Basically speaking, "filk" is the folk music of the science fiction/fantasy fan community. The word itself is actually a misspelling of the word "folk" that showed up in a fan magazine (fanzine) decades ago. Fans, being what they are, were certainly not about to let a perfectly good new word go to waste. They adopted it as the name of the original music coming out of the fannish subculture.

When I say "original" music, that must be taken with a grain of salt. While some filk songs are contain completely original words and music, many are parodies of existing songs or new song concepts using existing melodies. The word "filk" is both a noun and a verb. One can write a filk. One can also go to a science fiction or fantasy convention (con) and "filk" (play and sing) with other like-minded "filkers". One of the best explanations of the history and culture of filking can be found here.

That said, here are some of the filks (all borrowing existing melodies) that I have written. I have many more in my head in various stages of completion. They'll show up on this page as they are completed.

Always A Jedi Tune: Always A Woman by Billy Joel

Astrogator Tune: Navigator by The Pogues

Banned From Reno A Burning Man filk set to the tune of Banned From Argo by Leslie Fish

Marcus Cole Tune: Mister Jones by The Counting Crows

Poop Chute Riot Tune: Zoot Suit Riot by The Cherry Poppin' Daddies (WARNING: adult content)

Scenes From A Centauri Restaurant Tune: Scenes From An Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel

The Babysitter's Here Tune: The Babysitter's Here by Dar Williams. (Ghods, I've got such a crush on this woman!)