Folk Lyrics in a Dangerous Time
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folklyrics.bsky.social
Folk Lyrics in a Dangerous Time
@folklyrics.bsky.social
680 followers 1.5K following 1.1K posts
Themes & through lines of folk/folk-adjacent music. For education only, buy the artists' work! Opinions mine alone. AI 🚫. 🇨🇦 (stolen land). Protect each other 😷💉🌎🕊💚 Bruce Cockburn nerd. She/her. 2024 posts at @folklyrics2024.bsky.social Also on Instagram.
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Folk Lyrics in a Dangerous Time @folklyrics.bsky.social · Feb 8
Page Notes
1. To find themes without scrolling, you can search "from:folklyrics.bsky.social" with theme name, click "latest" for songs to appear in order (of suggested listening). 2024 IG posts at @folklyrics2024.bsky.social

2. Playlists
tidal.com/browse/user/...

www.youtube.com/@folklyricsi...
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
20/20 "The Virgin"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxeQ...

Written by Gene Clark

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
She went off to the city To find what she was looking for To identify, to really try To find herself some hope With the summer sun for laughing Then the winter rain did pour She was lovelier for learning And from living, loving more Gene Clark [brown font on beige background]
January 31, 2026 at 11:04 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
19/20 "Summer Weaving"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtEF...

Written by Melanie Safka

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
And when it comes right down to it We're really all alone Unless we want someone to own And run the life we live, oh me To write a lonely night Into a poem Weave me a summer flight Into a music That I've loved and haven't known Weave me a summer night Into a winter fire For I'm very far from warm Melanie [white font on background of dark browns]
January 31, 2026 at 11:00 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
18/20 "Jellyfish"
florist.bandcamp.com/track/jellyf...

Written by @emilysprague.bsky.social of Florist

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
What makes meaningful space And what makes a family? There is nothing I can describe Better than a red sunrise Rainstorms in heaven Don't you know there is no Getting dirty in the summer? Don't you know that we'll grow old? There has got to be light Hitting us from the other side Will there still be winter in a year? Take one look through the lens Showing us what will come ahead Nothing is guaranteed but death Florist [white font on teal background that fades to light purple near the bottom]
January 31, 2026 at 10:53 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
17/20 "Old Hat"
jerrydaviddecicca.bandcamp.com/track/old-hat

Written by @jerrydaviddecicca.bsky.social

Featuring B.J. Cole on pedal steel

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
When I was a baby I sang about lost love and death Even though I knew nothing About life's rich pageant And I guess I'll wear my Old Hat again Guess I'll wear my Old Hat again Walk out into summer And I sweat with each footstep Till winter's stillness Let's me watch my last breaths And I guess I'll wear my Old Hat again Guess I'll wear my Old Hat again Jerry David DeCicca [shades of pale grey]
January 31, 2026 at 10:50 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
16/20 "(I Wanna) Feel It All"
dirtyprojectors.bandcamp.com/track/i-wann...

Written by David Longstreth of @dirtyprojectors.net

Featuring @dearnorareality.bsky.social

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
I wanna feel it all August's light, February's pall Thrill to the rise and rue the fall I wanna feel it all I wanna feel everything Sweetness of youth and old age's sting Open my eyes, wide and unblinking I wanna feel everything Dirty Projectors feat. Dear Nora [slate blue font on off-white background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:47 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
15/20 "Standing Still"
rebekahrolland.bandcamp.com/track/standi...

Written by Rebekah Rolland

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Figures and faded lines Red as summer light Black as February Frozen in my mind, in my mind Pressed deep in memory The plough, the tree alone And she is standing still In front of me Drawn like the prairie dawn Flickering through the night Faded now, but you never Really said goodbye Rebekah Rolland [orange-brown italic font on very pale orange background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:41 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
14/20 "I Have No Time"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVeP...

Written by Bert Jansch

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
I have no time to spend with you You talk of nothing, what can you do? You live like kings and you know it's true That if famine crossed the waters That'd be the end of you I've heard of people who till the earth Who sow their seeds for what they're worth Who cry for rain all summer long And weep for the dead When winter's passed and gone Bert Jansch [navy font on pale blue background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:37 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
13/20 "Canned Goods" (One Night version)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv6Q...

Written by Greg Brown

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Peaches on the shelf Potatoes in the bin Supper's ready, everybody Come on in, now And taste a little of the summer You can taste a little of the summer You can taste a little of the summer My grandma put it all in jars Oh, let those December winds Bellow and blow I'm as warm As a July tomato Greg Brown [brown font on beige background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:34 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
12/20 "The Last of the True Believers"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgj5...

Written by Nanci Griffith

Backing vocal by Lyle Lovett

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Oh, he said it was the sound Of the winter callin' From up around the bend Or it could be the cry Of your restless heart For the love of your long lost friends Oh but me, I think It's just the summertime And the heat of these Texas winds They keep on slappin' my face With dust so thick That the tears won't roll again Nanci Griffith [orange-brown font on off-white background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:30 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
11/20 "Long Winter Nights"
andrinaturenne.bandcamp.com/track/long-w...

Written by @andrinaturenne.bsky.social

Arranged with Damon Mitchell (also backing vocal) and Grant Siemens

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
And when I find this place If I take the leap of faith May the roots we grow together Twist together with such grace And hold us high When we're about to drown And it all feels like it's crashing down Crashing down Long winter nights fade into warm summer days Lazin' on the porch until the snow flies again Watch the sunrise with my baby Hear the wind telling us stories Andrina Turenne [blue font on sky blue that fades diagonally to very pale yellow]
January 31, 2026 at 10:21 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
10/20 "See the Woman" (Johnny Damas and Me version)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oknc...

Written by John Trudell (words) and Milton "Quiltman" Sahme (music)

Backing vocal by Madeline Sahme

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
See the woman beauty Lightning streaking Dark summer nights Forest of pines mating With new winter snow See the woman spirit Daily serving courage With laughter Her breath a dream And a prayer John Trudell & Quiltman [white font on pine green background]
January 31, 2026 at 10:13 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
9/20 "Neon Middle June"
johnmoreland.bandcamp.com/track/neon-m...

Written by @johnmoreland.bsky.social

Piano arrangement by @johncalvinabney.bsky.social

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
When you were a child Your faith was automatic Asleep in steady traffic Navigating western static And what if who I am Is who I used to be? Darling, you know that's The thought that paralyzes me Neon middle June Coloring the room Hold me close The January night is coming soon John Moreland [light grey with gritty texture]
January 31, 2026 at 10:06 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
8/20 "On Another Ocean (January / June)"
fleetfoxes.bandcamp.com/track/on-ano...

Written by Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes

With a sample at the end of "Tezeta" by Mulatu Astatke

Horn arrangement by Andy Clausen of The Westerlies

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
So, do You think the smoke It won't enfold you? Or there'll be someone Waiting for you Off in the distance, then? If only anything Could change you If only you knew What you claim to If only every sign You cling to If only they were so Fleet Foxes [silver blue font on shades of very pale silver blue]
January 31, 2026 at 9:41 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
7/20 "Insomniac's Lullaby"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MksN...

Written by Paul Simon

Backing vocal by Bobby McFerrin

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
A siren is playing its song In the distance The melody rattles The old window frame Gradually angels Reveal their existence And there's nothing And no one to blame Oh Lord, don't keep me up all night Side by side with the moon Alone in the bed, the season ahead Is winter that lasts until June The Insomniac's Lullaby Paul Simon [white font on red-brown surface that is illuminated slightly from the bottom left corner]
January 31, 2026 at 8:54 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
6/20 "On My Way"
junemcdoom.bandcamp.com/track/on-my-...

Written by June McDoom

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Why am I cold in a summer night? Why am I warm in a winter night? You give me fever when I'm near to you But I am all I am because of you... I ride the train at night And wonder if I will ever arrive But with your hand in mine Your head on my shoulder I'll close my eyes June McDoom [very pale sky blue]
January 31, 2026 at 8:51 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
5/20 "June Is as Cold as December"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQ7...

Written by Marjorie Barton

Performed by Gene Pitney

(Couldn't find backing vocal)

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Here comes June The prettiest girl in town When she's near The boys all gather 'round Hoping to be the one Her heart is searching for But June doesn't have A heart to offer anymore June is as cold as December June has a heartache she remembers The pain of one untrue love Left her afraid of new love Performed by Gene Pitney [slight blue through very cloudy pink sky]
January 31, 2026 at 8:48 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
4/20 "June Is the Coldest Month of the Year"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNZL...

Written by @elizacarthy.bsky.social

Performed as part of supergroup quartet with Bella Hardy, Lucy Farrell and Kate Young

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
I made a little baby I made her just for two And I put her in a carry case And I carried her off, it's true While I sang to her of you June is the coldest month Of the year June beats November For freezing remembrances, dear When all of your days are spent Sighing and looking askance Your nights could be spent Just inviting your best girls to dance Why don't you come home? Carthy Hardy Farrell Young [slight blue through very cloudy sky]
January 31, 2026 at 8:44 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
3/20 "As I Roved Out"
samamidon.bandcamp.com/track/as-i-r...

Traditional (aka "A-Roving on a Winter's Night")

Arranged by Sam Amidon

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
As I roved out On a cold winter's night Drinking all the sweet wine I spied that girl, sweet little girl Who broke this heart of mine What is it, banjo? Her cheeks are like some red roses That bloom in the month of June Her voice is like some instrument That's always on some tune Traditional, arr. by Sam Amidon [white font on midnight blue that fades to teal near the bottom]
January 31, 2026 at 8:39 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
2/20 "The Winter and the Summer"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRw7...

Written by Dave Lambert of Strawbs

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
She is not the only book I read See her pages are not torn And her story is of loneliness Though her memory's still warm The winter and the summer Need never come again The winter and the summer Need never come again In my life, there is no season No reason Strawbs [Image: purple font on background of shimmery white changing diagonally to purple and then green]
January 31, 2026 at 8:31 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
The Winter and the Summer
1/20 "Before Believing"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOg8...

Written by Danny Flowers

Performed by Emmylou Harris

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Winter, summer season is taking over It's quiet like new fallen snow I told you summer stories But outside it's getting mighty cold I told you everything I could about me Told you everything I could How would you feel if the world Was falling apart all around you? Pieces of the sky were falling In your neighbors' yard but not on you Wouldn't you feel just a little bit funny? Think maybe there's something You ought to do? Performed by Emmylou Harris [icy shade of sky blue]
January 31, 2026 at 8:27 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
For Minnesota
20/20 "Stone in the Water"
katewolf.bandcamp.com/track/stone-...

Written by Kate Wolf

Backing vocal by Tony Rice (but lead guitars by Nina Gerber and producer Bill Griffin)

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Now, babe, is that you crying 'Cause I'm not lying next to you? That sun going down Sure makes this lonesome town Thirty shades of blue Here in Minnesota Waiting out the summer's hottest night I think about you walking On the beach at home And I know you'll be alright... Throw a stone in the water And bless the son and daughter Of this rolling ocean shore Love waits to guide us Safely home once more Kate Wolf [slight blue through very cloudy pink sky]
January 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
For Minnesota
19/20 "Child of Violence"
humbird.bandcamp.com/track/child-...

Written by Siri Undlin of Humbird

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Another one from the church pew Would the son of God be angry or just confused? Another witch hunt under the blazing sun Another white man standing with a hot gun Another blue sky morning In the land of the free to believe Lies on the internet and the glamour of money Missing the real thing I could be a break in the chain You could be a break in the chain You could be a piece of the change When you talk about it, call it by its name Humbird [navy font on sky blue that fades diagonally to very pale yellow]
January 20, 2026 at 5:55 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
For Minnesota
18/20 "Minneapolis"
lukecallenmusic.bandcamp.com/track/minnea...

Written by Luke Callen

Backing vocal by Siri Undlin (of Humbird)

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
I guess here it ain't no different It's all stolen land Anywhere I walk I got the blood on my hands So I'll try and even out What's lost and what's to win And just keep on a-keepin' on In Saint Paul's twin Here I am, here I am Minneapple-e-i-o Luke Callen [brown font on beige background]
January 20, 2026 at 5:31 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
For Minnesota
17/20 "Buffalo"
hftrr.bandcamp.com/track/buffal...

Written by Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff

Backing band in this case consisted of producer Brad Cook, Phil Cook, Mike Mogis and Yan Westerlund

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Or will we keep on running? Like the sound of the buffalo herd That Sky Redhawk recorded Out on his cousin's farm Up north in Minnesota He tied the recorder in the yard Up to a gatepost waiting Slept out in a tent to hear The rumble of the big stampede That one day magically appeared Two weeks just to catch the buffalo... Some things take time, I know they do Hurray for the Riff Raff [orange-brown italic font on very pale orange background]
January 20, 2026 at 5:26 PM
folklyrics.bsky.social
For Minnesota
16/20 "New Snow"
anniehumphreymusic.bandcamp.com/track/new-snow

Written by Annie Humphrey

Backing vocal by S. Carey

This refers to harvesting wild rice as a member of the Leech Lake Ojibwe

#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
One day you're gonna bury me too Maybe there'll be new snow on the ground And even though you're all gonna be grown I sure hope you miss seeing me around There'll be no one to say "The rice is gonna be good Out on Ravens Bay" And there'll be no on to say "It's time to put the taps in Down on Sucker Bay" So you pretend That you know what you're doing Because your kids will be watching Annie Humphrey [slate blue font on off-white background]
January 20, 2026 at 5:22 PM