Gannan, also known as Gannan in Song and Ming Dynasties, has a relatively complete system in natural conditions, economic development, residents' composition, social customs and administrative facilities, so it has certain independence. Gannan is located in the Ganjiang River Basin, with Baling above and wuyue below. In addition, Wuyishan and Nanling not only become the southeast barrier of the whole area, but also have extended veins and hills. Eight mountains, half water, one field and half road manor? Said. This area is close to the Tropic of Cancer, with low latitude and dense trees, which is influenced by subtropical forest climate and is one of the thirteen Dalin districts in China. High mountains, dense forests and many fields determine that people here are mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as gardening such as cutting down trees, transporting firewood and planting tea gardens. So the popular folk songs, Tian Ge, tea songs and boat songs here are closely related to mountains and water. Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, due to the influence of war and political needs in a certain period, northern residents began to live in? Barbarian land? After the cross-border migration, a large number of northern scholars settled in Gannan, especially in the Tang and Song Dynasties, a large number of Central Plains residents moved in, reclaimed wasteland here, spread advanced farming techniques and culture, and made the economy of this area develop rapidly. Therefore, Gannan folk songs have obvious Hakka characteristics, both in lines and expressions.
The development of ancient Gannan folk songs can be roughly divided into the following three periods: the first period is ancient times, and the second period is before Qin and Han Dynasties. At this time, most residents in southern Jiangxi are engaged in logging and reclamation. Therefore, most of the folk songs at this time are folk songs, and logging songs are its representatives; The second period is the Tang and Song Dynasties. During this period, the agriculture in southern Jiangxi developed greatly, especially the planting industry was unprecedentedly prosperous, and the residents mainly planted grain and Sang Ma. So most of the folk songs at this time are Tian Ge; The third period is the Ming and Qing Dynasties. At this time, due to the growing development of tea production and unique natural conditions, Gannan not only produces? Tribute tea? With the development of the shipping industry, it is also exported to foreign countries. Every year, when spring tea is on the market, people at home and abroad gather together and are very lively. With the increase of residents engaged in tea production, tea songs became the outstanding representative of Gannan folk songs at this time.
In modern times, that is, from the Opium War to the May 4th Movement, Gannan folk songs not only reflect the general folk songs of Gannan people's life and struggle, but also deserve our attention. With the development of tungsten ore, miners' songs reflecting the miserable life of tungsten workers have been added.
Nowadays, Gannan folk songs have developed from ancient logging songs to tea songs and red folk songs with brand-new contents and forms. These new folk songs are a true portrayal of the arduous and tortuous road of the working people in southern Jiangxi and a vivid reflection of the social development in southern Jiangxi.