The Real American Folk Song
Harmony of Nations: Discovering the Soulful Tapestry in American Folk Songs
Lyrics
Near Barcelona, the peasant crooned
A peasant near Barcelona sings
The old traditional Spanish tunes
Sings the old, traditional Spanish melodies
The Neapolitan street song sighs
The street song from Naples evokes thoughts of Italian skies
You think of Italian skies
Reminds you of the skies in Italy
Each nation has a creative vein
Every nation has its own creative source
Originating a native strain
Originates its unique music
With folk songs plaintive and others gay
Through sorrowful and joyful folk songs
In their own peculiar way
In their distinct, particular style
American folk songs, i feel
I believe American folk songs
Have a much stronger appeal
Have a stronger impact
The real American folksong is a rag
The genuine American folk song is a ragtime piece
A mental jag
It's a mental stimulation
A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues
A rhythmic remedy for persistent sadness
The critics called it a "joke song" but now
Critics initially labeled it as a humorous song
They've changed their tune, and they like it, somehow
But now they've altered their opinion and appreciate it
For it's inoculated with a syncopated sort of meter, sweeter
It's infused with an infectious, syncopated rhythm
Than a classic strain, boy you can't remain, still or quiet, for it's a riot
More engaging than a classical melody, making you lively and excited
The real American folksong
The true American folk song
Is like a fountain of youth
Has a rejuvenating effect, like a fountain of youth
You taste, and it elates you, and then, invigorates you
Consuming it brings joy and energy
The real American folksong, the masses coaxed on, is a rag
It's a ragtime piece that the masses are drawn to
The real American folksong is a rag
The genuine American folk song is a ragtime piece
A mental jag
It's a mental stimulation
A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues
A rhythmic remedy for persistent sadness
The critics called it a "joke song" but now
Critics initially labeled it as a humorous song
They've changed their tune, and they like it, somehow
But now they've altered their opinion and appreciate it
For it's inoculated with a syncopated sort of meter, sweeter
It's infused with an infectious, syncopated rhythm
Than a classic strain, boy you can't remain, still or quiet, for it's a riot
More engaging than a classical melody, making you lively and excited
The real American folksong
The true American folk song
Is like a fountain of youth
Has a rejuvenating effect, like a fountain of youth
You taste, and it elates you, and then, invigorates you
Consuming it brings joy and energy
The real American folksong, is a rag
It's a ragtime piece that represents the genuine American folk song
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