Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we’ll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we’ll look at Robbers’ Retreat in an attempt to figure out why the song (also known as Cadgwith Anthem) doesn’t seem to follow any of those patterns.Host: Olivia HardingSupport Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*Musical excerpts:ARTIST: Steeleye SpanWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBpPYA8ebYARTIST: Ewan MacCollWORK: Alan Tyne O’HarrowSOURCE: https://ewanmaccoll.bandcamp.com/track/alan-tyne-o-harrowARTIST: Martin CarthyWORK: Newlyn TownSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM7hDJI85uIARTIST: Roger McGuinnWORK: Whiskey in the JarSOURCE: https://youtu.be/i8iAp0mTKjo?si=htJCj3YzGDz4UWsoARTIST: Loreena McKennittWORK: The HighwaymanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YGFo0xn4JeYARTIST: Ewan MacCollWORK: The Crafty FarmerSOURCE: https://youtu.be/GT_uXRERmsE?si=bNwLhDjFCXB9yuijARTIST: Magpie LaneWORK: The Highwayman OutwittedSOURCE: https://youtu.be/kXHL6omuz3c?si=pnX3AOzB6sbfoNZuARTIST: Jackie OatesWORK: Robbers’ RetreatSOURCE: https://youtu.be/ZzPA52DWzwM?si=ZkM3a4WDugEpC4ypARTIST: The Mousehole Male Voice ChoirWORK: The Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/yXFIUuWARB0?si=mgpBLQqoKOYtge7NARTIST: The Longest JohnsWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/UiBlnnN2PWU?si=78Mzy7npMptFomP1ARTIST: Bounding MainWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/KQbYYnoM3wM?si=UF20bLf7VaKn-lGD
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Episode #2.7 - I Died For Love
This episode of Folk Files looks at a family of songs where the main character “dies for love.” In particular, I explore “The Butcher Boy,” a song with American, Irish, and English versions. The versions vary drastically: they swap out characters, drop details, and change the reasoning behind the narrator’s decisions. I investigate what effect these changes have on the listener and what lessons we can draw from those effects.Host: Olivia HardingCheck out more from Pollyanna: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Rgyvnw9WrAm20MhlS2kyp?si=irIKZtNOTFaZWDOt9mh0cASpecial thanks to: Aaron J. MortonSupport Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*Musical excerpts:ARTIST: Alisa MarieWORK: O’Carolan’s CupSOURCE: https://youtu.be/zrBwqFco0Xs?si=-SdsYnEWGiD5SnFOARTIST: Sarah MakemWORK: The Butcher BoySOURCE: https://youtu.be/x_mtUaBHWCE?si=tBXVy9ELCV9dECghARTIST: Derek and Hazel SarjeantWORK: A Sailor Coming Home on LeaveSOURCE: https://youtu.be/e91Ug-CAjAc?si=sMcd-NpQC-FQmNSLARTIST: Music the GatheringWORK: Johnny Jump UpSOURCE: https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album-esexeARTIST: Frank ProfittWORK: Morning FairSOURCE: https://youtu.be/wdyO1890Zpc?si=1esdsYhrRNWTg7zDARTIST: Sam LeeWORK: Over Yonders HillSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2jcdbFRRYcARTIST: The Kings of CalicuttWORK: Sheffield ParkSOURCE: https://youtu.be/o1lDKhJd6Pw?si=XWyn9hQQ3ImN2PRqARTIST: BellowheadWORK: Cold Blows the WindSOURCE: https://youtu.be/WvuxL8UQiLQ?si=Sdr7Zz7yUVEXi7zgARTIST: Jean RitchieWORK: Go Dig My GraveSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGrcOqcbzYkARTIST: The Clancy BrothersWORK: The Butcher BoySOURCE: https://youtu.be/WMc8QSxZe_M?si=PIv8GZyRL_1vkSRDARTIST: Buell KazeeWORK: Butcher’s BoySOURCE: https://youtu.be/lwSJoMNRGuI?si=fehdH-zflcTkTbY2ARTIST: PollyannaWORK: Railroad BoySOURCE: https://pollyanna.bandcamp.com/album/man-time-deluxe-edition
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Episode #2.6 - No Strings Attached
Welcome to Part II of Folk Files’ exploration of the history of folk instruments! Learn about the origins and etymology of accordions, concertinas, harmonicas, bagpipes, whistles, and a sampling of percussion! (Recorded with a head cold - please excuse any stuffiness).Host: Olivia HardingSpecial thanks to: Aaron J. MortonSupport Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcastMusical excerpts:ARTIST: Duo SynkroWORK: Live at Paris Bal FolkSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1XgiYjo1HEARTIST: Wu WeiWORK: Sheng performance with Helsinki PhilharmonicSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xios4KtjG2AARTIST: Mark KloegWORK: Cantiga 100SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtWazpkuz7oARTIST: Paul YoungWORK: Michael’s JigSOURCE: https://youtu.be/f8TX7jO-_es?si=AWS2GmtPtNJhMRMcARTIST: Sofia RosWORK: La CampanellaSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ARC2YxsbE0ARTIST: Nick AriondoWORK: Flight of the BumblebeeSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxTOwXEy2MoARTIST: Yuxin DingWORK: The EntertainerSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8kmUkDwgIsARTIST: Sonny Boy WilliamsonWORK: Bye Bye BirdSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-PhBryFuIMARTIST: Carlos VivesWORK: Hijo de VallenatoSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORzwHmeJAmUARTIST: Piper Jones BandWORK: Live at the Loch Norman Scottish Festival 2023SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teJu3_eJGnMARTIST: Chris McMullanWORK: The Limerick LamentSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Dm3EpfuxuG0ARTIST: Christy BarryWORK: Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Music (Doolin Style)SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpN36I9xr-oARTIST: Spokes MashiyaneWORK: A song off the 1959 album “King Kwela”SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adyM1Gx1lHUARTIST: John Joe KellyWORK: Bodhrán solo from “Island Songs”SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1G-A-wdu0ARTIST: Abby “The Spoon Lady” and Lyle RickardsWORK: I’ll Fly AwaySOURCE: https://youtu.be/Ibye4LNpWD8?si=Y5wPiddyQXs5Pmj1ARTIST: Dom FlemonsWORK: How To Play the Bones with Dom FlemonsSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMokBr9cTxM
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Episode #2.5 - Strings Attached
This episode of Folk Files takes a departure from folk songs to talk about folk instruments! Learn about the history, ancestors, and etymology of folky string instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar!Host: Olivia HardingSpecial thanks to: Aaron J. MortonCheck out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast?redirect=trueMusical excerpts:ARTIST: Ekona DiattaWORK: GambiaSOURCE: https://youtu.be/FHCpjVrGDNk?si=90XYIILixvtyxtMRARTIST: The Harper and the MinstrelWORK: Cantiga 353SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVrfqvHVbdUARTIST: Valentina NicolaiWORK: Il BallerinoSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfx7WcyG5sIARTIST: Ragnhild HemsingWORK: ValdresgutenSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYSVDG8ZFNwARTIST: Chris ThileWORK: Jessamyn’s ReelSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88q9syere0QARTIST: RAVNWORK: In Nature #2SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cCM04Qvx2wARTIST: Edward FosterWORK: Ja Nus Hons PrisSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mfDscXoY8AARTIST: Bernardo de PaceWORK: The Wizard of the MandolinSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHfQTzDnz9sARTIST: Rolf LislevandWORK: UnknownSOURCE: https://youtu.be/jUd_Tl3N3wE?si=X60gcIMUodA_J3wZARTIST: Mariachi Juvenil PerlaWORK: El CascabelSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SVCsqs3VscARTIST: Justin JohnsonWORK: Justin Johnson Plays the Diddley BowSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Ic3j7f5GUARTIST: Miles Caton (Sinners 2025 Soundtrack)WORK: Travelin’SOURCE: https://youtu.be/1hC9X81x7nY?si=xW18W3o91LS2RTEaARTIST: Sol HoopiiWORK: PaloloSOURCE: https://youtu.be/kPzqjmgi2-I?si=PC7eTQXuaPmCuRceARTIST: The Lady VictoriaWORK: King of the FairiesSOURCE: https://youtu.be/QuYm9wvTvkc?si=v2wN0FT2YmDgk_RvARTIST: Frontier Culture MuseumWORK: O du lieber AugustineSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTAtHhG7H6AARTIST: Joni MitchellWORK: California (Live)SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5BnE5_lPqEARTIST: Scott MarshallWORK: UnknownSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBSXocQog0ARTIST: UnknownWORK: OrganistrumSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg5J1cQs7CM
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Folk Files #2.4 - I Am A Roving Gambler
This episode explores the variations, history, and geography of the bluegrass song “The Roving Gambler.”Host: Olivia HardingSpecial thanks to: Ashford King, The Cecil Sharp House/Ralph Vaughan Williams Library, and Aaron J. MortonCheck out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/Listen to Ashford King: https://open.spotify.com/album/1IZwE0c1mzOQtd3nnWn8nE?si=A5AenKxXRvmAiM_duUVHPgSupport Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast?redirect=trueMusical excerpts:ARTIST: Doc WatsonWORK: The Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhTcFh_jAnMARTIST: Larry SparksWORK: Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVrfqvHVbdUARTIST: Albert SalleeWORK: Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/1771ARTIST: Donna EverettWORK: Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/1221ARTIST: Rambling Jack ElliottWORK: Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B5BHG5G1P8ARTIST: The CorriesWORK: Roving JourneymanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5LzHSci1LgARTIST: Harry BrazilWORK: Rambling IrishmanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDaC883iJjoARTIST: Tom WillettWORK: The Roving JourneymanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_DoReXQMRMARTIST: Delia MurphyWORK: Roving JourneymanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bztY9bHbbVAARTIST: Samantha BumgarnerWORK: The Gamblin’ ManSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWfszrzc51Q&t=121sARTIST: Leroy GardnerWORK: Gambling ManSOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/2942ARTIST: The Wolfe TonesWORK: Paddy Lay BackSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QqpcENtS-sARTIST: Joan BaezWORK: The Trees They Do Grow HighSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh7Lcw0ZIWcARTIST: The Staple SingersWORK: Move Along TrainSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fdbij67yUsARTIST: Alison KraussWORK: Down to the River To PraySOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SZv7JJqcNYARTIST: Clancy Brothers and Robbie O’ConnellWORK: MoonshinerSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du8Naz_iAg4ARTIST: Johnny WhistletriggerWORK: Guerrilla ManSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1OweaWbxcARTIST: Ashford KingWORK: Roving GamblerSOURCE: https://open.spotify.com/track/5rkkQsz2EC9VaFTnAJWAHJ?si=213e5631c1a04ca0
Welcome to Folk Files, a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music throughout the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time!
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