What Do You Know About Folk Music?
By Rika
Folk as an art form is a tradition handed down to us down the generations. Not something to be found in the history books, this reflects the struggles of society as it evolved. The working class, which was the originator of most folk songs, is as omnipresent today as it always was. Even someone at the top of the corporate ladder today will be surprised how well a song that was composed during the slave age reflects on his struggle. Therein lies the beauty of these timeless lyrics.
One of the most underestimated, yet essential forms of music, folk acts as a safety valve for the society. By giving an outlet to the feelings of the people, it perhaps avoids other possibly violent forms of dissent.
So what is this folk all about? While you may have heard about jazz, the blues, and of course rock and pop, no serious buff can afford to ignore this form of music.
Some of this deals with folk stories that have been handed down the generations, again by word of mouth. They may not even be found in books, yet recount in graphic detail the victories of the heroes of the age in which they originated. To the extent, that you may even call it ‘oral history’ of the sect to which the song belongs.
Most folk reflects the times in which it was composed. Thus you are sure to find talking about slave culture, the civil war, the great depression, and so on. While you may not find it being played very often by your favorite disc jockey, songs like ‘We Shall Overcome’ are extremely popular otherwise, and reflect the struggle of life that is common to any age irrespective of the times in which they were composed. The songs reflect the eternal hope of the human race, that hardships shall not last and the world has much more to offer than the current set of struggles.
In recent times in American history, the depressing thirties gave rise to a number of contemporary folk songs. The songs pertaining to this period reflect the American psyche of the age, talking about workers struggle, child labor laws, and the eight-hour working day. The songs worked as a counter
The Aints, Highway Magic, Phase Zero, Girls Make Messes
Marvell Building, Durham
Jucifer, Body Soil, Uzzard
Local 506, Chapel Hill
Velvet, The Sour Notes
The Cave, Chapel Hill
to the rough environment in which the workers found themselves, and hordes of them would gather around a fire or in community halls to sing songs that would give them hope.
Folk is now commercially available in stores, though you may have to ask around a bit as everyone may not be keeping it. A little more research, and you would definitely find folk relating to your own community, and you can relate to it all the more. Play it on your car audio to perk up your spirits when you are feeling down. The extremely simple lyrics and tunes that are easy to hum along make them interesting companions that have the potential of making you feel lighter as well. Just about any software will play the songs, and you can play whether you are in your car, or feeling down in your office after the boss just gave you a dressing down.
Folk doesn’t restrict itself to only struggles, but touches other aspects of life as well such as the intricate human family relationships, love etc. After a wonderful date with your beloved, you will be surprised how beautiful the lyrics sound, and how true they seem to your own happy situation! For that, of course, you have to fall in love first. The lucky ones that already are know what I am talking about – don’t you?
So go ahead and widen your horizons about your perceptions of music. If you feel better during low times in the bargain, well, I would have achieved my aim of writing this article.
