deer and the antelope play" and the peaceful, carefree existence of the range.
Originating in the late 19th century and popularized in the early 20th century, this song depicts the daily life of a railroad worker, highlighting their long hours and hard work. The rhythmic opening line, "I've been working on the railroad, all the live-long day," reflects the worker’s tireless labor. The mention of "Dinah" adds a playful and emotional touch to the song.
Written in 1902 by Ren Shields and George Evans, this song evokes nostalgic sentiments of summer. The lyrics paint a picture of enjoying leisurely walks and simple pleasures during the summer, with lines like "In the good old summertime, in the good old summertime." The song captures the relaxed and carefree atmosphere of summer, making it a popular favorite.
This traditional Scottish folk song, with origins possibly dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, is associated with the exiled Scottish Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The lyrics express longing for a distant loved one, particularly a person named Bonnie. With its simple and lyrical melody, the song is a classic in children's music and folk traditions worldwide.
A classic Irish folk-style song created by American singer and songwriter Chauncey Olcott in 1899, "My Wild Irish Rose" was written for the musical "A Romance of Athlone." Inspired by Olcott’s Irish heritage, the song reflects deep nostalgia for Irish culture and homeland. The lyrics describe a beautiful Irish girl whose beauty is likened to a "wild rose," with the song's main refrain: "My wild Irish Rose, the sweetest flower that grows." Its melodious and heartfelt lyrics make it a beloved love song.
This American Western folk song tells the tragic story of a girl named Clementine, the daughter of a gold miner, who lives near a mining camp. The song’s narrative describes her life and appearance and recounts her unfortunate drowning. Despite its lively melody, the song conveys sadness and nostalgia, particularly in the refrain: "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling Clementine, you are lost and gone forever, dreadful sorry, Clementine."
Composed by Stephen Foster in 1848, "Oh! Susanna" is a significant piece in American folk music. The lyrics describe a journey from Alabama to Louisiana, filled with longing for a loved one named Susanna. The reference to "banjo on my knee" signifies the importance of music during the journey. The song’s upbeat and engaging melody quickly gained popularity in the United States.
Dating back to the 19th century, the exact origin and author of this song are uncertain, but it has become a significant part of American folk music. The lyrics describe a woman who will arrive in the mountain region and outline a series of activities upon her arrival. The song’s simple, rhythmic lyrics are well-suited for singing and activities, especially with children.
This 19th-century American folk song, named after the Shenandoah River in the eastern United States, is filled with praise for nature and longing for home. Its beautiful, lyrical melody reflects the settlers' sentiments toward frontier life and natural landscapes. The lyrics, "Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you," express a deep yearning for the river and its surrounding beauty.
A spiritually significant American gospel song, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" belongs to the genre of spirituals and is deeply rooted in 19th-century Southern American history, particularly related to slavery and the civil rights movement. The lyrics express a desire for liberation and salvation, with "sweet chariot" symbolizing divine deliverance and future hope. The song’s simple and evocative melody conveys a strong sense of call and praise.
A mid-19th-century American folk song, "The Yellow Rose of Texas" narrates a romantic story involving a woman named "Yellow Rose" and the singer. Often interpreted as a woman from Texas, the song expresses deep longing for her, with "Yellow Rose" symbolizing the beloved and her unique place in the singer’s heart.
A popular folk song from the American Civil War era, written by composer Patrick Gilmore in 1863. The song conveys the joy and anticipation of a soldier's return home, imbued with strong patriotic sentiment. The lyrics, focusing on the return of soldier Johnny, reflect the deep yearning for family reunion and the end of the war. The song captures the hope and joy associated with the soldier’s homecoming.
These songs reflect the historical contexts, cultural influences, and emotional lives of different periods, resonating with the echoes of American Civil War times to the social changes of the early 20th century.
