3 Folk Songs From 1965 That Should Be Studied in Songwriting Classes
The article recommends three folk and folk-rock songs from 1965 as useful study material for aspiring songwriters. It argues that each demonstrates a different strength: bold artistic reinvention, timeless emotional writing and politically engaged protest songwriting.
– Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” is presented as a genre-blending, culturally enduring example of bold songwriting.
– Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound Of Silence”, written by Paul Simon early in his career, is praised for its poetic portrayal of isolation.
– Barry McGuire’s anti-war song “Eve Of Destruction” is highlighted as a potent model for writing about contemporary social issues.
- Three 1965 songs are recommended for aspiring songwriters.
- Dylan represents boldness and genre expansion.
- Simon and McGuire illustrate emotional and political songwriting.
New here? Start with this
The mid-1960s were a period when folk music was becoming closely linked with wider popular culture. Many performers used simple melodies and acoustic instruments to tell personal stories, explore social concerns or experiment with the sound of pop and rock.
Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and Barry McGuire were among the artists associated with this era. Their songs ranged from Dylan’s shifting, electric-influenced style to Paul Simon’s writing about loneliness, and McGuire’s direct response to fears about war and unrest.
The period is often remembered for showing that popular songs could be both commercially successful and lyrically ambitious. For new songwriters, these records offer examples of how voice, imagery and subject matter can shape a song’s impact.