Across the world, folk traditions offer a window into the values, landscapes and lived experiences of the communities that shaped them.
From the spirited sea shanties of Britain’s coast and the lyrical love songs of Ukraine to Japan’s cherry-blossom melodies and Korea’s centuries-old laments, we've travelled around the globe to find some of the best folk songs that tell fascinating stories about the culture at the heart of them.
- The best Scottish folk songs: Beautifully haunting melodies that will transport you to the the land of the brave
- Best sea shanties: These catchy seafaring tunes will have you singing loud, stamping proud – and reaching for a tankard of warm, flat ale
Best folk songs in the world
The Wild Rover
“The Wild Rover” is a particularly well-travelled folk song, with established roots in many countries. It tells the story of a young man who returns to his former alehouse after many years of being away from his hometown. The landlady refuses him until he presents the gold he has earned while he has been away. He sings of how his days of roving are over and how he plans to return to his home to settle down, once and for all.
Kalinka
This 1860 Russian folk song is centred on the snowball tree (Viburnum opulus), the fruit of which is known as a “kalina” and is often a feature of Russian folklore. It derives from the Russian word meaning “to make red-hot”, representing the fiery red colour of the berries. “Kalinka” is a diminutive of “kalina”. It’s a cheerful folk song, with the refrain “Little red berry, red berry, red berry of mine!” increasing in tempo each time it is sung.
Loch Lomond
Often called “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond,” this beloved Scottish folk song is believed to trace its origins to the Jacobite rising of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart – better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie – attempted to reclaim the throne for his exiled father, King James VII of Scotland.
Many interpret the lyrics as a mournful reflection on the prince’s return to Scotland after failing to rally English support. Beyond its historical echoes, the song is also a vivid tribute to the breathtaking scenery surrounding Loch Lomond, capturing moments like “the steep, steep side o’ Ben Lomond, where in soft purple hue, the highland hills we view, and the moon coming out in the gloaming.”
We named hot one of the greatest Scottish folk songs ever
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Sakura Sakura
The melody of “Sakura Sakura” is thought to have originated in the Edo period in Japan between 1603 and 1868, when urban development, peace, stability and economic growth were particularly prevalent. The song celebrates the Japanese cherry-blossom season, an iconic feature of exported Japanese culture on the global stage.
Barbara Allen
The earliest recorded reference of this folk ballad is in a 1666 diary entry by the legendary Samuel Pepys, where he mentions his mistress singing “a little Scotch song of Barbary Allen” at a New Year’s party, showing the song had, by then, become established among certain circles of the British establishment. This ballad is believed to be one of the most widely collected songs in the English language, with various versions found across Europe and North America following a similar storyline.
On his death bed, a man sends a servant out to get Barbara Allen, the woman he says he loves – saying that a kiss from her will save his life. She refuses, accusing him of flirting with other women, so he gives up and dies – but only after giving her some of his most treasured possessions. She then decides she too can’t face life without him and dies.
Ty zh mene pidmanula
Translating as “You tricked me and let me down”, this is one of the most popular humorous Ukrainian folk songs. The story follows a man complaining to his girlfriend, because she tells him she will meet him somewhere on each day of the week – but she never shows up. They plan to gather periwinkles, wrangle the cattle, go to a concert, gather wild strawberries, go to work and go to a wedding together, but the plans never materialise.
Drop of Nelson’s Blood
With a brisk beat and rhythmic stamping, “A Drop of Nelson’s Blood” is one of the best sea shanties, referring to the British Royal Navy officer Horatio Nelson, who played a key role during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The humorous, often gruesome lyrics relay the various things sailors will miss while they’re out at sea – whether it’s “a night with the girls” or “a roll in the clover”.
The Wayfaring Stranger
Also known as “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”, this popular American folk and gospel song is thought to originate in the early 19th century. The eponymous stranger is a melancholic soul “travelling through this world of woe”, aware of the challenges that lie ahead – but unafraid of what’s in store.
Arirang
“Arirang” is beloved by people in Korea and its diaspora, with a long-standing history, believed to be over 600 years old. In today’s language, “arirang” has an ambiguous meaning. Some believe that historically it referred to a “beloved one” in the ancient Korean language. The song is believed to express sorrow at being separated from loved ones, which has additionally poignant meaning today, as the song is still sung today in both North and South Korea and acts as a symbol of unity between the two nations.
Danny Boy
The classic Irish folk song “Danny Boy” was written in 1910 (in England, of all places!) and was set to the traditional Irish melody of “Londonderry Air” in 1913. The air has a longer history, having been first recorded in the 19th century. The song is believed to be about a son going off to war, adding a tragic layer of meaning to its poignant lyrics.
We named this one of the best Irish folk songs of all time
Mo Li Hua
With lyrics tracing back to as early as the Ming dynasty in the 16th century, the Chinese folk song “Mo Li Hua” has undergone many evolutions since then, with variations in lyrics and melody. Its title translates as “Jasmine Flower”, referencing the tradition in the southern Yangtze delta of giving jasmine flowers to each other.
Herr Mannelig
The Swedish folk ballad “Herr Mannelig” tells the story of a female mountain troll who proposes marriage to a young human man, Mr Mannelig. He refuses her, as she is not Christian – which implies that she may be pagan. It was first published in 1877, and shows the deception of the troll: “she had a false tongue”.
Auld Lang Syne
Probably one of the best-known folk songs of all time, “Auld Lang Syne” gets an outing every New Year’s Eve in many countries across the globe. This tradition began in Scotland, where the song originates, for the Hogmanay celebrations. It’s based on a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns, but is based on an even older Scottish folk song.
- Auld Lang Syne: Everything you need to know about this new year tradition - including the lyrics
- Burns Night: what and when it is, and how to celebrate this Scottish tradition
Au Clair de la Lune
These days we might associate the phrase “Clair de Lune” with the atmospheric piano work by the French composer Claude Debussy, but there is an older folk song with a similar name. “Au clair de la lune” (“By the Light of the Moon”) dates back to the 18th century, with a simple melody that many French music students will study when they are first learning an instrument. Interestingly, this folk song was captured on Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville’s phonautogram, the earliest known device for capturing sound. There is a recording of the song from 1860.
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