Is a Recently Written Song Considered Folk Music?

Music enthusiasts often wonder if a folk song must be of a certain age to be classified as folk. This article explores the characteristics and evolution of folk music to answer this question and help identify what defines a folk song today.

What Defines a Folk Song?

While many people might think that folk songs are only those centuries-old ballads that have aged gracefully over time, contemporary music also holds a place within the folk genre. Folk music is defined not by its age but by its characteristics, stories, and cultural significance.

Characteristics of Folk Songs

Storytelling: Folk songs often tell stories or convey experiences and emotions that resonate with the community. They speak of historical events, personal trials, and communal triumphs, providing a narrative that is deeply personal yet universally understandable.

Cultural Roots: These songs often reflect the cultural traditions or social issues of a particular group or region. They capture the essence of a community's history, values, and struggles, making them an invaluable source of cultural heritage and identity.

Simplicity: Folk music tends to have simple melodies and lyrics that are easy to sing along to. This accessibility fosters community participation and makes it a form of socio-cultural glue, bringing people together through shared enjoyment and engagement.

Community Participation: Folk songs are typically meant to be shared and performed in communal settings. They encourage participation and interaction, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.

Traditional vs. Contemporary Folk Music

Folk music is divided into two categories: traditional and contemporary. Traditional folk songs are generally the music of a country or region, passed down through oral tradition from one generation to the next. These songs often have unknown composers and are associated with the culture, folklore, and customs of the people.

In contrast, contemporary folk music is a broader category that includes a wide variety of genres, such as folk rock, folk pop, folk metal, folk punk, indie folk, and more. These contemporary forms of folk music blend traditional elements with more modern influences, creating a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.

Emergence of Contemporary Folk

The term "contemporary folk" began to emerge in the mid-20th century, concurrent with the folk revival movement. This genre includes songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Townes Van Zandt. These composers contributed to a rich tapestry of contemporary folk, each adding their unique voice to the genre.

Time Constraints in Folk Music

Traditional Folk: For traditional folk music, there is a specific criterion regarding the age of the songs. These songs must have been performed for a long period, usually spanning several generations, to be considered traditional. This accumulation of time ensures that the songs become part of cultural lore and are deeply rooted in the history and identity of a community.

Contemporary Folk: When it comes to contemporary folk songs, there are no such time constraints. Once a song is written and imbued with the characteristics of folk music, it can immediately be labeled as such. For example, songs by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell were recognized as contemporary folk upon their composition, without the need for a specific period of time to pass.

Writing a Contemporary Folk Song

So, can a recently written song be considered a folk song? The answer is yes, provided it aligns with the themes and characteristics of the genre. A song can be labeled as folk if it tells a story, reflects cultural roots, is simple in its melody and lyrics, and encourages community participation. Whether written yesterday or a hundred years ago, these qualities define a folk song.

Conclusion

The beauty of folk music lies in its ability to evolve and adapt to contemporary times. While traditional folk music is deeply rooted in history, contemporary folk music continues to thrive and innovate, capturing the essence of our current cultural and social landscapes.

Key Takeaways: Folk music is defined by its themes and characteristics, not by its age. Contemporary folk music includes a wide variety of genres that blend traditional elements with modern influences. For traditional folk music, the age of the song plays a role, while for contemporary folk, the composition is recognized immediately.

Keywords: folk music, contemporary folk, traditional folk