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Robert Burns, his legacy, and his contributions to Scottish folk music Introduction – Robert Burns and Burns Night Suppers Welcome to the third season of Folk Files! We are starting off the year with a Scottish Bard-themed episode to celebrate Burns Night on January 25th. Learn about the traditions associated with the Burns Night Supper … Read More
An exploration of Coventry Carol. Introduction: Happy Holidays! Coventry Carol is a lullaby to a “little tiny child”…but surprisingly, that child is NOT Jesus. Also, whereas Jingle Bells is a “sleighing song,” this is a “slaying song.” Learn more about this Christmas carol that was almost lost to time, including the history of modern Western … Read More
An interview with Ruth Perry, author of The Ballad World of Anna Gordon, Mrs. Brown of Falkland. Introduction Welcome to a bonus episode of Folk Files in which we touch on the life and times of Anna Gordon. Also known as Mrs. Brown of Falkland, she was one of the most famous source singers in … Read More
“The Death of Queen Jane” and its historical contexts Introduction – Investigating “The Death of Queen Jane” For a long time, “The Death of Queen Jane” has been considered a folk song that takes artistic liberties with the historic event of the birth of Edward VI to Jane Seymour in 1537. But is it possible … Read More
Long Lankin, the bogeyman of the Child Ballads Introduction – The History of Long Lankin Long Lankin is the bogeyman of the Child Ballads. A mysterious figure who lives in the moss (or the gorse, or the hay), he is known as a bloodthirsty murderer. But what’s the full story? The story has a lot … Read More
Discovering the origins of “Who Killed Cock Robin” Introduction – Exploring “Who Killed Cock Robin” Who Killed Cock Robin? It was I, said the Sparrow. But where did the song come from? And what does it mean? Explore a world of birds, nursery rhymes, mythology, and history in this month’s episode. Find out how the … Read More
Songs about Highwaymen and an Exploration of “Cadgwith Anthem” (“Robbers’ Retreat”) Introduction – Songs about Highwaymen Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we’ll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we’ll look … Read More
Investigating “The Butcher Boy” and other ballads where characters die for love Introduction – The Butcher Boy and Other Doomed Lovers This episode of Folk Files looks at a family of songs where the main character “dies for love.” In particular, I explore “The Butcher Boy,” a song with American, Irish, and English versions. The … Read More
A short history of musical instruments without strings Introduction – History of Musical Instruments Part II Welcome to Part II of Folk Files’ exploration of the history of folk instruments! Learn about the origins and etymology of accordions, concertinas, harmonicas, bagpipes, whistles, and a sampling of percussion! (Recorded with a head cold – please excuse … Read More