If it's only lyrics, Earth Wind and Fire's "I'll write a song for you" is a great tune. "Spirt" by the same band is also a great lyrical tune. Maybe "Bleeker Street" by Simon and Garfunkel.

It's hard for me to say what song would be my favorte.

As for traditional, John Jackson's "Boats up the River" would probably be it.

Almost anything done by Brownie McGhee is a favorte of mine. Especially when he did "Midnight Special" with Sonny Terry.