Popular Folk Music Songs
On The Acoustic

Cats In The Cradle by Harry Chapin was a big hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1974 and No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

The song, originally a poem by Chapin's wife Sandy, tells the story of a father who is too busy for his son, only to have the roles reversed when the son grows up.

Over the years, many artists have covered "Cats in the Cradle," including Ugly Kid Joe, whose 1992 version introduced the song to a new generation. The song's theme of a changing father-son relationship continues to resonate with listeners.

Its emotional story about the importance of family has made it one of Harry Chapin's most memorable and touching songs.

This one I play in standard tuning with a capo on the 8th fret. The rhythm is down down up down up down up and repeat pattern and a few riffs blended into the rhythm. The chord you'll need are A, G, C, D, D/Gb, Em and a  G6.

Dead Skunk is a humorous song by Loudon Wainwright III, released in 1972 on his album "Album III." It describes a skunk that has been run over and the lingering smell it leaves behind.

The song became Wainwright's biggest hit, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. Its playful lyrics and catchy folk-rock melody contributed to its popularity as a novelty song.

Despite its silly subject matter, "Dead Skunk" became a significant part of Wainwright's musical identity and remains one of his most well-known songs.

While some critics dismissed it as a one-hit wonder, it brought Wainwright to a broader audience and stands out in his discography for its unique theme and commercial success.

This one is played with the chords G, C and D and I play with a capo on the 2nd fret. You'll play a simple root down up root up down up rhythm pattern and some picking in between the verses in standard tuning.

I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound is a folk song by Tom Paxton from his 1964 album "Ramblin' Boy." Although it didn't become a major chart hit, it became a favorite among folk music fans and is one of Paxton's signature songs.

The song's lyrics explore the restlessness of life on the road, resonating with many listeners. Paxton's thoughtful words and soothing voice have made it a favorite for fans and musicians.

Over the years, artists like Johnny Cash, Harry Belafonte, and Judy Collins have covered the song, highlighting its enduring appeal and universal themes. Many see "Ramblin' Boy" as Paxton's debut album because it was released by Elektra Records, a major label.

This one is played in standard tuning with a capo 2nd fret and contains a few riffs in the rhythm. I'm playing a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern using the chords C, F, Dm, G, G7, C and G6.

I'm The Man That Built The Bridges is a song by folk singer-songwriter Tom Paxton from his 1962 album of the same name. Though it didn't chart widely, it holds a special place in folk music.

The song reflects on the labor and unsung heroes who built the nation's infrastructure. Paxton's heartfelt lyrics and warm delivery make it a powerful tribute to the working class.

Over the years, it has been appreciated by fellow folk artists and musicians, remaining a significant piece in Paxton's extensive body of work.

I play this with a capo on the 4th fret in standard tuning with a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There is some picking in this one with the chords C, C7, F and G.

Indiana Wants Me was written by Canadian artist R. Dean Taylor and was a top 10 in both Canada and the US in 1970.

This one can be found on his album "I Think Therefore I Am".

Played with a capo 1st fret in standard tuning, this song has no lead work in it and is played with the chords G, C, D, G6, Em, E7, A7, F, Am and D7. You'll need a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

One Toke Over The Line was the debut single for the duo Brewer and Shipley back in 1971. Both artists recall being out of it and Tom Shipley kept saying he was one toke over the line. That was the inspiration for the tune.

The duo only had this song that reached the top 40 and peaked at #10 in the US, #5 in Canada and #7 in New Zealand. The song is on their album "Tarkio".

Use a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning and a capo 2nd fret. The chords are D, G, A/Db, Bm, Bm/B, A7, D7, E7 and you'll need to perform some lead playing here.

Sunshine was Jonathan Edwards' highest charting song reaching #4 in the US, #7 in Canada and #45 in Australia. The engineer accidentally erased a a song for the album called Please Find Me.

So Sunshine was used to finish the album and was selected as the single. It's from his debut album "Jonathan Edwards" from 1971.

With the chords G, D, F and a D7, play in standard tuning with a down up stop up and repeat rhythm pattern and be ready for a bit of picking in this one.

Taxi an important song by Harry Chapin from his 1972 album "Heads & Tales." Like his well-known "Cats in the Cradle," "Taxi" resonated deeply with listeners, establishing Chapin as a talented folk singer and songwriter.

Although "Taxi" didn't top the music charts like "Cats in the Cradle," it still made an impact, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Chapin's skill in creating emotional and storytelling music shines through in this song.

"Taxi" has been covered by many artists over the years, showing its lasting appeal. The song's tale of lost love and the passage of time continues to touch the hearts of folk music fans.

Inspired by one of Chapin's former lovers, the song tells a poignant story of reunification and missed chances, showcasing Chapin's ability to capture complex emotions and narratives.

The rhythm here is a 1-2-3 up down up down up and repeat (where 1-2-3 are arpeggio notes in the chord), and a chop ddudduddu later on. Played in standard tuning and no lead work, use the chords D7, Am/D, C, A#, G, D, Em, Bm, A7, Dsus2/F, Dm (add9)/B♭, F, Cmaj7, Gm.

The Last Thing On My Mind is a classic folk song written by Tom Paxton, featured on his 1964 album "Ramblin' Boy." Though it didn't become a chart-topper, it holds a special place in the hearts of folk music fans.

Paxton's songwriting brilliance shines in "The Last Thing on My Mind," with its emotional lyrics and heartfelt vocals telling a tale of love and loss. Over the years, it's been covered by many artists, including Joan Baez, Neil Diamond, and Judy Collins, showing its universal appeal.

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner's 1967 duet brought the song to a wider audience, peaking at #7 in the US. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes and emotional resonance. For thythm I play a root down up down up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning and a capo 2nd fret. There is some picking here playing the three chords G, C and D.

Torn Between Two Lovers  is Mary MacGregor's first album. It was made and partly written by Peter Yarrow and came out in 1976. The album reached number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Three singles were released to promote the album, and all of them made it to both the Country singles and Hot 100 pop charts. The title song was a number-one hit on both the pop and adult contemporary charts.

This one uses a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a capo on the 3rd fret. I'm playing a G, Am, D, Em, Am7, C, Bm, D and an E chord with no lead work.

Welcome Back was released in 1976 by the front man for The Lovin Spoonful, John Sebastian who wrote and recorded this song. It appeared as the theme song for the TV show Welcome Back Kotter.

The song peaked at #1 in the US and is from the album of the same name.

Using the chords G, A, D, Em, A7sus, A7, Gbm, B7, Esus, E you'll also need some lead in this one. I play in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with a few shuffle strums.

"W.O.L.D" is a notable song by Harry Chapin, found on his 1973 album "Short Stories." It showcases Chapin's talent for storytelling, portraying the life of an aging disc jockey in a way that connects with listeners.

Although "W.O.L.D" didn't reach the same heights as "Cats in the Cradle," it still left its mark, reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's engaging narrative reflects Chapin's ability to create relatable stories.

Over time, "W.O.L.D" has remained popular, resonating with fans for its introspective exploration of a DJ grappling with time's passage. The title, standing for "West of Leavenworth and Dearborn," adds depth to the song's narrative, showcasing Chapin's clever storytelling.

The chords you'll need here are Em, Em/Eb, Em/D, Em/Db, Cmaj7, B, Am7, G, C, D, Am, F, B7 but no lead picking. I play in standard tuning with a 1-2 down up and repeat - down up stop up down up stop up is a  2nd pattern and down down down up down up is a 3rd rhythm pattern needed.