
Episode #3.2 - He Never Returned
From Folk Files by Olivia Harding
February 19, 2026 · 27 min · Season 3 · Episode 2
About this episode
This episode explores the political implications of 'The MTA Song' and the origins of early 20th century country songs.
Is "The MTA Song" a conservative song or a communist song (or neither)? And why did record companies try to hide the origins of the tune of one of the most prolific early 20th century country songs? Find out in this episode of Folk Files, which discusses "The MTA," "The Wreck of the Old '97," and "The Ship That Never Returned." Host: Olivia Harding Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast Check out the new website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/ Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton Reach out to Folk Files at folkfilespodcast@gmail.com For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the Folk Files website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/season-3/episode-3-2/
People in this episode
Host: Olivia Harding
Topics covered
- music origins
- political themes in music
- early 20th century country songs
- record companies
- folk music history
Keywords
- MTA Song
- The Wreck of the Old '97
- The Ship That Never Returned
- country music
- political songs
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The MTA Song, The Wreck of the Old '97, The Ship That Never Returned
More episodes of Folk Files
- Episode #3.4 - There Were Two Sisters · April 24, 2026 · 27 min
- Episode #3.3 - The Music of Temple Bar · March 16, 2026 · 41 min
- Episode #3.1 - Piping in the Haggis · January 20, 2026 · 27 min
- Episode #2.12 - Lully, Lulla · December 18, 2025 · 25 min
- Bonus Episode: The Ballad World of Anna Gordon · December 5, 2025 · 46 min
- Episode #2.11 - The Flower of England · November 21, 2025 · 27 min
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