Folk Song Meanings

“Bella ciao” Lyrics Meaning
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Bella ciao,” a song about the sacrifice of resistance fighters and the cost of fighting for freedom.

“The Sound of Silence” Lyrics Meaning (Simon & Garfunkel)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel, a song about society’s failure to communicate.

“Sailor Song” Lyrics Meaning (Gigi Perez)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez, a song about desire, religious tension, and finding safety in a partner.

“Landslide” Lyrics Meaning (Fleetwood Mac)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, a song about the fear of change and the unstoppable passage of time.

“Ripple” Lyrics Meaning (Grateful Dead)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead, a song about the journey of life and where true inspiration comes from.

“Auld Lang Syne” Lyrics Meaning
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Auld Lang Syne,” a classic folk song about friendship, memories, drinking, and celebrating the past.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” Lyrics Meaning (Gordon Lightfoot)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” a folk-rock song about a 1975 Great Lakes shipwreck.

“California Dreamin’” Lyrics Meaning (The Mamas & the Papas)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas & the Papas, a pop song about longing for the warmth of California.

“The Banana Boat Song” Lyrics Meaning (Harry Belafonte)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “The Banana Boat Song” by Harry Belafonte, a song about night-shift dock workers ready to go home.

“White Winter Hymnal” Lyrics Meaning (Fleet Foxes)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes, a song about childhood, group loyalty, and sudden loss.

“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” Lyrics Meaning (Iron & Wine)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine, a song about lost innocence and disillusionment.

“Year of the Cat” Lyrics Meaning (Al Stewart)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart, a song about mysterious love, lost direction, and seductive escape.

“Like a Rolling Stone” Lyrics Meaning (Bob Dylan)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan, a song about pride, downfall, and losing everything.

“White Ferrari” Lyrics Meaning (Frank Ocean)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “White Ferrari” by Frank Ocean, a song about heartbreak, faded connection, and the weight of memory.

“Rainbow Connection” Lyrics Meaning (Kermit the Frog)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog, a song about belief, wonder, and chasing your dreams.