The Real American Folk Song

Near Barcelona, the peasant crooned The old traditional Spanish tunes The Neapolitan street song sighs You think of Italian skys Each nation has a creative vein Originating a native strain With folk songs plaintive and others gay In their own peculiar way American folk songs, I feel Have a much stronger appeal The real American folksong is a rag A mental jag A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues The critics called it a "joke song" but now They've changed their tune And they like it, somehow For it's innoculated With a syncopated Sort of meter Sweeter Than a classic strain Boy you can't remain Still or quiet For it's a riot The real American folksong Is like a fountain of youth You taste, and it elates you And then, invigorates you The real American folksong The masses coaxed on Is a rag The real American folksong is a rag A mental jag A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues The critics called it a "joke song" but now They've changed their tune And they like it, somehow For it's innoculated With a syncopated Sort of meter Sweeter Than a classic strain Boy you can't remain Still or quiet For it's a riot The real American folksong Is like a fountain of youth You taste, and it elates you And then, invigorates you The real American folksong Is a rag