Folkie Friday: Nothing new under the sun

As my friends bemoaned various things that have upset them (and rightly so in my mind, since I am upset by some of the recent occurrences as well), I am reminded that other generations have faced issues at least as frightening.

And since my definition of folk music is that which expresses shared values and experiences, I think this song can serve as a reminder. We have been on the eve of destruction before, and we have come through. I may not be able to trust my fellow citizens, but I can trust those who truly believe in the golden rule.  Not to do unto other before they do unto you, but as you would have them do unto you. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

And maybe, just maybe, some who think it is not their responsibility to assist those less fortunate then themselves might recall:

Matthew 25:35-40New International Version (NIV)

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (bible gateway)

And now that I am off my horse, here is today's folkie Friday selection

Maryanne

The Last Thing on my Mind

So the general consensus regarding last week's song was that it's probably not technically a folk song, although it does hearken back to folk stylings from a more European or Israeli mold. I should probably admit that one of the main reasons I included it was because it was stuck in my head that day and I was feeling a tad sentimental, which isn't the most academic reason to hijack a blog. Would I be pushing it too far to say que sera, sera?

This week I'll pull up one of my favorites from the Seekers. It's a well-recognized American folk song that found wide popularity in the folk revival of the 1960s. I've heard many different versions, but this is one of my favorites:

Just for fun though, let's include a version with a distinctly different sound:

And one more, for good measure: