“Barbara Allen”  is a traditional Scottish ballad; it later travelled to America both orally and in print, where it became a popular folk song.   Ethnomusicologists Steve Roud and Julia BishopContinue readingBarbara Allen

“The Yellow Rose of Texas” is a traditional American folk song dating back to at least the 1850s. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one ofContinue readingThe Yellow Rose of Texas

In the 1960s, the Kingston Trio released a song called “Desert Pete.” The ballad tells of a thirsty cowboy who is crossing the desert and finds a hand pump. NextContinue readingDesert Pete

“Day Is Done” is a song written by Peter Yarrow. It was recorded by Yarrow’s group Peter, Paul and Mary and released as a single in 1969. It was oneContinue readingDay Is Done

“Freight Train” is an American folk song written by Elizabeth Cotten in the early 20th century, and popularized during the American folk revival and British skiffle  period of the 1950sContinue readingFreight Train

“All My Sorrows” is a folk song which became popular during the social protest movements of the late 1950s and 1960s. Alternative titles it has been recorded under include “BahamianContinue readingAll My Sorrows

“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a traditional Jamaican folk song. The song has many influences, but it is commonly classified as an example of the better known calypso music.Continue readingDay-O (The Banana Boat Song)