Folk Song. A folk song is a traditional or composed song typically made up of stanzas, a refrain, and a simple melody. A stanza is a group of lines in a poem. A refrain is a phrase, line, or verse that recurs regularly at intervals throughout a poem or song, especially at the end of each stanza or division. A form of folk literature, folk songs are expressions of commonly shared ideas or feelings and may be narrative or lyric in style. As you read, try to determine the ideas or feelings that Foster expresses in “My Old Kentucky Home.”
Rhyme Scheme. A rhyme scheme is a pattern of end rhymes, or rhymes at the ends of lines of verse. Song verse may be written with a set rhyme scheme or in free verse, which does not have a regular rhyme, rhythm, meter, or division into stanzas. As you read, decide whether the lyrics in this song are written with a rhyme scheme or in free verse.
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“My Old Kentucky Home” was inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s abolitionist novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and expresses deep sympathy for enslaved African Americans. Written in 1858, the first draft in Foster’s sketchbook of the song was entitled “Poor Uncle Tom, good night” and was written in black dialect. Prior to publication Foster dropped most of the dialect and removed the references to Uncle Tom, emphasizing the more traditional and common themes of loss of one’s family, home, and childhood. “My Old Kentucky Home” is sung on national television every year on the day of the Kentucky Derby and remains the state’s official song.
What was it like the first time you were separated from your family?
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