Narrowing down the best folk songs of all time is no easy feat. After all, what people now know as folk music derives from a movement that rescued traditional music, infused it with social and political values, and later on added a touch every day and a lot of heart. The music scene was changed forever, and these folk songs are a testament to that.
1. This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
nearly universally tops everyone's lists as one of the most important and influential folk singers of all time. is definitely his most famous tune, considered not only one of the best folk songs ever but also one of of the time.
2. The Times They Are a'Changing by Bob Dylan
artists of the time, even non fans of folk music know of . This song is a classic due to its and association with the 1960's protest movement. portrays restlessness of the young when ready to take over the world.
3. Woodstock by Joni Mitchell
Just about any song could go here, but the at the top of its best folk songs of all time. remains a musical Polaroid of , reminding people the festival was more than music and drugs, it was the coming together of a defining generation.
4. Where Have All the Flowers Gone? by Pete Seeger
wrote or covered most of the greatest folk songs out there; Rolling Stone even dubbed him as the "foremost contemporary popularizer of American folk music." In the artist reflects on the consequences of war and the way history repeats itself, making it a song of .
5. Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio
, considered an , is a traditional song still famous today because of the version performed by folk artists . The song offers a slice of Americana preserved through music.
6. Pancho and Lefty by Townes Van Zandt
was a master of the country-folk genre. His song is part of Folk Alley's list. While tend to be more about life's struggles than war, they're still songs worth remembering.
7. I Ain't Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs
Known for his protest and topical songs, may not have been a popular as other folk singers of the 1960s. However his song has been sung at countless protests. His music, such as , with simple yet truthful lyrics has stood the test of time.
8. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down by Joan Baez
, whose musical career has spanned over 60 years, has been an indomitable political, environmental, and human rights activist throughout. While singing at the is one her most memorable performances, has been her according to Billboard.
9. Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel
are featured twice on Folk Alley's folk songs master list and are regularly included on all kind of "best of" lists. It is only natural; the folk rock duo created that truly captured the essence of an era. is an all-time classic.
10. Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman
Singer and activist, heads the list of . Her heartfelt socially aware songs have landed her including Best Contemporary Folk Album. peaked at and earned her a Grammy.
11. Suzanne by Leonard Cohen
was an accomplished poet, singer, and songwriter. His deal with the duality of being and the whole spectrum of human emotions. is included in Folk Alley's essential songs list, but his meaningful work earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award and a place in the .
12. Raising Sand by Alison Krauss
is one of the most popular folk, country, and bluegrass contemporary singers today. A including two for Best Folk Album, testify to her talent. Thanks to her heart-rending songs like , she has established herself as worthy of hanging out with the grand old men of folk.
13. Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
, another , has been forging her music career since 1960s. A singer, songwriter, and activist, she is not only , she is also loved by . Her self-penned song is considered one of the best examples of contemporary folk music.
14. Heart of Gold by Neil Young
is considered one of the of all time. His career has spanned over 50 years and has produced over 40 albums. is considered one of the of all time.
15. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
are fairly new in the folk rock scene, especially when considering the long careers of many of the folk artists. However, they arrived with a bang earning and performing at the 55th Grammy ceremony right away. Their song is considered one of the of more recent times.
