31 Best Folk Songs Of All Time

Where Have All The Flowers Gone by Pete Seeger

Song Year: 1955

One of the best folk songs of all time is Pete Seeger’s moving ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone.’

Seeger loved collecting songs from different countries, and this song is a classic example. It marries an Irish folk melody to adapted lyrics of a Cossack marching song.

But Seeger wasn’t satisfied with his version of the song, so he gave it to Joe Hickerson. Hickerson was a summer camp counselor, and between him and the campers, they came up with the famously haunting final verse.

Afterward, Seeger always ensured Hickerson received some of the song’s royalties.

Small Circle of Friends by Phil Ochs

Song Year:1967

Despite producing some of the best folk songs of all time, Phil Ochs often gets forgotten by folk revival historians.

He was famous for his scathing satire of America.

‘Small Circle of Friends’ is an excellent example. It takes inspiration from the murder of Kitty Genovese, but you wouldn’t guess that from the jaunty tune. Purportedly, Ochs heard a couple dismissing the murder as not of interest to anyone who didn’t know the young woman; That observation became the basis of the title and chorus.

Circle Game by Joni Mitchell

Song Year: 1966

Canada produced a surprising number of talented musicians during the American Folk Revival.

Joni Mitchell is no exception. In ‘Circle Game,’ she explores a theme that dogged many folk songs of the time; The rapid passing of time. Like others, she blends it with nostalgia for a past that no longer exists. The result is a haunting and memorable melody.

The Rock Island Line by Lead Belly

Song Year: 1957

Clarence Wilson wrote ‘Rock Island Line’ in 1929. But it was 1957 before Lead Belly made it famous.

He and Alan Lomax learned it from a prison gang and brought it into the popular consciousness. Many versions of ‘Rock Island Line’ exist, including a more whimsical rendition by The Weavers.

But Lead Belly’s version stands out for how closely it sticks to the original story of a train that managed to be in two places at once.

Irene Goodnight by The Weavers

Song Year: 1950

‘Irene Goodnight’ is also a Lead Belly Song. But the 1950 recording by The Weavers transformed it into a popular folk song.

It’s lyrical and occasionally dark. But you don’t notice because the waltz rhythm of the music distracts you.

Waist Deep in the Big Muddy by Pete Seeger

Song Year: 1967

Before it became one of the best folk songs of all time, ‘Waist Deep in the Big Muddy’ was censored by The Smothers Brothers.

Seeger wrote the song reflecting on his World War Two experience. But many Vietnam soldiers and government officials saw it as a commentary on the ongoing war in Vietnam.

It made the song resonate, but it didn’t make it popular with politicians.

Changes by Ian and Sylvia Tyson

Song Year: 1966

Another Canadian folk song to shape the sound of the sixties folk revival was Ian and Sylvia Tyson’s ‘Changes' (originally written by Phil Ochs).

Like other songs by Tyson, this is melancholy and nostalgic. It’s a peculiar combination of a moving love song and a commentary on the rapidly changing twentieth century.

Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Song Year: 1962

Peter, Paul, and Mary are another band that produced some of the best folk songs of all time.

‘Lemon Tree’, written by Will Holt, follows the tradition of regretful love ballads through the ages. The titular fruit tree is an apt metaphor for disappointed love.

But there’s irony there, too; Originally, the musicians took their inspiration from a jaunty Brazilian folk melody, where the speaker uses ‘lemon tree’ as an affectionate endearment for his sweetheart.

Bring Me Little Water Sylvie by Lead Belly

Song Year: 1946

Talking about ‘Bring Me Li’l Water Sylvie,’ Lead Belly liked to tell audiences he wrote the song based on memories of his uncle. He was a field worker and used to shout regularly for his wife to bring him water.

It’s fast-paced, but even moving at a clip, you can hear the affection in the singer’s voice.

Blown’ in the Wind by The Chad Mitchell Trio

Song Year: 1963

‘Blown’ in the Wind’ is a song by Bob Dylan. But it became so famous so quickly, that many artists recorded versions.

It’s a powerful examination of humanity and our civil liberties. It’s also a philosophical song with poetry for lyrics. No wonder it became one of the most popular folk songs ever.