Introduction
English folk songs are a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and cultural expression. These songs often reflect the everyday lives of people, their struggles, joys, and beliefs. In this guide, we will explore some of the top English folk songs, their origins, and the stories they tell. Whether you are a music enthusiast or just curious about the folk genre, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the most celebrated English folk songs.
The History of English Folk Music
Before diving into the songs, it’s important to understand the context in which English folk music emerged. Folk music has been a part of English culture for centuries, with its roots tracing back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It was primarily oral tradition, passed down through generations, and was a reflection of the lives of the common people.
The Evolution of English Folk Music
- 16th Century: The early days of English folk music were characterized by ballads, which were narrative songs often dealing with historical events, love, and tragedy.
- 17th Century: The rise of ballads was followed by the development of dance tunes and instrumental music, which became more prevalent in rural areas.
- 18th Century: The English folk revival began, with musicians and collectors like Thomas Percy and James Johnson documenting folk songs and tunes.
Top English Folk Songs
1. “Scarborough Fair”
One of the most famous English folk songs, “Scarborough Fair,” is a traditional English ballad that dates back to the 16th century. The song tells the story of a soldier returning from the Crusades and trying to win the hand of his love.
Lyrics and Musical Structure
- Verse 1: “Oh, beautiful Scarborough Fair, come all ye fair ones, come all ye fair ones, oh, I am a tailor, make me a suit of blue.”
- Verse 2: “Oh, fair lady, we’ll walk a hundred miles, and yet we’ll come back for more, oh, fair lady, we’ll walk a hundred miles.”
- Chorus: “Scarborough Fair, oh, fair, Scarborough Fair, we’ll make a garland of thy roses, oh, fair Scarborough Fair.”
2. “The Bard of Armagh”
This song is a traditional Irish ballad that has been adopted into the English folk repertoire. It tells the story of the Irish poet, Thomas Moore, and his struggles with poverty and love.
Lyrics and Musical Structure
- Verse 1: “The Bard of Armagh, oh, he was a poor man’s son, his father died when he was born, and left him all alone.”
- Verse 2: “But he had a heart full of love, and a soul full of song, and the world was his stage, and he played his part so long.”
- Chorus: “The Bard of Armagh, oh, he’s gone to the sky, where the stars are bright and the winds are free, The Bard of Armagh, oh, he’s gone to the sky.”
3. “The Merry Wives of Windsor”
This song is derived from the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. It is a humorous folk song that tells the story of the cunning schemes of the merry wives of Windsor to catch their cheating husbands.
Lyrics and Musical Structure
- Verse 1: “The merry wives of Windsor, oh, they are a merry crew, with their cunning plans and their tricks, they’ll catch their men so true.”
- Verse 2: “They’ll lay a trap for the old man, and catch him in the act, and then they’ll laugh and they’ll dance, and sing to the tune of the act.”
- Chorus: “The merry wives of Windsor, oh, they are a merry crew, with their cunning plans and their tricks, they’ll catch their men so true.”
4. “The Drovers’ Dance”
This is a lively dance tune that is still popular in English folk music today. It tells the story of drovers, who were men who herded cattle from the Highlands of Scotland to markets in England.
Lyrics and Musical Structure
- Verse 1: “The drovers are coming, oh, with their cattle in line, through the hills and the valleys, they’ll take them to the town.”
- Verse 2: “The drovers are coming, oh, with their cattle in line, they’ll dance and they’ll sing, and have a merry time.”
- Chorus: “The drovers’ dance, oh, it’s a lively one, with their cattle in line, they’ll dance and they’ll sing, and have a merry time.”
Conclusion
English folk songs are a vital part of the cultural heritage of the United Kingdom. They provide a window into the lives and stories of the people who lived and worked in the English countryside for centuries. By exploring these top English folk songs, we can appreciate the rich history and tradition that they represent.