Examines North America's folk song heritage including songs about work, love, and religion, as well as children's songs, comic songs, protest songs, and more.

Why do we sing: the meaning of song -- Work songs: adding color to dull routine -- Love songs: music for moping -- Spirituals and religious songs: bound for glory -- Protest songs: we shall overcome -- Cowboy and convict songs: from prairies to prisons -- Railroad songs: rhythms in the rails -- Comic songs: laughter and serious singing -- Children's songs: why people shouldn't swallow flies.