The author Michael Morpurgo (War Horse, Private Peaceful) explores the ways in which folk songs have reflected timeless human experiences, both in the past and today.

With help from singers, songwriters and other passionate experts, Michael admires the indelible stories within classic songs that deal with migration, war, protest and love.

Over the four themed episodes, Michael considers the locations and historical contexts that gave rise to much-loved traditional songs, and finds out how the same topics are inspiring new folk songs in the 2020s.

In the first episode, Michael considers a song about an injured man returning from war: Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye.

With Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Karine Polwart, Ian Lynch, Georgina Boyes, Ashley Hutchings, Nancy Kerr and Ralph McTell.

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4 Show less