Cover image of Every Folk Song

Every Folk Song

A podcast where a guy with no expertise on anything explains the history and evolution (to the best of his researched knowledge) of every folk song, in order by Roud Index number.

Ranked #1

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12 - The Elfin Knight

12 - The Elfin Knight

Roud 12 is called "The Elfin Knight." You would definitely know it better as "Scarborough Fair." It's about a magical ma... Read more

25 May 2019

1hr 17mins

Ranked #2

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10 - Lord Randall

10 - Lord Randall

Roud 10, "Lord Randall" is the last song about murder for a little while, I think. Evolved from an old Italian song firs... Read more

9 Jan 2014

41mins

Ranked #3

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8 - The Twa Sisters

8 - The Twa Sisters

Roud 8, "the Twa Sisters" or "the Two Sisters" or 30 different other titles. This ballad, first published in 1656, has i... Read more

28 Nov 2013

36mins

Ranked #4

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3 - The Sprig of Thyme

3 - The Sprig of Thyme

This episode focuses on Roud 3, "The Sprig of Thyme." Originally collected by Cecil Sharpe as "Seeds of Love" in 1903. M... Read more

18 Sep 2013

27mins

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Ranked #5

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7 - The Female Highwayman

7 - The Female Highwayman

Roud 7, "The Female Highwayman" or "Sovay." This somewhat ridiculous ballad comes from the English countryside somewhere... Read more

15 Nov 2013

25mins

Ranked #6

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5 - The Three Ravens

5 - The Three Ravens

Roud 5, "The Three Ravens." An old English ballad thought to date back to the 13th century, this bleak, BLEAK song was f... Read more

16 Oct 2013

30mins

Ranked #7

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9 - The Cruel Mother

9 - The Cruel Mother

 Roud 9, "The Cruel Mother." A product of the society and moral/political climate it formed in, this 400ish-year-old son... Read more

25 Dec 2013

47mins

Ranked #8

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11 - The Baffled Knight

11 - The Baffled Knight

This episode focuses on Roud 11, "The Baffled Knight." It's a moral swamp and I have a few breakdowns about it. The olde... Read more

2 Apr 2018

57mins

Ranked #9

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4 - Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor

4 - Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor

This episode focuses on Roud 4, "Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor." (alt. Ellenor, Elendor, Ellinor, Elinor) The lyrics to t... Read more

2 Oct 2013

37mins

Ranked #10

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6 - Long Lankin

6 - Long Lankin

Roud 6, "Long Lankin." This horrifying and dark folk song comes from the Northern UK, dating back to at least the 15th c... Read more

30 Oct 2013

37mins

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