Folk Music And Its Relevance To Modern Life

Folk music has held a sway over people for ages. Even though it is very different from the hip-rocking and swinging music of the day, folk has its own place in the hearts of its lovers. Yet most of the modern generation does not even know what this lovely soulful variety of music means. For anyone who dares call him or herself a music buff of any standard, it is absolutely essential to be aware of this extraordinary form of music.

One of the most underestimated, yet essential forms of music, folk music acts as a safety valve for the society. By giving an outlet to the feelings of the people, it perhaps avoids other possibly violent forms of dissent.

Some of this music deals with folk stories that have been handed down the generations, again by word of mouth. They may not even be found in books, yet recount in graphic detail the victories of the heroes of the age in which they originated. To the extent, that you may even call it "oral history" of the sect to which the song belongs.

Another variety is one which pokes innocent, mildly sarcastic fun at the ironies of daily life. A favorite in most cultures are songs reflecting the relationships between son and mother-in-law, daughter-in-law and father-in-law or mother-in-law, poking at the intricacies of the delicate relations that go sour at the drop of a hat, and are the butt of most modern jokes as well.

Most folk music reflects the times in which it was composed. Thus you are sure to find music talking about slave culture, the civil war, the great depression, and so on. While you may not find it being played very often by your favorite