10 ’70s Folk Songs That Put Everyone to Sleep

Folk music in the 1970s often aimed for heartfelt storytelling and soothing melodies, but some songs leaned too far into mellow territory. While they had their charm, these tracks became synonymous with inducing yawns. Here are ten ’70s folk songs that struggled to keep listeners awake.

1. Simon & Garfunkel – “Song for the Asking” (1970)

This gentle closer from Bridge Over Troubled Water was more of a whisper than a statement. The track’s soft guitar and Paul Simon’s delicate vocals felt too fragile to hold attention. It lacked the emotional weight of their more memorable hits.

Though undeniably pretty, “Song for the Asking” barely registered compared to the duo’s iconic anthems. Its lullaby-like quality often left listeners fighting the urge to drift off.

2. Joan Baez – “All My Trials” (1973)

Joan Baez’s cover of this traditional folk song was hauntingly beautiful but almost too serene. Her crystalline voice floated over sparse instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that bordered on soporific.

While Baez’s talent was undeniable, the track lacked the dynamism needed to stand out. Its somber tone made it more suited for lulling listeners to sleep than engaging them.

3. James Taylor – “Places in My Past” (1971)

James Taylor’s reflective style was a hallmark of his success, but “Places in My Past” from Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon felt overly subdued. The introspective lyrics and soft guitar strumming made it blend into the background.

Taylor’s gentle delivery worked wonders on hits like “Fire and Rain,” but this track lacked the spark to leave a lasting impression. It’s one that often fades into the ether.

4. Gordon Lightfoot – “Saturday Clothes” (1970)

Known for his rich storytelling, Gordon Lightfoot occasionally missed the mark. “Saturday Clothes” from If You Could Read My Mind was pleasant but uninspired. The mellow tempo and restrained vocals failed to capture the emotional depth of his best work.

Lightfoot’s usual ability to connect with listeners felt absent here, leaving the song adrift in its own dreamy haze. It’s a track best suited for a lazy afternoon nap.

5. Cat Stevens – “Silent Sunlight” (1972)

Cat Stevens’ “Silent Sunlight” from Catch Bull at Four leaned heavily on gentle piano and wistful lyrics. The track’s subdued nature made it feel more like a meditation than a song meant to hold attention.

While Stevens’ voice was as warm as ever, “Silent Sunlight” lacked the melodic strength of his hits. It’s a piece that’s more likely to soothe listeners into slumber than captivate them.

6. Carly Simon – “It Was So Easy” (1974)

Carly Simon’s “It Was So Easy” from Hotcakes was a soft ballad that drifted into forgettable territory. The minimal arrangement and Simon’s subdued delivery made it feel like a lullaby rather than a standout track.

Though Simon excelled at emotional depth, this song’s lack of dynamic range left it feeling one-dimensional. It’s a track that’s often overshadowed by her more engaging hits.

7. Harry Chapin – “Mail Order Annie” (1974)

Harry Chapin’s storytelling was his strength, but “Mail Order Annie” from Verities & Balderdash was almost too quiet. The slow tempo and tender delivery made it easy for listeners to lose focus.

While the narrative was heartfelt, the song’s sleepy pace worked against it. It’s a track that feels better suited for bedtime than active listening.

8. Judy Collins – “Secret Gardens” (1973)

Judy Collins’ “Secret Gardens” from True Stories and Other Dreams was undeniably beautiful, but its languid pace made it hard to stay engaged. The soft instrumentation and dreamy vocals created a tranquil, almost hypnotic effect.

Collins’ poetic lyrics shone, but the track’s lack of energy kept it from standing out. It’s a song that’s better appreciated as background music.

9. Don McLean – “Crossroads” (1971)

Don McLean’s “Crossroads” from American Pie took a far more subdued approach than the album’s title track. The introspective lyrics and slow tempo made it easy for listeners to tune out.

McLean’s talent for crafting poignant melodies was evident, but “Crossroads” lacked the momentum to hold attention. It’s a song that’s often skipped in favor of his more dynamic work.

10. Arlo Guthrie – “The Pause of Mr. Claus” (1972)

Arlo Guthrie’s “The Pause of Mr. Claus” from Hobo’s Lullaby was a quirky, spoken-word piece that felt more like a monologue than a song. Its meandering pace and lack of melody made it a challenge to sit through.

While Guthrie’s wit was evident, the track’s unconventional structure left many listeners checking out early. It’s a curious experiment that missed the mark for most.