folk song

noun

1. a song originating among the people of a country or area, passed by oral tradition from one singer or generation to the next, often existing in several versions, and marked generally by simple, modal melody and stanzaic, narrative verse.
2. a song of similar character written by a known composer.

folk song

noun

1. a song of which the music and text have been handed down by oral tradition among the common people
2. a modern song which employs or reflects the folk idiom

Word History and Origins

Origin of folk song¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

If one listens to the traditional folk songs sung during childbirth, known as Sohar, in parts of north India, joy is reserved for the birth of a male child.

From BBC

Over his career, he was better known for his rock ’n’ roll version of the Mexican folk song “La Bamba.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the newly penned “Murder Ballad,” a chilling reimagining of an old folk song trope that’s dripping with racial tension and class violence.

From Los Angeles Times

I got way into Civil War songs when I was in high school, early folk songs of different sorts.

From Seattle Times

Hassilev’s musical background was mainly in the classical field, although he knew some Russian folk songs that his parents brought over as well as some Brazilian and French songs.

From Los Angeles Times