Music has an interesting way of finding us in the right moments.

Sometimes the best songs hide in busy shelves, stray notebook papers, or dusty vinyls. For Robert Lester Folsom, his music remained on archived apes for over 30 years. Now, Folsom is back on stage performing music and anticipating the release of a new album. His songs are cherished by a primarily younger audience, closer to the age he was when he began releasing music.

Robert Lester Folsom was born in Adel Georgia in 1955. With close proximity to Macon, Folsom was inspired by the Americana imprint of Capricorn Records. From his youth through his college years, Folsom had creative bursts of songwriting. In 1976, he self-released some songs on Music & Dreams (1976), while the others remained on his tapes. His new LP was appreciated by local community at the time; but there was no further traction until over 30 years later. Folsom’s anthology takes a historic jump from 1976 to the years 2010-2014, where he re-released Music & Dreams and shared Ode to a Rainy Day: Archives 1972-1975. Since then, Folsom has shared an assortment of music from old songs to new.

If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972-1975 - Robert Lester Folsom — If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972-1975 – Robert Lester Folsom

“I Don’t Know” lays the foundation to his new album coming this March. Through various social media channels, Folsom explained that “I Don’t Know” was written during his freshman year of college (1974). The song describes his uncertainty as he and his girlfriend drifted apart. The heartbroken Folsom “would go home on the weekends and recorded this song at a friend’s house, in the same session as many others.” His music has a natural nostalgia and dreamy nature. “I Don’t Know” perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of longing yet letting go.

Folsom opens with stripped acoustics and tinkling chimes that carry throughout the song. The song feels light and airy, as if following his train of thoughts or stream of consciousness. “I Don’t Know” portrays complex feelings in a simple manner – grief at possibly losing his love, guilt for his personal doubts, yet gratitude for having loved in the first place.

As the instruments grow through the chorus, Folsom expresses confusion yet honest insight:

“Sure would hate to lose you now,
my love for you has grown.
I couldn’t lose you anyhow,
the feeling’s way too strong.
I wonder if these thoughts somehow,
could ever do us wrong.
I don’t know, I don’t know.”

His lyrics showcase the struggle between fighting for his relationship while accepting it’s coming to an end. Folsom’s writing showcases youthful wisdom, gaining praise from listeners across the country. His proceeding album “If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972-1975” comes out on March 20, 2026 with 12 additional songs to “I Don’t Know.”

Folsom’s story is admirable because his music reflects the power of a timeless story.

A song unheard is not one discarded – and the boundaries of time should not determine that. Sometimes good music finds the right audience decades later.

Anyways…here’s to happy listening!

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:: stream/purchase If You Wanna Laugh… here ::

:: connect with Robert Lester Folsom here ::

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Stream: “I Don’t Know” – Robert Lester Folsom

<a href="https://robertlesterfolsom.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-wanna-laugh-you-gotta-cry-sometimes-archives-vol-3-1972-1975">If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972-1975 by Robert Lester Folsom</a>

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