Banner Image

Top 100 Folk Songs of All Time

Top 100 folk songs of all time

Folk music has a unique way of telling stories, connecting generations, and capturing the spirit of humanity. From heartfelt ballads to uplifting anthems, these songs have stood the test of time. Whether you are rediscovering classics or exploring them for the first time, this carefully curated list celebrates the very best of folk music in a joyful and engaging way.

Below, you’ll find 100 of the most beloved folk songs ever recorded, complete with artist names and release years. These songs are clean, timeless, and full of meaning—perfect for any listener.

the ultimate list of the top 100 folk songs

  1. Blowin’ In The Wind – Bob Dylan (1963)
  2. The Sound Of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel (1964)
  3. This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie (1944)
  4. Scarborough Fair – Traditional / Simon & Garfunkel (1966)
  5. If I Had A Hammer – Peter, Paul And Mary (1962)
  6. Where Have All The Flowers Gone – Pete Seeger (1955)
  7. Turn! Turn! Turn! – The Byrds (1965)
  8. Leaving On A Jet Plane – John Denver (1966)
  9. Puff The Magic Dragon – Peter, Paul And Mary (1963)
  10. Mr. Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan (1965)
  11. Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell (1969)
  12. The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel (1969)
  13. Annie’s Song – John Denver (1974)
  14. Wild Mountain Thyme – Traditional (1957 popular version)
  15. Matty Groves – Fairport Convention (1969)
  16. Suzanne – Leonard Cohen (1967)
  17. Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens (1971)
  18. House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals (1964)
  19. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell (1970)
  20. City Of New Orleans – Arlo Guthrie (1972)
  21. The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan (1964)
  22. The Water Is Wide – Traditional (1960 popular version)
  23. American Pie – Don McLean (1971)
  24. Vincent – Don McLean (1971)
  25. Four Strong Winds – Ian & Sylvia (1963)
  26. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – The Band (1969)
  27. 500 Miles – Peter, Paul And Mary (1962)
  28. Catch The Wind – Donovan (1965)
  29. Colours – Donovan (1965)
  30. Song To The Siren – Tim Buckley (1970)
  31. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show (2004)
  32. Ho Hey – The Lumineers (2012)
  33. Rivers And Roads – The Head And The Heart (2011)
  34. Ophelia – The Lumineers (2016)
  35. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (2009)
  36. Skinny Love – Bon Iver (2007)
  37. Holocene – Bon Iver (2011)
  38. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver (1971)
  39. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver (1972)
  40. Sunshine On My Shoulders – John Denver (1973)
  41. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman (1988)
  42. Talkin’ Bout A Revolution – Tracy Chapman (1988)
  43. The A Team – Ed Sheeran (2011)
  44. Galway Girl – Steve Earle (2000)
  45. The Parting Glass – Traditional (1990 popular revival)
  46. Blackbird – The Beatles (1968)
  47. Norwegian Wood – The Beatles (1965)
  48. Fire And Rain – James Taylor (1970)
  49. Carolina In My Mind – James Taylor (1968)
  50. Sweet Baby James – James Taylor (1970)
  51. Helplessly Hoping – Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969)
  52. Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970)
  53. Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970)
  54. For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield (1966)
  55. Me And Bobby McGee – Kris Kristofferson (1969)
  56. Angel From Montgomery – John Prine (1971)
  57. Hello In There – John Prine (1971)
  58. Paradise – John Prine (1971)
  59. If We Were Vampires – Jason Isbell (2017)
  60. Cover Me Up – Jason Isbell (2013)
  61. The Stable Song – Gregory Alan Isakov (2007)
  62. Big Black Car – Gregory Alan Isakov (2013)
  63. Poison & Wine – The Civil Wars (2009)
  64. Barton Hollow – The Civil Wars (2011)
  65. Lost Cause – Beck (2002)
  66. Pink Moon – Nick Drake (1972)
  67. Northern Sky – Nick Drake (1970)
  68. River Man – Nick Drake (1969)
  69. First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes (2005)
  70. Lua – Bright Eyes (2004)
  71. Hoedown Throwdown – Miley Cyrus (2009, folk-pop crossover)
  72. Budapest – George Ezra (2014)
  73. Shotgun – George Ezra (2018)
  74. Barcelona – George Ezra (2018)
  75. Let Her Go – Passenger (2012)
  76. Simple Song – The Shins (2012)
  77. New Slang – The Shins (2001)
  78. Bloom – The Paper Kites (2013)
  79. Featherstone – The Paper Kites (2010)
  80. Anchor – Novo Amor (2017)
  81. Carry You – Novo Amor (2018)
  82. Call It Dreaming – Iron & Wine (2017)
  83. Naked As We Came – Iron & Wine (2004)
  84. Such Great Heights – Iron & Wine (2003 cover)
  85. Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine (2007)
  86. Dirty Paws – Of Monsters And Men (2011)
  87. Little Talks – Of Monsters And Men (2011)
  88. Mountain Sound – Of Monsters And Men (2012)
  89. Ends Of The Earth – Lord Huron (2012)
  90. The Night We Met – Lord Huron (2015)
  91. Rivers And Roads (Live) – The Head And The Heart (2012)
  92. Sedona – Houndmouth (2015)
  93. Honeybee – The Head And The Heart (2019)
  94. Clearest Blue Sky – Local Natives (2010)
  95. Flowers In Your Hair – The Lumineers (2012)
  96. Charlie Boy – The Lumineers (2016)
  97. Angela – The Lumineers (2016)
  98. Sleep On The Floor – The Lumineers (2016)
  99. Stubborn Love – The Lumineers (2012)
  100. Cleopatra – The Lumineers (2016)

why these folk songs matter

Folk songs are more than just melodies—they are stories, memories, and shared human experiences. Many of these songs were written during times of change, hope, and reflection. They continue to resonate because they speak to universal themes like love, belonging, and optimism.

What makes folk music so special is its simplicity. Acoustic instruments, honest lyrics, and emotional delivery create a listening experience that feels genuine and uplifting. These songs invite you to slow down, listen closely, and appreciate the beauty of storytelling.

how to enjoy this playlist

You can enjoy these folk songs in many ways. Create a playlist for a relaxing evening, play them during a road trip, or use them as background music while working or studying. Folk music fits perfectly into everyday life and brings a sense of calm and inspiration.

Try exploring different eras—from classic legends like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to modern artists like The Lumineers and Bon Iver. This mix of old and new ensures a rich and diverse listening experience.

final thoughts on the top 100 folk songs

This list of the top 100 folk songs of all time is designed to inspire, uplift, and connect listeners across generations. Each track offers something unique, yet all share the same heart and authenticity that define folk music.

Whether you are a lifelong fan or just starting your journey, these songs are a perfect place to begin. Press play, enjoy the stories, and let the timeless sound of folk music brighten your day.

Follow Us