The definitive folk song

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 01:31 PM

How long is a piece of string...

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 02:15 PM

"Birmingham Jail" aka "Down in the Valley"

I saw it in some little book in 1947, soon after I learned to read.

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 03:41 PM

The definitive folk song?

"Nyaah Nyaah Nyaah Nyaah Nyaah!"

Does anyone not know it - most likely in multiple variants? Did anyone get it from a book or recording? Now THAT'S definitive.

Dan

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 11:32 PM

Has anybody mentioned Frankie & Johnny?

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: mikesamwild
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 08:45 AM

If the definitive Country song is about a guy who loses his job, woman, dog, gun and truck, what would a trad singer bemoan?.

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: GUEST,Harry Lime
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 10:52 AM

'Early Morning Rain'
PPM version

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 11:33 AM

Bemoaning:

Being forced to roam from his own countrie and leave his own true love never to see them more except that maybe he'll be buried in his native churchyard if he makes a fortune in Amerikay and his land arises once more to be free and peaceful when the small birds do sing

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: Soldier boy
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 11:58 AM

Pratty Flowers (the Holmfirth Anthem)

An old local Yorkshire song.

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: GUEST,polly becker
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 12:10 PM

My question is, what is the happiest folk song? I am in seach of something irresistably upbeat, effervescent? Are there any? I understand that this genere of music tends naturally toward tragedy and hardship...But I have a specific project in mind, and I want something a bit unfamilar that would be good for kids. Anyone have any advice for me???
Thanks--Polly

Subject: RE: The definitive folk song
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 05:56 PM

Gee; I thought Harry Lime would be partial to "The Third Man Theme."