Not only is folk music the story of the settling of our nation, but every culture has a story that they tell through the music that they pass down through the generations. Many of the songs that we think of as “patriotic” songs would fit into the genre of “folk music.” The stories of the settling of the US, the heroes, the battles, the trials and tribulations of the people – blues, jazz, bluegrass – music coming to our ears from the bottom up – from the masses of the people – not top down from composers and music companies and being promoted for sale for profit.
In 1960’s America, we had a groundswell of folk music that resurrected songs about two struggles going on at that time – civil rights and war.
Here’s a negro spiritual that was sung around many campfires and at many rallies in the ‘60’s:
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE Key E
E
I’m gonna lay down my sword and shield
E B7 E
Down by the riverside. Down by the riverside Down by the riverside
E
I’m gonna lay down my sword and shield
E
Down by the riverside
B7 E
Down by the riverside
CHORUS1
A
I ain’t gonna study war no more
E
I ain’t gonna study war no more
B7 E
I ain’t gonna study war no more
A
I ain’t gonna study war no more
E
I ain’t gonna study war no more
B7 E
I ain’t gonna study war no more
2. I’m gonna walk with the Prince of Peace
Down by the riverside, etc.
3. I’m gonna shake hands around the world,
Down by the riverside, etc.
