Guess the Folk Rock Lyrics Trivia Quiz

Answer: America

"America" was a 1972 song by Simon & Garfunkel. They were originally rock musicians when they were in high school. They wrote and recorded a folk music album in the early 1960s and then went their separate ways. After the Byrds debuted with folk rock, Simon and Garfunkel's manager had studio musicians record some electric guitar tracks for "The Sounds of Silence." They were mixed into the song and - voila! - we had two new folk rockers who reunited and performed together into the early '70s. They have occasionally appeared together since then.

Answer: All I Really Want To Do

The Byrds became the architects of folk rock music because their manager was looking for a way to merge the folk sound of Bob Dylan with the rock of the Beatles. Cool to the idea at first, the Byrds warmed to it and recorded several of Dylan's songs, including the one quoted here, "All I Really Want To Do", before experimenting with psychedelic and pop styles.

Answer: Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Written by Fairport Convention singer Sandy Denny, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" has been recorded by many artists, notably Judy Collins. The band's personnel changed several times over the years (Denny died in 1978) but they still perform.

Answer: Universal Soldier

"Universal Soldier" was written by singer/songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. Donovan had a hit record with it in 1965. As years went by, he was one of many who experimented with psychedelic and pop lyrics.

Answer: Jug Band Music

The Lovin' Spoonful had its roots in the folk and jug band music genres. Though the group only lasted five years (1964-1969) through the heart of the protest era, they stuck to a lighter pop-style of folk rock. "Jug Band Music" was an appropriate song for them: any problem could be overcome with a little singing and homemade instruments.

Answer: Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)

Melanie (Safka-Schekeryk) is an American singer/songwriter from New York state. Besides "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)' and the other songs which were possible answers, she also recorded a version of "Ruby Tuesday" by the Rolling Stones which became quite popular in Europe but not as much in the United States.

Answer: It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

In a much-discussed incident, Bob Dylan played an electric guitar at the last evening's concert of the 1965 Newport (Rhode Island) Folk Festival. Amidst some booing, he left the stage and returned with an acoustic guitar. "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" was the last of two acoustically-accompanied songs he played. Looking back, it seems a fitting exit of Dylan from one music genre to another. He never appeared at a Newport Festival again until 2002.

Answer: Teach Your Children

"Teach Your Children" was a 1970 song for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, a group formed primarily from other folk rock groups. When Neil Young is not performing with the group they call themselves Crosby, Stills & Nash. This song was written by Graham Nash after seeing a photograph entitled "Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park".

Answer: You've Got a Friend

James Taylor started recording in 1968 and really hit his stride in the 1970s. The selection here, "You've Got a Friend" was written by Carole King; many of Taylor's most popular songs he wrote himself.

Answer: For What It's Worth

Buffalo Springfield only lasted as a group for two years; there was too much infighting and personnel changing. The song in this question, "For What It's Worth" was their biggest hit and propelled several of the band members into successful careers, either solo or as part of other bands.