Folk songs use language in a very different way to most other song forms. In general, the language is more direct and less poetic. The words of folk songs are generally referred to as ‘the text’, rather than ‘the lyrics’ as they are often not at all ‘lyrical’, conveying stories and messages rather than pure emotions.
Folk song texts often serve specific purposes:
Narrative songs: most traditional songs are ballads — songs that tell stories — sometimes topical stories about people known to the listeners, sometimes historical, legendary or supernatural stories. Often songs tell one small part of a much longer story already well-known to the listeners from other songs and sources. Many ballads have a moral or political message. Examples of narrative songs from The Pure Drop include:
- Worcester City by Waterson:Carthy
- Gamen and Herr Holger by Garmarna
- Tam Lin by Bill Jones
- the rune song performed by Jussi Huovinen
- the 3 Icelandic rímur performed by Sigur Rós and Steindór Andersen.
Songs of protest: world music is full of political songs. Folk protest songs have a long history — one of the oldest protest songs is The Cutty Wren from the English peasants’ revolt of 1381. As much traditional music originally comes from the working class and the rural underclass, many political folk songs deal with struggles against oppression. There is still a strong connection between folk song and the political left. Take Down the Union Jack by Billy Bragg is a new song in the protest song tradition, as is Treaty by Yothu Yindi.
Work songs: rhythmic songs were designed to help labourers who sing them to coordinate their efforts. Examples include sea shanties, waulking songs and jody calls used in the military.
Seasonal and ceremonial songs: many traditional songs are related to particular seasons (eg Christmas carols), or are traditionally sung during specific events, such as funerals, birthdays, welcoming guests, or even as the last round of drinks before the pub closes.
Love songs: although less prevalent in world music traditions than in many other musical genres, there are still a lot of them! Examples from The Pure Drop include The Seeds of Love by Jim Moray and Fisher Boy by Waterson:Carthy.
Language survival: as traditional songs are passed down through generations, they often contain vestiges of old language forms. Many songs in old languages have lived on long after the language has fallen out of common use. In recent times, speakers of endangered languages have started using music to create awareness of their minority language, rather than simply singing in English to reach a wider audience.
Other song categories include lullabies, mnemonics (songs to help rote learning — Green Grow the Rushes, O is an example), spells, laments and folk hymns.
