I have been listening to folk punk for many years now and I think it’s such a great music genre that people should listen to more. I would definitely describe it as a niche music genre and an “acquired taste” because it has a pretty unique sound. I have compiled a playlist of what I think are the best folk punk songs and the ones to get you into folk punk. Hope you enjoy!
1. Try This At Home (Solo Acoustic) – Frank Turner
Favorite lyrics:
‘Cause we write love songs in C and we do politics in G
We sing songs about our friends in E minor
2. More about Alcoholism – Ramshackle Glory
Favorite lyrics:
I swear on my last cigarette that i’d love you my d-d-darling. I’d love you if I could
But since the day I was born, it’s been too late for me to be anything but what I am tonight…
3. Kiss Off – Violent Femmes
Favorite lyrics:
And 5, 5, 5 for my lonely
And 6, 6, 6 for my sorrow
And 7, 7 n-n-n-n-no tomorrow
4. Rejoice – AJJ
Favorite lyrics:
Rejoice despite the fact this world will tear you to shreds
Rejoice because you’re trying your best
5. My Name is Emily – Local News Legend
Favorite lyrics:
I’m honestly not sad, I think I’m growing up
And I’m falling in love and getting hurt, I’ve got to suck it up
6. I Was a Young Man – The Owl Service
Favorite lyrics:
I was a young man, I was a rover
Nothing could satisfy me but a wife
When I reached the age of twenty
Weary was I of a single life
7. If I Should Fall From Grace with God – The Pogues
Favorite lyrics:
Bury me at sea
Where no murdered ghost can haunt me
If I rock upon the waves
No corpse shall lie upon me
8. No Children – The Mountain Goats
Favorite lyrics:
And I hope the junkyard a few blocks from here
Someday burns down
And I hope the rising black smoke carries me far away
And I never come back to this town again
9. American Tune – AJJ
Favorite lyrics:
I’m a guy getting paid more than a girl with a degree
And I can walk down the streets after dark
No one wants to rape me
And I can get a girl pregnant
And just as easily flee
Just like my straight white male dad did to me
I hope you liked this introduction to folk punk! It’s a very broad genre of music and there’s lots of it so have fun discovering new bands and songs like I do!
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