Types of Songs

Because singing songs has been around for such a long time, there are many types. One of the oldest songs in the world is a hymn found in Syria that traces back to 1400 BCE. Throughout the world, many cultures had songs connected to their history, often passed down from one generation to another. Everyone knew them even though they didn't have sheet music. These are known as traditional or folk songs, and they reflect life and activities of common people.

Some folk songs existed for decades before later composers or music scholars finally wrote them down. An example of this type of song is 'Londonderry Air,' which came from Northern Ireland. It was written down around 1851, but probably heard for years before that, and given several different sets of lyrics before being connected to the words and a different title for which it's best known today: 'Danny Boy.'

Sea shanties are an example of another type of song. Sea shanties were sung on sailing ships and tended to be work songs. They had a repetitive rhythm to coordinate sailors' activities and help them work together in hard jobs like pulling ropes and anchors, and putting up or taking down sails. One famous shanty is 'What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?'

Songs meant for children are another type of song, such as 'Blow The Man Down'. You might have sung it in elementary school music class. If you listen to it, does it sound familiar? It was adapted for use as the theme to Spongebob Squarepants!

Other types of songs include African spirituals, religious hymns, country music songs, rock and pop songs, and songs from Broadway musicals. Now let's look at a few examples of songs in more detail.