Does anyone know a song that contains references to a specific myth, legend, or folktale?

Question

I am doing an essay for a class I am taking and the assignment is to analyze a song that has references to a specific myth, legend, folktale, fairy tale, etc. An example of this would be the Crane Wife by The Decemberists, but that was the example given to us so obviously I can't use that. Does anyone know of any songs out there that give reference to a specific story?

Answer 1

<>Fess Parker "Ballad Of Davy Crockett" It's a real oldie, so here's a link to the lyrics in case you can't find them:
http://www.leoslyrics.com/listlyrics.php?hid=dJHZsXTJXIA%3D

Answer 2

Take a look at Botkin's book on American Folklore. John Henry is excellent for your assignment. Davey Crockett had both the modern song by Disney and a Ballad from the period of his life.it's too long to post here but I'll scan it if you want to e-mail me.
There's also a song on Quantrell the Confederate raider if you want a song off the beaten path.

They're all in Botkin.

Answer 3

Check out a book called {A Bards Book of Pagan Songs}Stories and music from the celtic World by Hugin the Bard, ISBN 1-56718-603-3. if not in libary or book store. or write to Llewellyn's New Worlds of Mind and Spirit P.O. Box 64383-K603,St. Paul,MN 55164-0383,U.S.A. . or type Llewellyn Publications in your search bar and look for the on line store.

Answer 4

Casey Jones - John Henry - James Bowie - George A. Custer -

Answer 5

Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac

Answer 6

Iron Maiden wrote a song about the" flight of Icarus," you know, the guy who built himself some wings, and flew too close to the sun. He died ! (Greek mythology)
They have also done one about "the wickerman" (Paganism, I think)

Answer 7

Donovan is the singer the song name is "Atlantis" if you need any more info on it I have it in my music file.

Answer 8

STUPID CUPID
VENUS