This feature explores how folk and pop songs pass down through generations by imitation and adaptation, a process folk revivalist Cecil Sharp described as one person singing a song and others changing it as they see fit. The piece traces this lineage through figures such as Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys and Nick Cave before examining chart-topping songs with unusually old origins, notably "Amazing Grace" and, older still, The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!".

Written by John Newton in 1772 and published in 1779, "Amazing Grace" reached UK number one via The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' 1972 instrumental version, drawing on a melody fixed in 1835. The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!" goes further back, with lyrics largely lifted from the Book of Ecclesiastes, reaching US number one on 4th December 1965 after entering the chart at 80th in October, and the song became emblematic of the Laurel Canyon folk-rock scene.