FOLK

SONG
Presented by: Angelika S. Perez

Bsed English 1-B

 Folk song
– Folksongs are songs written by the folk and are sung to
accompany daily activities such as farming, fishing and putting
a baby to sleep.
– Traditionally passed on orally.
– Most Philippine folk songs have Spanish and other Western
influences.
– The people created melodic chants and indigenous instruments
based on the materials available when they lived.
– The folk songs of Luzon lowlands are performed in their native
language such as Ilokano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan,
Tagalog, Bicolano and others.
 What are the
Characteristics of a
Folk Song?
Characteristics of Folk songs
– Originally passed down orally to the family, and to the other
members of the community.
– Learn through rote.
– Sung in their own dialect.
– Composers and lyricist are usually unknown.
– Mood can be sentimental, playful and humurous.
– Concepts are based on nature or people’s work, tradition,
culture.
– Short and simple.
– Either in duple, triple, and quadruple meter.
 1. Topical Songwriting
One example of this type of writing is Neil Young’s song,
“Ohio”. This anti-war song came about when Neil Young heard
about the famous “Kent State Shootings”, where 4 unarmed
college students were shot by the National Guard during a
protest.
This event sparked a national outcry, and when Neil Young
heard about it, he quickly got his band together and wrote this
song to talk about the event.
By Neil’s own account, this was something he reacted to right
away, and his song was his own emotional response to the
event, done in much the same way a news reporter might report
a breaking story.
 Neil Young’s Ohio –
Lyrics

Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, Soldiers are cutting us down

We’re finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming, What if you knew her
Four dead in Ohio.
Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago.
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
Gotta get down to it
Should have been done long ago.
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We’re finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.
 2. Addresses Social & Political
Issues
– In addition to simply being topical, when musicians write folk songs, they are
also often addressing social and / or political issues.
– In other words, folk singers are often protesting some form of injustice, in the
name of freedom and equality.
– A folk song doesn’t need to be politically charged, but they often are, and this
is another characteristic of the genre. “Ohio” qualifies on both counts of being
topical (news of the day) and politically charged.
– Bob Marley’s famous “Redemption Song” is another song that addresses social
and political injustices, such as slavery, but in terms of being topical, one
might argue that it is more general.
– “Redemption Song” talks about pirates and merchant ships, but doesn’t
mention any dates or talk about any one specific person or event, so it doesn’t
really qualify as “news”.
– Still, when one thinks of a folk song, “Redemption Song” readily comes to
mind, although it is a more purposely generalized than a song like “Ohio”.
 Bob Marley’s Redemption Song –
Lyrics

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.
Won’t you help to sing
These songs of freedom
Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental
slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look Ooh
Some say it’s just a part of it
We’ve got to fulfill the book
Won’t you help to sing
These songs of freedom
Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
 3. Acoustic Instrumentation
– Songs can be written in any number of ways, but, for most folk singers, they
choose to write their folk songs with an acoustic guitar.
– In 1941, Woody Guthrie famously placed the message “This machine kills
fascists” on his acoustic guitar, which was a political statement unto itself.
– Speaking of Woody Guthrie, who is perhaps the most legendary folk singer
that has ever lived from the United States, and the man has written some of
the most famous folk songs of all time, featuring mainly his voice and acoustic
guitar.
– One of those songs that comes to mind is “This Land Is Your Land”, which does
make mention of specific locations, and is also socio-political in nature,
speaking of freedom for all.
– Unlike “Ohio”, it is not fixed on one specific event, and rather than rallying
against anything or anyone in particular, it evokes a more inclusive, happy
feeling, although it does have some subtle anti-authority messages worked into
the song as well.
 Woody Guthrie’s “This Land
Is Your Land”

This land is your land This land is followed my footsteps

my land To the sparkling sands of her
From California to the New York diamond deserts;
island; And all around me a voice was
From the red wood forest to the Gulf sounding:
Stream waters This land was made for you and me.
This land was made for you and Me. When the sun came shining, and I
As I was walking that ribbon of was strolling,
highway, And the wheat fields waving and the
I saw above me that endless skyway: dust clouds rolling,
I saw below me that golden valley: As the fog was lifting a voice was
This land was made for you and me.. chanting:
This land was made for you and me.
I’ve roamed and rambled and I
 4. The Refrain
– The refrain is basically the chorus in a song, and gets repeated,
sometimes to the point of madness for the listener. As we all know, it
is hard to get a good chorus out of our heads.
– In folk music, this is the same thing, although typically the song has
all of the other aforementioned characteristics as well.
– Here is the famous Pete Seeger song, “If I Had A Hammer”, where the
refrain is the same as the title, which is often the case with folk songs,
not to mention a lot of other songs.
– Of course, we’re talking about a metaphorical hammer here, which
might be used to solve the world’s ills, this being one of the more
optimistic and hopeful song for the ages. Also, this folk song is a great
example of the 4 line stanza.

If I had a hammer,
I’d hammer in the morning
I’d hammer in the evening,
All over this land.
I’d hammer out danger,
I’d hammer out a warning,
I’d sing it in the evening,
I’d hammer out love between
my brothers and my sisters, All over this land.
All over this land.
If I had a bell,
I’d ring it in the morning,
I’d ring it in the evening,
All over this land.
I’d ring out danger,
If I Had A Hammer
by Pete Seeger – Lyrics
I’d ring out a warning And I got a song to sing, all
over this land.
I’d ring out love between my
brothers and my sisters, It’s the hammer of Justice,
All over this land. It’s the bell of Freedom,
If I had a song, It’s the song about Love
between my brothers and my
I’d sing it in the morning, sisters,
All over this land.
It’s the hammer of Justice,
I’d sing out danger, It’s the bell of Freedom,
I’d sing out a warning It’s the song about Love
I’d sing out love between my between my brothers and my
brothers and my sisters, sisters,
All over this land. All over this land.
Well I got a hammer,
And I got a bell,
 Leron Leron Sinta

Leron, Leron, sinta Halika na Neneng at tayo’y magsimba

Buko ng Papaya At iyong isuot ang baro mo’t saya
Dala dala’y buslo Ang baro mo’t sayang pagkaganda-
Sisidlan ng sinta ganda
Pagdating sa dulo’y Kay ganda ng kulay — berde, puti,
Nabali ang sanga, pula.
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba. Ako’y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang
Ang baril ko’y pito, ang sundang ko’y
Gumisang ka Neneng, tayo’y siyam
manampalok Ang lalakarin ko’y parte ng dinulang
Dalhin mo ang buslo, sisidlan ng Isang pinggang pansit ang aking
hinog kalaban.
Pagdating sa dulo’y uunda-undayog
Kumapit ka Neneng, baka ka
mahulog.
 Interpretation

Leron, leron my love, I offer you my love,

papaya seeds above. my courage suits you fine.
He took a bamboo box I’ve got me seven knives,
to keep the fruits he’d get. I’m keeping nine more
Then as he neared the top,guns.
the entire branch broke A journey, I will make
up. to distant parts beyond.
“It’s not my lucky day; A plate of noodles is
I’ll find another way!” the foe I will engage
Types of folk songs based on
functions:
Ballad- narrative song that tells a story (Example: Atin Cu Pung
Singsing)
Lullabye- songs for rocking the baby to sleep (Example: ili-ili Tulog
Anay)
Songs of friendship and Conviviality- drinking songs,
humorous songs, welcoming songs (Example: Salidummay, Doon Po
Sa Amin, Condansoy)
Love and Courtship Songs- love songs (parental and romantic
love) courtship song (Example: Si Nanay, Si Tatay di co Babayaan,
Pamulinawen, No Te Visayas)
Ritual or Religious Songs- used for worship or marking rites or
ceremonies (Example: Ka Sadya ning Taknaha)
Atin Cu Pung Singsing I Once Had a Ring
Folk Song Folk Song

Atin ku pung singsing I once had a ring

Metung yang timpukan That had a single gem
Amana ke iti I inherited it
King indung ibatan.* From my father*.

Sangkan keng sininup I thought I hid it

King metung a kaban In a chest
Mewala ya iti, But it disappeared
E ku kamalayan. Without my knowledge.

Ing sukal ning lub ku My despair was so great

Susukdul king banwa It reached the heavens
Pikurus kung gamat I clasped my hands**
Babo ning lamesa. And placed them upon the
table.
Ninu mang manakit
King singsing kung Whoever finds
mana The ring I inherited,
Kalulung pusu ku My poor heart
Manginu ya keya. Will worship him.
Types of folk songs based on
functions:
Ballad- narrative song that tells a story (Example: Atin Cu Pung
Singsing)
Lullabye- songs for rocking the baby to sleep (Example: ili-ili Tulog
Anay)
Songs of friendship and Conviviality- drinking songs,
humorous songs, welcoming songs (Example: Salidummay, Doon Po
Sa Amin, Condansoy)
Love and Courtship Songs- love songs (parental and romantic
love) courtship song (Example: Si Nanay, Si Tatay di co Babayaan,
Pamulinawen, No Te Visayas)
Ritual or Religious Songs- used for worship or marking rites or
ceremonies (Example: Ka Sadya ning Taknaha)
 Ili-Ili Tulog Anay

Ili-ili tulog anay, ikarga ang nakompra ko.

Wala diri imong nanay. kay bug-at man sing putos ko.
Kadto tienda bakal papay. tabangan mo ako anay..
Ili-ili tulog anay.
kay bug-at man sing putos ko..
ili ili tulog anay tabangan mo ako anay...
wala diri imo nanay
kadto tienda bakal papay ili ili tulog anay
Ili-ili tulog anay. wala diri imo nanay
kadto tienda bakal papay
mata kana tabangan mo. Ili-ili tulog anay...
Types of folk songs based on
functions:
Ballad- narrative song that tells a story (Example: Atin Cu Pung
Singsing)
Lullabye- songs for rocking the baby to sleep (Example: ili-ili Tulog
Anay)
Songs of friendship and Conviviality- drinking songs,
humorous songs, welcoming songs (Example: Salidummay, Doon Po
Sa Amin, Condansoy)
Love and Courtship Songs- love songs (parental and romantic
love) courtship song (Example: Si Nanay, Si Tatay di co Babayaan,
Pamulinawen, No Te Visayas)
Ritual or Religious Songs- used for worship or marking rites or
ceremonies (Example: Ka Sadya ning Taknaha)
 Salidumay
Kalikasan Nature
Kayamanan Wealth
Kagandahan Beauty
Among the Itneg Kabuhayan Livelihood
people, salidumay is the Ay, ay salidumay Ay, ay salidumay
response song of young Salidumay diway Salidumay diway
women to Yamang lupa Land riches
the kalkalimusta songs of Yamang tubig Water riches
men during the weaving Yamang puno Tree riches
season. The salidumay are Yamang hangin Wind riches
sweet melodies and Yamang tao People riches
expressions of gratitude. Yamang diwa Essence riches
Serving as indicators of Yamang malay Consciousness riches
acceptance or rejection, the Yamang kaluluwa Soul riches
songs play an important role Ay, ay salidumay Ay, ay salidumay
in the lives of young people of Salidumay diway Salidumay diway
courtship age. Kalinangan Resources
Kasaysayan History
Sulong, bayan Forward, country
Kalayaan… Freedom…
Types of folk songs based on
functions:
Ballad- narrative song that tells a story (Example: Atin Cu Pung
Singsing)
Lullabye- songs for rocking the baby to sleep (Example: ili-ili Tulog
Anay)
Songs of friendship and Conviviality- drinking songs,
humorous songs, welcoming songs (Example: Salidummay, Doon Po
Sa Amin, Condansoy)
Love and Courtship Songs- love songs (parental and romantic
love) courtship song (Example: Si Nanay, Si Tatay di co Babayaan,
Pamulinawen, No Te Visayas)
Ritual or Religious Songs- used for worship or marking rites or
ceremonies (Example: Ka Sadya ning Taknaha)
 Pamulinawen Lyrics -
Ilocano Songs

Pamulinawen
Pusok imdengam man
Toy umas-asug
Agrayo ita sadiam.
Panunotem man
Dika pagintultulngan
Toy agayat, agruknoy ita emmam.
Issemmo diak kalipatan
Ta nasudi unay a nagan,
Ta uray sadin ti ayan,
Disso sadino man,
{Aw-awagak a di agsarday
Ta naganmo nga kasam-itan}
No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran
Adu nga sabsabong, adu nga rosrosas
Ti adda't ditoy, Nena, nga
mabuybuyak,
Ngem awan manlaeng ti sabali nga
liwliwak
No di la dayta sudim ken imnas.
No umulogak nga mapan magmagna
Dayta raniagmo, Neneng nga gapu
kenka.
 Pamulinawen English
Lyrics
Pamulinawen, please do not be
upset,
That was just a joke
It won't happen again,
Have faith, my Darling.
If you are still angry,
Punish me completely
And you will expect
That I won't feel bad.
My love is real
And not merely a joke
My heart's with you
Have no doubt.
And if that is still not enough
I offer you my life
That is proof
Of my utter love.
If you are still angry,
Punish me completely
And you will expect
That I won't feel bad.
Types of folk songs based on
functions:
Ballad- narrative song that tells a story (Example: Atin Cu Pung
Singsing)
Lullabye- songs for rocking the baby to sleep (Example: ili-ili Tulog
Anay)
Songs of friendship and Conviviality- drinking songs,
humorous songs, welcoming songs (Example: Salidummay, Doon Po
Sa Amin, Condansoy)
Love and Courtship Songs- love songs (parental and romantic
love) courtship song (Example: Si Nanay, Si Tatay di co Babayaan,
Pamulinawen, No Te Visayas)
Ritual or Religious Songs- used for worship or marking rites or
ceremonies (Example: Ka Sadya ning Taknaa)
 Ka Sadya Ning Taknaa
I
Kasadya ning taknaa
Dapit sa kahimayaan
Maoy akong nakita
Ang panagway'ng masanagon
II
Bulahan ug bulahan
Ang tagbalay nga giawitan
Awit nga halandon sa tanang
pasko magmalipayon!
Repeat (I and II)
Chorus:
Bag-ong tuig
Bag-ong kinabuhi
Duyogan ta sa atong gibati
Atong awiton ug atong laylayon
Aron magmalipayon!
Repeat (I and II)
Repeat Chorus
Repeat (I and II)
Thank You 