The magic of an evening spent around the campfire is all about warmth, laughter and music. Having a great and relaxing time at the end of a day spent hiking or trekking in the great Canadian outdoors is the perfect way to wind down and end another fantastic day in nature.
Everyone can join in and sing favourite tunes or learn new ones for added enjoyment. They create special memories of an exciting adventure in the wilds and bring everyone together for a fun time that you'll remember long after it's over.
Here, we'll take a look at the significance of campfire songs and offer some you may know and others you might want to learn on your next trip into the Canadian wilderness.
The History of Campfire Songs
For centuries, campfire songs have been a way for people to bond, share stories and also just to pass the time, especially on long, dark and cold winter nights. They got the benefit of a good time and some heat to warm them up.
Way back in the early days of campfires, there was no such thing as television, radio or other forms of electronic entertainment, so people had to make their own and campfire songs became an easy way for people to amuse themselves -- and it's free.
The origins of campfire songs lie in the storytelling traditions of communities. Coupled with simple instruments like tambourines or guitars, music became a more enjoyable way of hearing about tales of times gone by. And it made it all the easier to hand them down. Various parts of the world have different campfire song traditions, such as:
- Canada: Indigenous communities have traditionally used music to connect with nature and celebrate it, as well as fostering a greater sense of spirituality. Chanting and drumming are key aspects of such gatherings and rituals.
- Europe: Hunting and exploration themes are hallmarks of campfire songs in European countries, with such tunes as Scarborough Fair and Greensleeves popular in many nations.
- North America: European folk and campfire songs made their way to the United States when settlers moved to the New World. Classics include Home on the Range and She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain.
Campfire songs' cultural significance lies in their ability to transcend entertainment and unite people in a shared experience that can break down barriers and allow everyone to speak -- or sing -- with the same voice. It results in a deeply personal and memorable experience, and if it's for this reason that campfire songs remain as relevant as ever -- even in the digital and social media age.
Classic Campfire Songs
The following is a list of classic campfire songs that are as popular today as when they first appeared. Lots of people know the lyrics, or at least some of them, making them ideal for campfire singalongs.
1. Kumbaya
Possibly the greatest campfire song of all time, it has its origins in spirituality.
2. This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie
A great folk classic loved by many.
3. Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
One of the best campfire songs for outdoor lovers.
4. Blowin’ in the Wind - Bob Dylan
Another classic that's perfect for the campfire.
5. Home on the Range
Also based on the great outdoors, it's great for campfire singalongs too.
6. She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain
A popular and fun one for campers of all ages, especially younger ones.
7. Leaving on a Jet Plane - John Denver
A nice and easy campfire tune for all.
8. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
One of the all-time crowd favourites, and almost everyone knows the chorus.
9. Don’t Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Great for instilling a positive mood around the campfire.
10. American Pie - Don McLean
Popular for its storytelling appeal, and length.
Technology and Campfire Songs
Campfires may be traditional and old-world, requiring little beyond some wood and a lighter to get them going. But technology has been creeping in in recent times, as we seek ways to make the campfire experience even better. Here are some ways you can incorporate some tech into your next campfire to give it an ambiance boost:
- You may be able to use portable speakers, if your campground allows it and you won't be disturbing fellow campers. You could then have louder sound if you have a big group, play a backing track or sing along to music.
- You could also consider an electric guitar or other musical instruments that use electricity, to give your gathering a more dynamic feel.
- As well as the light and heat of your campfire, you could also string up some lights and potentially also include heaters, if you're camping on winter nights.
For these added extras, you will need some form of power, if your campground doesn't have an electricity supply you can plug into. Products like the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station are easy to take with you and move around with, and they will keep your technology running in the evenings as they charge via solar power during the day. They operate silently, so you won’t be disturbed by loud generator noise, and they’re eco-friendly -- another advantage when staying out in the natural beauty of the Canadian countryside.
Campfire songs are a powerful way of connecting people and ensuring everyone has a wonderful time at the end of a day in nature. You might want to take along a playlist or lyrics or songbook with you, so you're not scrambling to come up with campfire songs when you're at your location. And as always, take extra care when creating and burning your campfire, making sure to never leave it unattended and to extinguish it before going to sleep.
